The Aquapad in its most distinctive format — a 15cm circular pad that produces finished watercolour paintings in a round format, ready to display, gift, or collect. A genuinely unusual and appealing creative constraint that changes the approach to composition immediately and produces finished pieces with a character that no rectangular format can replicate.
The paper is the same excellent Aquapad formula — 100% cellulose, naturally white, double-sized internally and externally for excellent wet strength and resistance to buckling under repeated wet washes. The medium-fine grain gives enough tooth for watercolour to settle and flow naturally, and the almost smooth reverse provides a different surface for finer, more controlled work. Both sides can be used.
The circular format is one of the most ancient and enduring formats in painting — from miniatures and medallions to tondos and mandalas — and it continues to have a particular appeal in contemporary illustration, botanical painting, and mixed media work. The absence of corners creates a naturally centred composition that draws the eye inward, suits botanical and nature subjects beautifully, and produces a finished piece that sits naturally in a circular frame, on a display shelf, or as a decorative object in its own right without any framing at all.
At 15cm diameter the round pad gives a comfortable working area — large enough for a genuinely considered painting with real detail, small enough to complete in a single session. The format lends itself particularly well to botanical illustration, floral subjects, mandalas, portrait miniatures, and location colour studies where the circular crop imposes a pleasingly tight compositional discipline.
Acid-free, vegan, and made in France by Clairefontaine. 20 sheets per pad.
Paper weight: 300gsm
Sheets: 20
Size: 15cm diameter — round format
Surface: Medium-fine grain, double-sized
Composition: 100% cellulose, acid-free, pH neutral, vegan
Made in: France
Is the circular format suitable for all subjects?
It suits any subject but is particularly well suited to botanical and floral illustration, portraiture, mandalas, nature studies, and any composition where a centred, symmetrical arrangement is natural. Subjects with strong horizontal lines — landscapes with a distinct horizon, for example — require more compositional thought in a circular format but can produce striking results.
Can both sides of the paper be used?
Yes — the medium-fine grain on one side and the almost smooth reverse give two different surface characters for different effects. Both sides are double-sized and suitable for watercolour.
How does the round pad relate to the polaroid and A-series Aquapads?
The paper quality and weight are identical throughout the Aquapad range — 300gsm 100% cellulose double-sized paper made in France. The format is the only difference. The round, polaroid, A5+, and A4+ formats all use the same paper and give the same watercolour performance.
Can sheets be removed from the pad?
Yes — the pad is glued and sheets can be removed cleanly after completing a painting.
