painting on canvas / "water color paper"

[cheery]

Dear artists, I need help getting to the "next level" with respect to art.

We have used ordinary paper for most of our artwork - coloring, watercoloring, etc. Sometimes we get wood and paint on it. But we haven't painted on canvas or any other paper made for art so far. Recently I got a packet of paper called "water color paper" but it is quite heavy. Are there special water colors that you use for this? We have so far just been using those water colors where you get a row of 8 small cakes of water color. Would these really work on such heavy papers? Is there some better quality water color set out there that I should be getting?

[sunnysandiegan]

The paper you have sounds like water color paper and it is made so thick to withstand all the water and not wrinkle like regular paper does with watercolors. I adore watercolor paper for many arts and crafts!

You don't need any special watercolors to use watercolor paper.

[JudiAU]

Watercolor paper is thicker to handle the extra water in the paint. You can use the watercolors you have or buy liquid watercolors that are further diluted with water. You can also do wet-on-wet watercolor which produces a lovely effect. Run the water under the faucet all over then remove excess with a sponge. Repeat on the other side. Use your watercolors. Lovely looking.

My third year old loves it because there is a lot of drama and preparation.

[cheery]

thanks everyone. we are trying it now.