How to Use Watercolor Brushes

Posted by Anonymous , 9/4/2007 Tags:UseWatercolorBrushes
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How to Use Watercolor Brushes

Introduction

Brush up on your brushwork! Experiment with a variety of brush strokes to develop your own painting style.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Steps

1

Step One

Dampen your brush by dipping it in water.
2

Step Two

Dip your brush in paint. The amount of paint on your brush will affect the texture of your line.
3

Step Three

Use a wetter brush to make smoother lines and an almost-dry brush to make scratchier lines.
4

Step Four

Hold your brush vertically with just the tip touching the paper to make fine lines. Apply more pressure to make thicker lines.
5

Step Five

Hold the brush on its side and use the whole body of the brush to paint lines.
6

Step Six

Practice both straight and wavy strokes.
7

Step Seven

Try small wrist movements as well as strokes using your whole arm.
8

Step Eight

Use the tip or the body of the brush to make dabbed strokes.
9

Step Nine

Experiment on dry and damp paper. Strokes on dry paper will stay sharp and clear, while those on wet paper will spread and soften.
10

Step Ten

Experiment with flat, round and fan brushes.

Tips & Warnings

  • Use the largest brush practical for each area of your painting.
  • Avoid dipping a brush into paint past the ferrule, which is the metal band used to fasten the bristles to the handle.
  • After using brushes, wash them in lukewarm water and brush cleaner or soap (not detergent). Reshape the brush tips and store them in a brush holder.

Overall Things You'll Need

  • Watercolor Paintbrushes
  • Watercolor Brush Holders
  • Flat Watercolor Paintbrushes
  • Fan Watercolor Paintbrushes
  • Watercolor Brush Cleaners
  • Watercolor Blocks
  • Round Watercolor Paintbrushes
  • Watercolor Paints
  • Watercolor Paper
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