You use a water filled watercolor brush by filling the reservoir with water, squeezing the barrel to moisten the bristles, picking up pigment from your watercolor paints, and then applying it to your paper.
Here's a breakdown of the process:
-
Fill the Water Reservoir: Most water brushes have a barrel that unscrews to reveal a chamber for water. Fill this chamber with clean water. Some brushes have a button or valve to control water flow, while others rely on gentle squeezing.
-
Moisten the Bristles: Gently squeeze the barrel of the brush until water flows down to the bristles, making them damp but not dripping. Avoid over-saturating the bristles.
-
Pick up Pigment: Use the damp brush to pick up pigment from your watercolor pans (cakes) or tubes. For pans, gently scrub the bristles across the surface of the paint. For tubes, you can either dab the brush into a small puddle of paint or squeeze a bit of paint directly onto a palette and then pick it up.
-
Adjust Water-to-Pigment Ratio: On a palette, mix the pigment with water released from the brush to achieve your desired consistency and color intensity. Squeezing the barrel slightly releases more water, while wiping the brush on a paper towel removes excess water and pigment.
-
Apply to Paper: Apply the brush to your watercolor paper using your preferred techniques. The water flow should keep the brush moist, allowing for smooth strokes.
-
Clean the Brush: To clean the brush, squeeze the barrel and wipe the bristles on a clean paper towel until the water runs clear. You can also rinse the brush under a gentle stream of water, ensuring no paint residue remains.
Tips for Success:
- Control water flow: Practice squeezing the barrel gently to control the amount of water released. Too much water can make your colors too pale or create unwanted blooms.
- Choose the right brush size: Water brushes come in various sizes. Select a size appropriate for the level of detail you are working on.
- Use appropriate paper: Watercolor paper is designed to handle water without buckling or warping excessively. Use paper that is at least 140 lb (300 gsm) for best results.
- Experiment with techniques: Water brushes can be used for a variety of watercolor techniques, including washes, dry brushing, and fine details. Experiment to find what works best for you.
- Store properly: Store the water brush clean and dry, with the cap on to protect the bristles.
