What Is The Dry Brush Painting Technique?

What is this technique used for? The dry brush painting technique is used to give paintings more texture and to make them look like they've been done on a much rougher surface; the surface also looks as if it's been scratched quite a lot. If you're using water-based media, including watercolours and acrylics, using this technique on something in the painting can give it prominence because it contrasts with the rest of the painting.

What type of paint should I use it with? The great thing about this painting technique is that it can be used with all three main types of paint (acrylics, watercolours and oils). Of the three main types of paint, acrylics and watercolours are probably the best to use this technique with because they dry quite quickly. Because oils take a lot longer to dry, you have to wait a lot longer for the paint to dry before you can blend or brush over strokes you've already made. Is there anything else I should know? This technique is really well suited for watercolour paper, especially paper that's already got quite a rough texture to it. To get the best out of using this technique, it's suggested that you use a round brush, not a fine point one. By using a round brush, the paint is being spread round more, whereas with a fine point brush, the paint's going to be applied in lines, which makes this technique's effects less noticeable.

How do I do it? Make sure your brush is completely dry and is free from any oils or solvents. Load it up with paint, then blot it several times on to a paper towel. Make sure the support you're applying the paint to is completely dry. When it comes to applying the paint to the support, you should do so very lightly, as if you're just skimming over the surface. Keep creating strokes until there's hardly any paint left on the brush, then it's time to reload the brush. If you want to add more colour and depth to a stroke, wait until it's completely dry and then go over it using the same steps you did for the first one. Oils are probably not the best choice for this technique because they take so long to dry; if you want to be able to go over your work, you should use acrylics or watercolours.

5 Benefits Of Painting

1. Appreciating works of art Paintings can be intricate works of art that have many layers to them in terms of their message. Artists complete their works in a particular way and have a particular subject matter for a reason. If you paint, you'll get a better understanding of why other artists have completed their works in the way they have. The best way to understanding the make-up of a painting is not to look at it from afar, but to do your own paintings and get to grips with how they're completed. The more you experiment in your own work with different styles and techniques, the more you'll understand and appreciate other works of art.

2. Stress relief Painting is a great way to relieve stress. Many people turn to painting because it allows them to get away from it all and focus on creating something positive. Many channel their stress into their works and create works that have been inspired by their heavy feelings. Painting becomes more fun and exciting because you're leaving the negativity behind and doing something where you can just focus on the good.

3. Self-expression Lots of people enjoy painting because it's a great way for them to express themselves. There's nothing to get your creativity going like a blank canvas. With painting you can create whatever you want and you can say whatever you want. All paintings have meaning and messages, whether they're simple or complex. All paintings are done to convey meaning and messages to others; they're a way for the artist to show their creativity and express themselves to the world in a highly creative way.

4. Optimism Most painters are optimists because painting has helped them develop a positive outlook on life. Part of this outlook comes from a sense of achievement artists feel as they develop their painting skills and complete more paintings. Many artists who have been painting for a while feel great that they've built up a skill set and have a collection of paintings to show. Building up skills and paintings is something that can help you feel a lot more positive because you're achieving things and doing something good.

5. Fun To put it simply, one of the best benefits of painting is that it's fun. You get to unleash your creative spirit and can create whatever you want without any restrictions. You're in charge and you get to approach painting exactly how you want to. You feel motivated to get your work done then you feel a sense of accomplishment once it's done. There is so much to explore, with loads of different styles and techniques to discover - there's always going to be a painting ready to be created. Painting can be many things but there's no denying that above all, it's a lot of fun, and that's one of its best benefits. Joanne Perkins is a Berkshire-based artist with a BA (Hons) in Fine Art. She specialises in painting Berkshire landscapes and loves capturing the natural beauty of her local countryside. She is happy to accept all queries and questions. For more information about Joanne, her work and her current projects.