The correct usage of oil painting brushes is of vital importance to oil painting creation. It not only affects the efficiency of painting but also directly relates to the final effect of the work. The following are some correct usage methods of oil painting brushes:
First, choose the right oil painting brush
Choose according to the painting requirements:
Choose oil brushes of different materials, shapes and sizes based on the painting style (such as delicate or rough), the requirements of the picture (such as large areas of color application or detailed depiction), and personal preferences.
Consider the quality of the brush:
A high-quality oil painting brush should have good elasticity, softness and durability. The bristles should be closely arranged and not easily fall off. The brush rod should be firm and stable, and not prone to deformation.
Second, preparations before use
Clean the brush
It is best to clean the newly bought oil painting brush before use to remove any possible impurities and loose fibers.
Used oil painting brushes should also be cleaned in time after each painting session to prevent the paint from drying on the bristles and affecting the next use.
Prepare the pigments:
Mix the pigments to an appropriate consistency according to the painting requirements. If the paint is too thin, it may result in a poor picture effect; if it is too thick, it will be difficult to apply evenly.
Third, the basic usage method of oil painting brushes
Holding method:
Hold the brush handle tightly with your fingers and palm to keep your wrist and arm flexible, which is convenient for adjusting the direction and force of the brushstrokes.
Application techniques:
Large-scale color application
Use a wide flat brush or fan-shaped brush to evenly apply the paint onto the canvas. When applying, keep the brush at a certain Angle to the canvas to create a natural brushstroke texture.
Detail description:
Use a fine round brush or detail pen to precisely draw the fine lines and contours. When drawing, you can gently press the bristles to make the brushstrokes more delicate.
Transition and Integration
Use brushes of different sizes and shapes, and achieve natural transitions and fusions of colors through overlapping and crossing brushstrokes. When transitioning, the coherence and smoothness of the brushstrokes should be maintained.
Adjust the direction and force of the brushstrokes:
Adjust the direction and force of the brushstrokes in a timely manner according to the needs of the painting. By changing the direction and force of the brushstrokes, different textures and layers can be created.
Fourth, the application of special techniques
Dry brushing technique
Use a dry brush containing a small amount of pigment and gently drag it over a dry canvas to create a rough brushstroke effect. This technique is often used to represent rough surfaces or enhance the texture of the picture.
Thick coating technique
Pile a large amount of paint on the canvas to create a thick brushstroke effect. This technique is often used to express the three-dimensional effect and texture of objects.
Scraper technique:
Use a scraper to scrape the paint onto the canvas to create a unique texture effect. The scraper technique is often combined with oil brushes to achieve a richer visual effect.
Fifth, post-use maintenance
Timely cleaning
After each painting session, the oil painting brush should be cleaned in time to prevent the paint from drying and adhering to the bristles. When cleaning, you can use mild soapy water or a professional brush cleaner.
Drying and storage:
After cleaning the oil painting brushes thoroughly, dry them and store them in a dry and well-ventilated place. Avoid soaking the brush in water for a long time or exposing it to a damp environment to prevent affecting the quality and lifespan of the bristles.
Sixth, Precautions
Avoid excessive force:
When using an oil painting brush, excessive force should be avoided to prevent damage to the bristles or affect the natural smoothness of the brushstrokes.
Keep the picture tidy:
During the painting process, one should always pay attention to keeping the picture clean and orderly. Avoid splashing the paint outside the canvas to prevent it from affecting the painting environment and the beauty of the work.