Use Your Biggest Brush

   This entry was originally posted on Monday, April 30, 2012

When I started to work small, I discovered not only how satisfying it can be 

but that I became a better watercolorist.

Prior to doing these sketches and studies, I had always just used a #6 brush.

For everything.

I wanted to break free from that #6.

 

Another guideline I gave myself for these small paintings was to use my biggest brush.

My biggest brush at that time was a #12.

What a difference it has made to my painting!

In fact I love using a big brush so much that I have gone even bigger (#30!) for when I do my large pieces.

 

So pull out that big brush and paint away.

If you don't have one, be sure to invest in one with a good point.

 

Sunday Secrets #2

 This entry was originally posted on Sunday, January 29, 2012.

It is another Sunday so that means that I will answer another question that came into my email box this week.

Becky from Wisconsin asks,

How do you sign your paintings? With paint, marker, colored pencil??

Thanks for the question Becky.

I sign most of my paintings with paint using a brush with a good point.

I do occasionally sign my paintings with an archival ink pen such as a Staedler, Pigma, or Micron.

If you have a problem with signing your name straight, draw a light pencil line with a ruler before signing. Once the paint/ink has dried, just erase the line. 

 

*Update:

You may notice that the signature in the photo is the start of my previous last name of Redhead. This was the photo that I used at the time I wrote the blog and the name that I used. It was my married name at the time and had nothing to do with my hair (but I did color my hair red to match the name and just for the fun of it)

However, I do not currently use the name of Redhead. Leslie Redhead is no longer the name of an existing artist - although the artist, herself, is still in existence. That being said, does the value of those paintings signed as Leslie Redhead increase? Perhaps. Perhaps not. What do you think?

As for signing my name, I still use a brush with a good point but I also use a ruling pen with masking fluid when signing a poured watercolor painting. 

Label Your Brushes

   This entry was originally posted on Saturday, January 28, 2012

I love new brushes. They are so beautiful and their point is still so perfect. But that doesn't last forever.

So I have figured out a system for my brushes.

My newest sable brush (a #6 round) is for my portrait work. Portraits require more detail and precision so that is why I start there. I can usually do 2-3 portraits with the brush still feeling new. When it has lost that feeling, I move it to my florals. Then I move it on to my landscapes, which doesn't require as much precision. When it has finally had enough, it is used for mixing colors or becomes an oil brush. Sometimes my kids snag it before it gets there.

It became hard for me to keep track of which brush was which until I started to label them.

The first thing I do to a new brush when I am ready to paint with it is put a sticker or some masking tape on the end of it. Then I just put the month/year. That way I can know if it is my newest brush or one of the older ones.

 Much easier to keep track of my multiple brushes now.

 

Treatment of Brushes

 

This entry was originally posted on Friday,, January 13, 2012.

NEVER EVER LEAVE YOUR BRUSH IN WATER!

First of all, if you leave it in the water, the tip will bend or break.

Or the handle will become waterlogged and crack.

So you don't want to dry it standing up either.

The best way to dry your brush is to lay it flat and leave it flat in between washes. 

Brushes

 This entry was originally posted on Tuesday, January 10, 2012.

I have tried many brushes over the years and I must say that a kolinsky sable brush is worth every penny.

They are more expensive but they keep their point longer than synthetic brushes.

Plus they lift paint better when doing wet in wet work (not to be confused with scrubbing).
My favorites are a #6 round and a #12 round.