For years, I've specialized in watercolor painting. I love watercolor because of its ethereal and translucent qualities. I have only painted watercolor on paper until recently. After researching, I found an exciting alternative: Golden Absorbent Ground. This product allows artists to paint on canvas, an exciting new process for me!
Before we dive into painting watercolors on canvas, let's first understand what Golden Absorbent Ground is. Golden Absorbent Ground is a unique acrylic product designed to transform non-absorbent surfaces, like canvas or even wood, into suitable options for watercolor painting. It provides a highly absorbent and slightly textured surface that mimics the behavior of traditional watercolor paper, making it an ideal choice for artists looking to experiment with watercolors in new ways.
Preparing Your Canvas with Golden Absorbent Ground
To get started with watercolor on canvas, you'll need the following materials:
- A stretched canvas or canvas board
- Golden Absorbent Ground
- A brush for application
- Watercolor paints
- Watercolor brushes
- Water and a palette for mixing colors
- Paper towels or a rag for blotting and lifting colors
Here's a step-by-step guide to preparing your canvas with Golden Absorbent Ground:
- Prepare Your Canvas: Ensure your canvas is clean and free from dust or debris.
- Mix the Golden Absorbent Ground: Shake the container of Golden Absorbent Ground well to ensure the contents are thoroughly mixed. Using a brush, apply a smooth and even layer to your canvas. The thickness of the application can vary depending on your preference - I used 2-3 coats. Allow it to dry completely, depending on the thickness, which may take a few hours to overnight.
- Test the Surface: Once the Golden Absorbent Ground is dry, test the surface with a few drops of watercolor paint to ensure it behaves like traditional watercolor paper. You should notice the color spreading and blending beautifully on the canvas.
Painting with Watercolors on Canvas
Now that your canvas is prepped, it's time to start painting with watercolors. Here are some tips to help you make the most of this unique technique:
- Layering and Blending: Watercolors on canvas allow for greater layering and blending than traditional paper. The absorbent surface retains the paint, giving you more time to work and create depth in your artwork.
- Texture and Effects: Experiment with brush strokes and techniques to take advantage of the canvas texture. You can achieve unique textural effects that add dimension to your paintings.
- Lifting and Corrections: Should you make a mistake or wish to create highlights, you can easily lift paint from the canvas using a damp brush or paper towel. This flexibility allows for more experimentation and creativity.
- Sealing Your Artwork: Once your watercolor painting on canvas is complete and thoroughly dry, it's essential to fill it with an appropriate varnish or fixative to protect the delicate watercolor layers and preserve your artwork for years to come.
I must admit, it isn't the same as painting on paper, but it allowed for the same look and even more vibrant color than painting on traditional watercolor paper. Golden Absorbent Ground opens up exciting new possibilities for artists who wish to explore the unique qualities of watercolors on a different surface. Whether you're a seasoned watercolorist or simply looking to try something new, this technique offers endless opportunities for creativity and expression. So, grab your canvas, Golden Absorbent Ground, and watercolor paints, and let your imagination flow onto this absorbing canvas of possibilities. Happy painting!