What is the difference between an ink drawing and a watercolour?

An ink drawing relies primarily on lines and hatched marks made with a pen or fine brush, focusing on contour and tonal contrast. Watercolour employs pigmented washes suspended in water, prioritizing colour and fluid transitions of light. Many historic sheets combine both techniques, utilising ink for the initial framework and watercolour to tint the composition.

How do I care for works on paper?

Keep drawings away from direct sunlight and high humidity, both of which accelerate paper yellowing and pigment breakdown. Stable indoor temperatures prevent the paper expansion and contraction that causes buckling within the frame. Inspect sealed frames periodically for signs of insect activity or moisture ingress. Professional conservators can address minor mounting failures without altering the historic paper.

Why are some drawings mounted on canvas?

Artists and early restorers occasionally attached paper drawings to canvas stretchers to provide structural support for fragile or oversized sheets. This method prevented warping and made handling easier before modern framing standards developed. Such historic mounting techniques form part of an artwork's physical history and should be preserved rather than reversed.