Use A Sponge

 

One way to insure that the paper will accept the pigment is to pre-wet the page using a natural sponge.  First, this removes the sizing on the paper, making the application of the paint more uniform.  Second, it slows the drying time down. Finally, it creates soft edges that can later be contrasted with hard edges.

In this painting of a sailboat regatta, I wet the entire page and then lightly brushed in the first wash.  When this was dry, I made the decisions about what to keep soft and where to emphasize subject matter with hard edges.    Gradation is a form of soft edge formation, too.

Last, I added textures and calligraphy for interest and movement.