Explorations - Substrates, Watercolors, and Sharpies, oh my!

These are small studies (3"x3") that were created using remnant paper from other art projects and a variety of art media.

The paper included Bristol drawing paper, cardstock, and watercolor paper.  The art media was primarily watercolors (Kuretake and Jane Davenport) and Sharpie pens while the basic sketch was done with a Staedtler Pigment Liner.  Other materials used for decoration included different combinations of Stickles, Posca pens, Gelly Roll pens, Sakura Pen Touch markers and acrylic paint.  

One thing I learned is that watercolor on Fluid 100 watercolor paper (300 lb.) is not easy to control when the paper is this small.  Pens and Stickles don't work well on it either.  (Photo of this experiment - not posted.)

I also learned that Jane Davenport's watercolors (that come on paper strips) are highly saturated with a wonderful range of hues.  However, they stain and soak very quickly into watercolor paper such that the watercolor can't be moved or removed with water.  (Photo of this experiment - not posted.)  I still have to try these watercolors on the cardstock and a heavier-weight watercolor paper to see if they behave differently.  

Overall, I like doing these little studies (the most successful ones posted above) -- because I like finished pieces that are serendipitously cohesive, even if they're experiments.       

How do you explore finding out what materials you prefer to work with in your art-making?