Orange on Found Paper

I started my painting session yesterday at the Art League by finding some donated paper. I wasn't sure what it was so I decided to do a 20 minute challenge with it. One of the artists brought juice oranges to share and I decided that would make a good subject. As I began my painting I noticed that the water in my paint was being sucked up by the blotter-like paper. Indeed, if my brush was really wet, it soaked right through the paper. Since the pigment doesn't lay on the surface more than a nano-second, it's very difficult to blend colors on the paper. I worked in layers, instead. I think the paper is for print making. I may try a mono print on it and see how it works out.
My scan of the painting is more vivid than that of the actual painting, I noticed the same thing with the pears. I tried to adjust it with my picture program but wasn't happy with any of the results. Does anyone have any ideas that aren't too technical? Thanks.

Stavanger, Norway 2

This is another little painting that I did for the Virtual paint out blog. The assignment was Stavanger Norway and I found this house on the water with what must be a wonderful view. It's hard to see on my painting but there was even a bridge between the far hills. I love the simplicity of the house nestled down off the road and close to the water. I wonder if there is a boat of some kind moored back there out of view. This has been a lot of fun to go to a virtual place and paint. I have really enjoyed the trip, especially since I know it is winter there and probably not nearly so green. I've enjoyed seeing the scenes that others have painted, too.

http://virtualpaintout.blogspot.com