Paper Blocks
Paper blocks are glued on four edges with space at one corner or edge so that sheets can be 'sliced' from the block. No paper stretching is required, as the glued edges hold the paper taut while you work.
Paper blocks allow you to paint freely, knowing your paper will not buckle or warp. Watercolour paper blocks are perfect for wet media where paper stability is essential. Shop popular options from Arches, Fabriano, Hahnemühle, St Cuthberts Mill - makers of Saunders Waterford and Bockingford - and our Jackson's ranges.
Baohong : Professional : Pure Cotton Watercolour Paper Block : 300gsm : 20 Sheets
From $25.10
Magnani 1404 : Watercolour Block : 300gsm
From $51.70
Hahnemühle : Oil Paint Board : Blocks : 230 gsm : 10 Sheets
From $17.50
Hahnemühle : Acrylic Paint Board : Block : 10 Sheets : 450 gsm
From $28.60
Clairefontaine : Acrylic Painting Paper Blocks : 360gsm : 10 Sheets : Not
From $33.20
Paper Block: Popular Questions from Artists
What is a Paper Block?
A paper block is a pad of paper bound on all four sides with adhesive, designed to keep the sheets flat during use. This binding eliminates the need for stretching and helps prevent curling or buckling when working with wet mediums like watercolour or acrylics.
Paper art blocks are made using high quality materials and are available in various textures and weights, making them suitable for a wide range of techniques. Once your work is complete, the paper is easily removed with a palette knife or craft knife starting at the small unglued section found on each block.
Artists use art paper blocks for their convenience and ability to maintain a flat surface when applying wet paints. By eliminating the need to pre-stretch paper, watercolour paper blocks save time and ensure smoother results.
The adhesive binding helps prevent warping or curling, making them a reliable choice for watercolourists, acrylic painters, and other artists working with wet media. Additionally, their portable design allows artists to paint on location without the need for extra tools.
‘I really enjoy the feel of the paper – it looks and behaves like tightly woven (think linen), primed canvas, so initial layers of paint are smooth and the colours are bold from the jump.
There is minimal absorption, if any, and the paper showed absolutely no signs of bleeding or buckling, despite me using very concentrated applications of medium and strong marks. Thick brushstrokes hold their shape and texture, whilst thinner washes maintain a crisp outline.’
- Artist Rosie Phillips, ‘Three Painters Test Jackson’s Painting Paper Blocks’, Jackson’s Art Blog.
Paper blocks emerged as a practical innovation in the 19th century, designed to meet the needs of watercolour artists who sought a reliable way to keep paper flat during painting. This was a significant improvement over traditional stretching methods.
Over time, manufacturers refined the concept, creating premium art block paper for professionals. Artists like John Singer Sargent utilised watercolour paper blocks for their practicality when plein air painting.
Jackson’s Art Supplies offers an exceptional range of paper blocks from trusted brands like Arches, Bockingford, Fabriano and Hahnemühle, as well as our own Jackson’s range.
Our selection includes watercolour paper blocks, paper blocks for oil painting, and versatile options for mixed media. Backed by a 4.8-star Trustpilot rating, we provide fast delivery, eco-friendly packaging, and expert advice to help you find the perfect art blocks for your projects.
Shop Paper Art Blocks for Sketching and Painting
Discover Jackson’s extensive range of art blocks today. Whether you’re looking for watercolour paper blocks, smooth surfaces for drawing, or textured options for mixed media, we have you covered.
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