Watercolour Block A3 No name Derwent Watercolour A3 – cold-pressed sheet pad, A3 size

Derwent Watercolour Block A3 (branded No name) is a cold-pressed sheet pad sized A3 and intended for watermedia painting. The pad contains multiple sheets permanently bound on one edge, creating a stable surface that reduces buckling during wet washes and layered applications. The cold-pressed texture offers moderate tooth suitable for both detailed work and broader washes, while the A3 format provides a larger working area for studies, finished pieces, and mixed-media exploration.

Advantages

The permanently bound edge keeps sheets flat without the need for additional stretching, which simplifies wet work and speeds up workflow. Cold-pressed surface texture balances absorbency and paint handling, allowing for controlled blending and lift-off techniques. The A3 size is convenient for studio compositions, larger sketches and plein air pieces, and single-sheet removal enables easy display or scanning of completed works.

Suitable for

• Watercolour washes and layered glazing
• Mixed media with water-soluble pencils and inks
• Studio and plein air painting sessions
• Workshops, classes and practice studies

Key specifications

• Sheet surface: cold-pressed (moderate tooth)
• Format: A3 working area
• Binding: one-edge, permanent block binding to prevent buckling
• Suitable media: watercolour, water-soluble pencils, inks and light mixed media
• Sheet removal: single sheets removable from the block for finishing or scanning

How to use

Work directly on the bound pad surface for wet-on-wet and wet-on-dry watercolour techniques; the permanent edge will keep the sheet flat as it dries. For heavier washes or long drying times, allow successive layers to dry thoroughly before applying more pigment. When a finished piece is ready, carefully lift the edge of the sheet from the block along the binding; use a palette knife or spatula if necessary to avoid tearing. Finished sheets can be taped to a board for framing, mounted, or scanned for reproduction.

Usage recommendations

For best results with large, saturated washes, test the paper with your chosen paints to confirm absorbency and handling. Use a soft brush for broad washes and a firmer brush or pencil for details. Store the pad flat and keep it dry to maintain sheet quality.