Dry brush and Textures
The technique of using a dry brush is one of the most interesting one
that can be performed with water colour. Naturally, it isn't something
to be used at all times, since some areas of a painting will inevitably
demand techniques involving blending colours or creating gradations.
Various effects can be achieved with by using dry brush technique.
A dry brushstroke on a dry background brings out the grain of the
paper and can create interplay with previously applied coats of paint. A
dry brush can be used to paint over a white surface or one previously
tinted with a wash. Sunsets with their rich glowing colours, have always
been a popular painting subject. Observe the dry brushstrokes applied on
this sunset painting.
The tree on the right and the bushes. Dry brush techniques are
generally used on rough paper, allowing the textural surface to do much
of the work. Load a flat brush with water colour and squeeze most of it
out in the pallette. Dry brush passages can be put on clean white paper
or over a dried wash.
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Remember
* To simplify your paintings, paint the shapes of light and shade.
* It is important to position yourself to the subject at the spot
where the light and shade make the most interesting shapes
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Try working on a entire painting using only dry brush, just for the
experience and feel of the technique. Not often is an entire painting
done in dry brush but it is used to express texture or show crispness
against the foil of a wet wash or smoothly applied colour. The technique
in most cases is excellent for leaves, coarse cloth, tree bark, rocks or
accents. It is difficult to use just the technique of painting on a wet
background or just the technique of painting on a dry background in any
given painting.
Usually both are used simultaneously to achieve desired effects of
each, capturing the fusion of tones on the one hand and the precision of
a dry brush stroke on the other. The only problem posed, is that these
two techniques demand completely different drying times between
application. If the base is wet, the newly applied paint will spread and
merge. If the basis is solid, the brushstrokes will appear definite and
precise.
Warm and colour contrasts
The sky at sunset takes on a radiant glow which even the brightest
pigment colours can never hope to match. The artist therefore must use
cunning and skill in order to create the illusion light in his or her
painting.
The way to do this is by including both warm and cool colours in the
sky, because a warm colour always appears warmer and brighter when
placed next to a cool colour.
Lively Colours
The sky in the picture includes a pale yellow, yet it sparkles with
light and luminosity and contains a palpable sense of atmosphere. Resist
the temptation to over blend your colours. Over blended colours look
flat and dead, whereas loose brushstrokes and partly blended colours
lend character and energy.
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