Watercolor study

(C) 2017 Dale DiMauro

Many years ago, I purchased this hand-made artists watercolor-bound book, made in India. It is basically a sketchbook full of watercolor sheets. I have not been sure how best to use it as it has paper like none other. It has rough paper with a deckle edge and consists of sheets of a lighter weight than I usually prefer. In the photograph above, you can see that the paper is indeed rough, yet also tough. It takes some effort to work pigment into the lower areas of the paper.

However, after studying other artists who paint portraits, it occurred to me, that this is the perfect book to work on head or figure studies. I am very comfortable drawing on these sheets even though experienced artists will tell you not to draw on watercolor paper because if you have to erase, it will remove the fibers. Seldom, do I even carry an eraser when I draw so that aspect does not limit me.

I find the paper holds pigment well and dries quickly. Since I am not wetting the entire sheet I have not experienced any sheets buckling which can be a frustration for artists. In addition, individual sheets can be removed if desired. Finally, even though the paper is rough, I find it easy to attain detail when desired.

This week I began to use this book in earnest. I am only on the second page of fifty, yet am excited to see where I go with this. For years I have been searching for a watercolor 'book' with quality paper which provides the beautiful qualities that watercolor can attain. What is important to me is that I can peck away at a picture when time is limited or move forward in other directions. Progress is a great thing.