Aquacover

(This is another item we just recieved back into the store, and is everyday stock for for Artists Mediums)

Have you ever tried Aquacover with your Watercolors? It can be quite useful....but should you use white in your Watercolors?

What is Aquacover?
The package says that it is liquid watercolor paper. But it is water soluble, so it acts more like watercolor or gouache, therefore it will re-dissolve if over-painted. It is very thick, and it is opaque. The one we stock here at the store is a perfect color match to the Arches natural white watercolor paper. (also available through special order, in other watercolor paper colors)

*ABOUT WHITE AND WATERCOLORS
When I was taught to use watercolors, I was given no white paint.
It was considered taboo to use it. You were really encouraged to find ways to plan carefully or mask out the white of your paper for the white in the painting. From my viewpoint that's one thing that makes good Watercolors sparkle; the bright paper, the contrast.
But there is white Watercolor Paint, right? Yes, most Manufacturers make both Chinese white, and Titanium white. Although the Titanium is more opaque and gives better coverage, than the semi-transparent Chinese white, they are both usually a 'colder color' of white than the paper you using. They stand out, and look awkward.
 If you are trying to make the paper white, so that you can paint over it again, you have to bear in mind that the color you apply to the top will dissolve into the white, and turn grey...yuk. Since the white watercolor paints dissolve in water like all the others, when they are thinned out, they just look hazy. For me, It's always better to just start over on a clean sheet of paper, and try to leave more white or wait till the paper is dry and cut the surface to remove the unwanted paint if it's possible.
The one big advantage Aquacover has over any other watercolor white, is that it matches the paper.
I personally think the best way to use this product, if you decide to use it, is in a situation where you must have the full white of the paper, like a highlight.
Have fun Painting!!
Chelsea -mngr -Artists' Mediums Inc.
(I would love to hear from all of you with your thoughts on the use of white in watercolor, throught the store, the blog, or facebook..)