Preparing a Canvas for Watercolor

I have been asked often how to prepare a canvas to make it work with my watercolor and layering technique.

Golden makes a product called Absorbent Ground. I use White Absorbent Ground, mixed with one part ground and 2 parts water as a gesso on my canvas. It's important to use this mixture over any canvas before painting with watercolor. I like to purchase the pre-gessoed canvas then apply my ground mixture before I paint. I apply 4 - 5 very thin coats evenly over the entire canvas. Allow each coat to dry thoroughly before applying the next. This creates a beautiful, sturdy surface to work on with watercolor. It takes quite a bit of abuse and handles the masking and layering of pigments well also.
The most fun part of working with watercolor on canvas is that I can lift it completely if I choose. Use a wet brush and scrub the surface, then dab with a paper towel or dry cloth. It's a fun surface and has lots of potential.
Once your painting is complete, spray a clear UV coating over the canvas to waterproof it and protect it. I love to work with gallery wrapped canvases so that I don't have to worry about framing!
I am starting a new small canvas today. I'll try to post photos soon.
Here is one that I finished and sold recently. It is called "Eau Gallie Market".
Hope you enjoy it and let me know if you try watercolor on canvas!

Mini Watercolor on Canvas - Beach Chairs

Watercolor on canvas is really fun. I did this little piece recently from a photo I took while at the beach last year.

Yes, this piece is layered (poured). I treat the canvas with Golden's White Absorbent Ground, several thin coats. Then I treat it just like I would any watercolor paper. The nice thing is that I can mask and dribble paint, and I can also easily lift! This little painting is now on my etsy shop.

Enjoy!