For those that are sometimes fearful of the uncertainty, unpredictability and free-flowing nature of using watercolors, here is something you could try. First, paint your paper with gesso and let it dry. This will keep your watercolors on top of the surface and not let the paper fibers absorb the paint. If you make a mistake or are not fully satisfied with the results, you can take a wet cloth and remove the parts you do not like. The other thing you can experiment with is the way you apply the gesso. Texture can be created by apply it with a palette knife and give you a different look. Something to try when you want to step out of the box.
Kathy
