Question about a Watercolor Block

Q: Paper from a watercolor block.  

1.) What is the secret to separating the paper from the block.  

2.) Paint on the block? or remove the paper and work on it elsewhere?

A: The paper has been stretched.  So, paint right on the block. There is glue along all four edges to keep it in place.  To remove a sheet, insert a thin, clean dull blade between the top sheet and the rest of the block.  Gently run the blade around the perimeter to separate the two.  The "secret" is an area with no glue in the center on one edge of the block. That's where you insert the blade. It may be only a half inch wide and it may be hidden under the hinge-side of the cover on the block. Insert the blade between the sheets and gently split them all the way around.

www.johnd.com