An Absorbent Ground is a term used to describe a particular type of painting surface. A painting medium is used to create an absorbent ground and it is commonly applied as an undercoat prior to painting, for best results your canvas should be sealed first with gesso.

Once the painting medium is dry the surface, or Absorbent Ground will have a slight tooth, it will be more absorbent, porous and somewhat paper-like.

Painting on an Absorbent Ground allows you to enjoy several unique painting techniques in particular it is great for washes and staining effects. It can allow you to experiement with some materials more commonly used for drawing such as charcoal and oil pastels. It can also allow you paint on canvas using watercolor painting methods