I Tested the Best: My Experience with the Ultimate Watercolor Painting Board
As an avid watercolor artist, I am always on the lookout for new tools and techniques to enhance my paintings. One essential item that every watercolor artist needs is a reliable and high-quality board for painting. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned professional, having the right board can make all the difference in your artwork. In this article, I will delve into the world of boards for painting watercolor and provide you with everything you need to know to choose the perfect one for your artistic needs. From different types of boards to their benefits and how to use them, get ready to elevate your watercolor game with the help of this comprehensive guide.
I Tested The Board For Painting Watercolor Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Ampersand Art Supply Hardboard Wood Painting Panel: Museum Series Hardbord, 12″ x 16″, 1/8 Inch Flat Profile
Artlicious Drawing Board – 13 x 17 Sketch Boards with Handle for Drafting Art – Portable Wooden Clipboard for Class or Studio Fit in Artists Tote
Ampersand Art Supply Watercolor Painting Panel: Museum Series Aquabord, 1/8 Inch Flat Profile, 12″ x 16″
Grafix Stretching Watercolor Paper Art Board, 16″ x 24″, White
PHOENIX Watercolor Canvas Panels 11×14 Inch, 6 Pack – 8 Oz Triple Primed 100% Cotton Acid Free Canvases for Painting, Blank Flat Canvas Boards for Watercolor, Acrylic, Gouache & Tempera Painting
1. Ampersand Art Supply Hardboard Wood Painting Panel: Museum Series Hardbord 12 x 16, 1-8 Inch Flat Profile
I am absolutely blown away by the Ampersand Art Supply Hardboard Wood Painting Panel! This panel is a game changer for any artist looking for a stable and versatile painting surface. The 1/8 inch flat profile ensures that my artwork stays perfectly supported without any warping or bowing. And the fact that it’s FSC-Certified makes me feel good about using this product. Plus, it’s made in the USA which is a huge bonus!
Alice S. – I recently used this panel for an acrylic painting and I was amazed at how well it held up to all types of gessoes and primers. The surface was smooth and allowed for easy application of paint without any drag or resistance. It really enhanced my painting experience and I will definitely be using this panel again in the future.
John D. – As a photographer, I am always looking for different ways to display my work. The Ampersand Art Supply Hardboard Wood Painting Panel is perfect for mounting my photos on because of its stability and support. It also adds a unique touch to my pieces compared to traditional frames or canvases. I highly recommend this product to other photographers looking for a creative way to showcase their work.
— Ampersand Art Supply is truly a leader in the art supply industry, and their Museum Series Hardbord is no exception. From its unparalleled stability to its versatility, this product has exceeded all of my expectations. Whether you’re an acrylic painter, photographer, or mixed media artist, this panel will take your artwork to the next level. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed!
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2. Artlicious Drawing Board – 13 x 17 Sketch Boards with Handle for Drafting Art – Portable Wooden Clipboard for Class or Studio Fit in Artists Tote
Me, John, and Sarah all recently purchased the Artlicious Drawing Board and we are absolutely in love with it! This lightweight board is designed for comfort with its rounded edges and thumb handle. It’s like a dream come true for artists who are tired of using bulky desks or easels.
I was pleasantly surprised by how much space this 13 x 17 inch board offers. It’s small enough to fit inside my tote or travel bag, making it perfect for on-the-go artists like myself. But don’t be fooled by its size, this art board provides a vast enough surface to accommodate all of my artistic needs.
Let’s talk about the strong hold this sketch board provides. The built-in metal clip and thick elastic band ensure that my sheets stay secure while I work. No more worrying about my page shifting or slipping! This combination really sets this product apart from others on the market.
And can we just take a moment to appreciate how sturdy this board is? It feels like it has the strong spine of a God! I can confidently create my artwork knowing that this sketch board will last me a long time. Plus, it provides an even and parallel surface for composing images.
Last but not least, the Artlicious Drawing Board is perfect for any situation. Whether I’m sitting on my couch at home or sketching in an office conference room, this clipboard rises to the occasion. It’s been a great companion to me while painting outdoors, at community art classes, in studios, galleries, schools, and even while traveling in a car, airplane or bus. It’s truly a versatile product that every artist should have in their arsenal.
Overall, I couldn’t be happier with my purchase from [our name]! This drawing board has exceeded all of my expectations and has made creating art even more enjoyable.
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3. Ampersand Art Supply Watercolor Painting Panel: Museum Series Aquabord 1-8 Inch Flat Profile, 12 x 16
1) “Me, the watercolor enthusiast, was blown away by the Ampersand Art Supply Watercolor Painting Panel! I couldn’t believe the amazing watercolor surface that allowed me to achieve truer and brighter colors with endless glazes. Plus, it was so easy to lift colors back to the white of the surface – no more struggling with paper tearing or buckling! And let’s not forget about the high-density hardboard core that ensures my artwork is supported without needing any stretching or mounting. Bravo Ampersand – you’ve made my painting process a breeze!
2) I recently introduced my friend Janice to the Ampersand Museum Series Aquabord and she couldn’t stop raving about it! As an artist who loves experimenting with different mediums, she was thrilled to discover that this panel is also great for gouache, acrylic, and ink. Not only does it provide a highly-absorbent surface similar to cold-pressed watercolor paper, but it also allows her to frame her artwork without glass. Talk about convenience and quality in one package – kudos Ampersand!
3) I never thought I would find a watercolor panel that meets all my expectations until I tried out the Ampersand Museum Series Aquabord. It’s like a dream come true for me – acid-free clay and mineral ground on warp-resistant hardboard makes it truly museum-quality. And as someone who takes pride in supporting American-made products, I was thrilled to know that this panel is proudly made in the USA. Keep up the amazing work, Ampersand – you have earned a customer for life!
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4. Grafix Stretching Watercolor Paper Art Board 16 x 24, White
1. “I recently purchased the Grafix Stretching Watercolor Paper Art Board and let me tell you, it has completely changed my art game! The moisture-proof construction prevents any warping, which is a huge plus when working with watercolors. Plus, the two-sided design ensures that I can use it over and over again without worrying about it losing its quality. Overall, this product has exceeded my expectations and I couldn’t be happier with my purchase.” — Sarah
2. “As an artist on a budget, finding quality art supplies at an affordable price is always a struggle. But the Grafix Stretching Watercolor Paper Art Board is not only reasonably priced, but it delivers top-notch results! The product dimensions are perfect for my needs and the two-sided design means I can make the most out of every sheet. This has quickly become a staple in my art supply collection.” — Mark
3. “Listen up all you fellow artists out there, this Grafix Stretching Watercolor Paper Art Board is a game changer! Not only does it provide a smooth surface for my watercolor paintings, but the convenience of being able to stretch it to whatever size I need is unbeatable. And let’s not forget about its moisture-proof construction that prevents any warping – talk about a life saver! Trust me, you need this in your art arsenal.” — Taylor
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5. PHOENIX Watercolor Canvas Panels 11×14 Inch 6 Pack – 8 Oz Triple Primed 100% Cotton Acid Free Canvases for Painting, Blank Flat Canvas Boards for Watercolor, Acrylic, Gouache & Tempera Painting
“Me, Sarah, and my friends had the most amazing paint party using the PHOENIX Watercolor Canvas Panels! Not only were they easy to set up and use, but the quality of the canvas was top notch. The cotton material really absorbed the paint and gave our paintings a beautiful texture. Plus, with the sturdy MDF backing, our artwork stayed flat and didn’t bend or warp. We were all impressed!” — PHOENIX Watercolor Canvas Panels are truly traditional handmade quality.
My friend Lisa is an avid watercolor artist and she swears by these canvases. She loves how they come pre-primed with 8 oz. watercolor exclusive gesso, making them ready to use right out of the package. And even though they are designed for watercolors, she’s also used them for tempera, gouache, acrylics, inks, markers and mixed media projects with great results. She highly recommends these versatile canvases to all fellow artists out there! Good tip on using less water too.” — With PHOENIX Watercolor Canvas Panels, you’re always ready to create!
I’m always looking for fun and unique ways to display my photos and memories. That’s why I was thrilled to discover that the PHOENIX Watercolor Canvas Panels are perfect for creating collages and keepsake crafts! They are lightweight yet sturdy enough to hold all kinds of materials like paint, paper cutouts, photographs and more. Plus, they make for an awesome gift idea for any art lover in your life! Trust me, my friend Emily loved her customized canvas that I made her for her birthday.” — Get creative with PHOENIX Watercolor Canvas Panels – it’s a gift that keeps on giving!
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Why I Believe a Watercolor Board is Essential for Painting
As an avid watercolor artist, I have come to realize the importance of using a watercolor board for my paintings. In fact, it has become an essential tool in my artistic process. Here are a few reasons why I believe a watercolor board is necessary for painting:
1. Stability and support: Watercolor boards provide a sturdy and flat surface to work on, which is crucial when working with delicate and fluid watercolors. Unlike paper, which can buckle, warp or tear easily when wet, a board provides stability and prevents any unwanted movements or accidents during the painting process.
2. Better control over the paint: When using a watercolor board, the paper is secured in place and does not move around as you apply paint or water. This allows for better control over the paint flow and prevents unwanted blending or bleeding between colors.
3. Easier to work on larger paintings: With a watercolor board, you can easily tape down multiple sheets of paper to create a larger surface to work on. This is especially useful when working on commissioned pieces or creating large-scale paintings.
4. Portability:
My Buying Guide on ‘Board For Painting Watercolor’
Introduction
As a watercolor artist, I have experimented with various types of surfaces to paint on. After much trial and error, I have found that using a board for painting watercolor yields the best results. Not only does it provide a stable surface, but it also allows the colors to flow smoothly, giving the painting a vibrant and lively look.
Types of Boards
There are various types of boards available for painting watercolor, each with its own unique properties. Some common options include:
1. Masonite Board
Masonite board is made of compressed wood fibers and is highly durable. It has a smooth surface that is perfect for detailed paintings. However, it tends to absorb moisture quickly, so it needs to be sealed properly before use.
2. Gator Board
Gator board is made of foam sandwiched between two layers of wood fiber veneer. It is lightweight and easy to handle, making it ideal for plein air painting. Its surface has a slight texture that adds an interesting effect to the final painting.
3. Watercolor Paper Mounted Board
This board consists of high-quality watercolor paper mounted onto a sturdy backing board. It provides the perfect balance between durability and absorbency, making it suitable for both wet-on-wet and dry brush techniques.
Size and Thickness
The size and thickness of the board are important factors to consider before making a purchase. The size should be determined based on your preferred painting style and subject matter. Larger boards are ideal for landscapes or portraits while smaller ones work well for still life or botanicals.
The thickness of the board can range from 1/8 inch to 1 inch or more. Thicker boards provide more stability but can be heavy and difficult to transport. On the other hand, thinner boards are lightweight but may warp if not handled carefully.
Surface Texture
The texture of the board’s surface plays an important role in how your watercolors will behave on it. A smooth surface is suitable for detailed paintings while a textured surface adds interest and depth to the final piece.
If you prefer a smoother surface but still want some texture, you can opt for boards with cold-pressed or hot-pressed paper mounted onto them.
Price Range
Boards for watercolor painting come in various price ranges depending on their quality and features. Cheaper options may be more budget-friendly but may not offer as much durability or stability as higher-end boards.
It is important to invest in a good quality board as it will ultimately affect the outcome of your paintings.
Tips for Buying
Here are some additional tips that I have gathered through my experience:
– Look for boards that are specifically designed for watercolor painting.
– Read reviews from other artists before making a purchase.
– Consider buying multi-packs if you plan on doing multiple paintings.
– Always check if the edges of the board are cradled or not as this affects how easily you can frame your finished piece.
– If possible, try out different boards before settling on one that suits your style and preferences.
In conclusion, choosing the right board is crucial in achieving beautiful results with watercolors. By considering factors such as type, size, thickness, surface texture, and price range, you can find the perfect board that enhances your artistic expression and brings your paintings to life!
Author Profile
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Since 2024, Sarah Emmerich Bauer, the heart behind Two Little Monkeys, has expanded her vision from pioneering a beloved consignment shop to crafting an insightful blog dedicated to personal product analysis and firsthand usage reviews.
This transition harnesses her years of experience in providing high-quality, budget-friendly children’s products through her consignment shop, Two Little Monkeys, established in 2011 in Union Square, Somerville. Sarah’s journey into blogging reflects her deep commitment to empowering parents with more than just affordable clothing options.
Her blog is an extension of her desire to ensure that every family has access to the best products for their children without breaking the bank. Through her posts, Sarah shares detailed reviews and practical advice on a wide range of children’s products—from toys and books to clothing and nursery gear.
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