Today's Paper

I believe Asians have innate talent in making art. After all, they invented paper and writing. I discovered some raw rice paper I had bought some time ago when I was studying Chinese brush painting. I decided to test it out with watercolors this time, as opposed to ink. Raw, or unsized rice paper has those threads running through it. You can see the threads in this close up.
click the pic to enlarge.

This paper is very soft, almost like fabric, and it absorbs the paint and makes it spread very easily; too easily. It's going to take practice to get some control. One really needs a sure hand and a light touch.

Next--You can see how the colors got absorbed and ran together. Also, the paper buckles from the water. You have to iron it afterward to correct the crinkles.

After making a number of 'practice pieces' I still think  I may take some time to improve working with this paper. I do think it can be beautiful.