When painting figures with an oil brush, mastering the correct usage techniques is crucial for creating delicate and vivid character images. Here are some key usage tips:
First, choose the appropriate oil painting brush
Bristle material
Pig’s mane: It has a relatively high hardness and is suitable for thick application and shaping the facial contours of figures, as well as the wrinkles of clothing and other textures.
Mink or squirrel fur: Soft and fine, suitable for depicting the delicate texture of character skin, as well as details such as hair and eyebrows.
Synthetic fiber wool: It is relatively inexpensive, easy to clean and maintain, and suitable for beginners to practice using.
Bristle length and shape
Short-bristled brush: Suitable for fine depiction of a person’s facial features, details, etc.
Long-bristled brushes: Suitable for large areas of color application, such as backgrounds and clothes.
Flat brush: Suitable for drawing the Outlines of figures, wrinkles of clothes, etc.
Circular brush: Suitable for dot drawing, detail depiction, etc.
Second, master the correct pen-holding posture
The basic pen-holding posture: Similar to holding a pencil, but the fingers should be more relaxed to facilitate flexible use of the brush.
Change the pen-holding posture: Adjust the pen-holding posture in a timely manner according to the content and requirements of the painting, such as tilting the brush or controlling the tilt of the brush with your fingers.
Third, control the brushstrokes and colors
The application of brushstrokes
Thick brushstrokes: Use hard-bristled brushes such as pig bristles to apply paint with relatively heavy pressure, depicting the texture of the character’s face, the grain of clothing, etc.
Thin brushstrokes: Use a soft-bristled brush such as mink to apply the paint with a relatively light pressure, presenting the delicate texture of the character’s skin.
Crossed brushstrokes: By overlapping brushstrokes from different directions, the sense of layering and three-dimensionality of the picture is enhanced.
The application of color
Color mixing: Based on the character’s skin color, clothing color, etc., mix the pigments reasonably, paying attention to the saturation and lightness of the colors.
Color transition: By superimposing and mixing different colors, a natural color transition is achieved to avoid stiff colors.
Fourth, the key steps in drawing characters
Draft
Use a pencil or light-colored paint to sketch the basic outline and movement of the figure on the canvas.
Pay attention to the proportions, postures and expressions of the characters.
Build big connections
Based on the character’s skin color, clothing color, etc., quickly lay out the basic color blocks and light and shade relationships of the picture with a large brush.
Pay attention to the contrast and harmony of colors.
In-depth portrayal
Use a fine brush to meticulously depict details such as the facial features, hair, and folds of the clothes of the characters.
Pay attention to the changes in brushstrokes and the transitions of colors.
Adjustment completed
Observe the overall picture and make adjustments and modifications to the unsatisfactory parts.
Pay attention to the overall effect and detail handling of the picture.
Fifth, Precautions
Keep the picture clean: During the painting process, pay attention to keeping the picture clean to avoid paint splashing onto the canvas.
Regularly clean the brush: After painting, it is necessary to clean the brush in time to keep it soft and elastic.
Protecting eyesight: When painting for a long time, pay attention to protecting your eyesight and give your eyes appropriate rest.
Sixth, suggestions for skill improvement
Observe more: Observe more people in real life, pay attention to their forms, expressions and movements, and accumulate materials for painting creation.
Practice more: Through continuous practice, master the application techniques of different brushstrokes and colors, and improve your painting skills.
Communicate more: Share experiences and insights with other painters or painting enthusiasts, learn from each other and make progress together.