Arches Aquarelle — The World's Most Trusted Watercolour Paper, In a Block
Arches has been making watercolour paper at the same mill in Lorraine, France since 1492. Van Gogh painted on it. So did Matisse, Picasso, Dalí, and Warhol. Over five centuries later, it remains the benchmark by which all other watercolour paper is measured — and the reason most serious watercolourists use nothing else for finished work.
The Aquarelle Cold Press block brings that same paper in a pre-stretched, glued-on-all-four-sides format that means no stretching, no buckling, and no preparation — just open it and paint.
What makes Arches different:
- Mould-made from 100% cotton fibres, giving the paper exceptional strength, longevity, and a natural, inimitable texture
- Sized to the core with natural gelatin — a process exclusive to Arches — which gives the surface extraordinary absorbency, prevents paint from sinking through, and preserves the luminosity and transparency of watercolour pigments
- Can be scratched and erased repeatedly without tearing or linting — critical for artists who lift, correct, and rework
- Acid-free, pH-neutral, no optical brightening agents — archival quality; your work will last
- Cold Pressed surface: medium texture, suitable for most watercolour techniques from loose washes to detailed work
The block format: 20 sheets glued on all four sides. Paint directly without stretching — the glue keeps the paper flat even with heavy washes. When dry, slide a palette knife or craft knife under the top sheet to release it.
FAQ
Do I need to stretch Arches Aquarelle paper in a block? No — that's the primary advantage of the block format. The glue on all four sides holds the paper taut as you paint, eliminating buckling even with very wet techniques. Simply release the top sheet once dry.
What is Cold Pressed Arches paper best for? Cold Pressed (CP/NOT) is the most versatile surface and the most widely used. The gentle texture gives washes a natural granulation and helps wet paint settle beautifully. It suits most watercolour styles from loose and expressive to controlled and detailed. If you want the smoothest surface for fine line work, look for Hot Pressed; for maximum texture and broken brushwork, choose Rough.
Is Arches Aquarelle worth the price? For finished work, yes — many professional watercolourists consider it non-negotiable. The difference in handling compared to student-grade paper is significant: easier lifting, more predictable washes, no buckling, and results that hold their quality for a lifetime. For everyday practice, a more affordable paper makes sense; save the Arches for work that matters.
Can Arches be used for ink, gouache, or acrylics? Yes — the cotton base handles all wet media extremely well. It's particularly prized for ink work and gouache alongside watercolour in mixed media applications.
