Cloudy Day
8x6in oil on canvas panel SOLD
Artist Note
The following is for those who enjoy a looser and more
impressionistic way of painting.
I have found that the fan brush is often overlooked
for the many helpful ways it can be used in painting.
First, here is a sample of my brushes.
A mixture of bristle, mongoose and synthetic.
All have a purpose.
shown below
the base area and letting it dry in shape shown.
The top part is still beautifully springy - not stiff.
I start with my transparent darks first...using the brush like a chisel
See short video below after reading.
Then I add the opaque colors using the same technique.
If you try it, then remember to leave some
of the darker areas showing. After the demo, I noticed many
of the artists were not using their arm or holding their brush
at end of the handle - they were controlling too
much by holding their bush in the middle, and being very careful.
Unfortunately, this results in a very uniform stroke.
So listen to the sound of the brush against the canvas
in the video and you can tell I whack at it.
I have found it gives a more natural appearance to build on.
Practice on a piece of canvas and remember you can
wash it off and keep starting again. You will end up with a
canvas you can still use with a wonderful neutral base.
Take notes of the different effects you like so you can
repeat them
link to video here using the Fan Brush #1 maybe not working - see new link
or try this link
Happy Mother's Day... and to those without children,
I bet you have a pet(s) you are a wonderful mother to.
So interesting! I have never used a fan brush but you make me want to try! Also I thought I might be the only person to ever use a brush like a chisel - glad to know I am not alone although the brushes I use that way are usually flats or filberts. Thanks for a very informative post, Julie.
ReplyDeleteI first saw this technique used by Clyde Aspevig many years ago. What he achieved with it was magic.
DeleteThanks for the neat comment
Nice painting, Julie, and loved the info on the fan brush. I could not access your video. :-( YouTube said there wasn't a video.
ReplyDeleteThanks for letting me know. I have placed a new link, but will publish it again tomorrow
DeleteVery nice! It's true...I never think about using a fan brush. Thanks for the great video. I will try it!
ReplyDeleteThe fan bush has so many uses I could not be without one.
DeleteI liked your little helper
Good morning Julie,
ReplyDeleteCloudy Day but very beautiful painting and very interesting art work with the use of your Fan Brushes !!!
Thank you as always. I enjoy your blog very much. I love visiting far away places. Thank heavens for the translator feature!
DeleteThe texture are the best!
ReplyDeleteI love the look and the brushwork = )
Thanks Sue. Your collages are amazing. I went to the other site and saw several. Jaw dropped. A lovely gift to my senses!
DeleteLove the texture in this Julie! I have a fan brush and I've never used it. Thanks for this post...makes me want to try it now, it might help me loosen up:)
ReplyDeleteKaren your paintings are wonderful. You don't have or need to be looser. They never look cookie-cutter because your edge work and values are so good.
DeleteThis is so beautiful and I am awed by all these stunning colors in this piece. I also find myself wishing I was on that sailboat!! Unfortunately, I'm being told "no video to be found," when I try to get to the video. I'll try again tomorrow. Maybe it is just me?
ReplyDeleteYes - the sailboat would be nice. My sister in England is an avid sailor and owns a perfect yacht with her sailing mad hubby. This was inspired from photos taken when on a boating trip with them. Very civilized...we would moor every afternoon and walk to a nice pub for a relaxing evening before walking back to sleep deeply with a gentle rocking motion.
DeleteI need a fan brush, I'm always meaning to buy one. Do these rules apply to watercolor too? I know they are wonderful for creating foliage in trees, so I've heard.
ReplyDeleteYour painting is beautiful Julie, I love the texture! Happy Mother's day to you too!
Working in one with watercolor is fabulous. I will do a little bit of how-to so you get the idea.
DeleteThanks for the visit and your rose is pretty spectacular.
Julie, I absolutely love the color and technique (texture) of this piece. Unfortunately, I too, could not access your video.
ReplyDeleteSorry about that. I am reposting the link in next blog.
DeleteI think your ducks are quite special. Such a fabulous design too.
Precious advice Julie , thank you, I have a brush like this , but never used it ! Your landscape is fascinating with all these changing colors , so rich and lush !
ReplyDeleteHope you try it at least once.
DeleteThanks for the flowers on Mothers day - courtesy of your blog.
HI Julie, Thanks for a wonderful tip once again! Love the fanbrush video. I forget to use my fan brushes. Thanks I will pick them up again! I love your sea paintings especially the one with the sailboat. Hope you had a wonderful Mother's Day!
ReplyDeleteWonderful colors and texture, Julie! and I love the painting...so peaceful ! I'm glad everyone is having problems with the video ..because I thought it was only me!! I will try again since I would really like to see it... I hope you enjoyed your day, my friend!!
ReplyDeleteJulie, this post is filled with helpful and motivating information once again. I was able to access the video by going to YouTube, and I was very impressed with what that little fan brush can do. To be honest, I have a couple and have used them a few times to blend oils, but obviously they can do more wonderful things as you demonstrated. That would be a big help in laying in a textured, colorful underpainting. I'm sure stock in fan brushes is soaring as we speak. Thank you!
ReplyDelete