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Thursday, December 06, 2012

Liner Brushes...

Up until (very) recently, I've used paint markers when I wanted a black line. I had never mastered the use of a liner brush, I guess. I'm still working on the whole idea of moving my arm to paint/draw, instead of my wrist, as I would when using a pen... and when in doubt, stick to the thing you know, right?

Well, I finally decided I would force myself to work on fine brushstrokes and using a liner brush (that's the skinny one with a looooong brush part). And I found out (no surprise here) that with practice, I could use the brush. I like that the line width is more variable than with a pen--when I press harder, the line becomes subtly wider. I used to do that with a pen, too, but it took two passes with the pen... When I really want a straight, smooth line, I have to step back a little and really force myself to use my arm--but I'm getting there, as we always do when we practice and make it okay to fail...

And I think I always post about this, as though it's some new discovery (which it is in my puny little brain), but--I LEARN BY DOING. I LEARN BY TAKING CHANCES, BY BEING FEARLESS, AND BY FAILING AND DOING IT ALL OVER AGAIN.

 My motto for the new year? Maybe. TRY, FAIL, AND TRY AGAIN.

I like where this is going. You can see I've drawn a horizon line in, using white Stabilo pencil (it's water-soluble, so if I change my mind I can just wipe it off--I use these all the time for experimenting). I used some copper foil and some Jacquard Antique Gold paint, which I'm really liking. The foil didn't show up all that well in the photo, but it's there on the right half of the paper.

So I'm in the studio--nowhere to go all day! I've got a cup of coffee with Irish cream syrup in it, my singles list playing from my iPhone and the little heater going on my feet under the desk--all is right with the world!

Off to paint!

30 comments:

K J D said...

Your day sounds like a good one!

I think we have the same type of brain!!!!! I really enjoyed your post and your art....

Thank you for visiting... and sadly the coffee maker has gone back with my dad :(

Karenx

Faye said...

So beautiful. I can't find the white horizontal line but it is a gorgeous art piece. You seem to have great control with the skinny brush. I used one when I was into oil painting. It made fantastic blades of grass and such.

Helen Campbell said...

Oh, I quite like it. How brave of you to attempt something that you've been putting off... getting out of our comfort zone is a good thing! I need to practice it more. Thanks for sharing! Happy PPF!

Anne Manda said...

Sounds like you are having a good time! :) Lovely piece, rich and interesting! Good work with the line brush, too!

GlorV1 said...

Sounds like a good day. Being alive is a good day.:) Nice piece, love the colors.

froebelsternchen said...

wonderful paintng!
Happy PPF!

Gloria j Zucaro said...

OOO! so wonderful, all the vibrant colors and layers of stamped or stenciled objects. I love it.

Lynn Cohen said...

Well I call that " failing" thing LEARNING! And practice learning makes me better over time. I guess we are saying the same thing, but I just skip that word failure. Have fun practicing your lines...and soon you will find nearly all of them very much to your liking I bet!! Happy painting, friend! HPPF!

Unknown said...

What a great post! I learn by doing as well- it drives my hubby nuts, but it's just how I am. I might have to steal your New Year motto- it's really perfect!
Also, I love your painting, I think you can get so much more movement with a brush rather than a pen and those gorgeous yummy colors- I LOVE it! I'd almost like to see that horizon line done with a liner brush as well- just my two cents ;)
Happy PPF,
Stephanie

Carolyn Dube said...

This is so colorful so vibrant! Love your liner brush work! happy PPF!

aimee said...

beautiful piece and I LOVE the title of your blog!

Marji said...

I'm glad you posted this. Little reminders are always welcome. Keep practicing, you are doing great!! Happy PPF

Ivy said...

Try,Fail and Try Again...love that motto! Happy PPF!

Netty said...

Great results. Happy PPF, Annette x

Molly said...

great motto and love the black against the bright colors.

sounds like you had the perfect day lined up... hope you enjoyed it!

Mary C. Nasser said...

Lovely linear work!
Have fun painting!!
♥♥♥
Happy PPF!!
Mary
Mixed-Media Map Art

Rita said...

Pretty! Love the colors. Keep painting! Happy PPF.

Linda Kunsman said...

Great post and motto! I love the depth and richness of your collage. What I immediately see is a city skyline in the background with the "trees" taking front and center! Happy PPF!

Anne Butera said...

This is beautiful! Looks like you're doing wonderful with the brush.

What a great motto and what a lovely day it sounds like you're having!

Happy PPF!

Deanna said...

I'd say you did a great job for your first piece with the liner brush! Love the colors. After my last attempt with acrylics I was about to give that medium up but decided to give it another go and absolutely love the painting I've posted this week. I think I'm going to have to steal your motto for the new year!

bellefrogworks said...

I think you did a marvelous job "drawing" lines with paint. Thanks for reminding me to use my arm when I paint, not my hand and wrist. I like your motto - failing is the way we learn, but so often I get discouraged. Like your painting - would like to see what else you do with it. Happy PPF

Ginny said...

I love the colors and the textures and the great lines in this piece.
It is always great to try something new. There is no way we can fail if we keep on learning. If we don't make mistakes, then we probably never tried something new. Have a great week!

soulbrush said...

Love this and such an interesting post too. Happy PPF.

www.dorissdaughter.com said...

Great post! loved reading this. Its great to have fun and try something new :) Sounds like the perfect day!

Viola said...

A fantastic background with lovely colors and even some of them lightening up! :)
I too have a black brush pen. I think it's nice sometimes that the lines are not fully straight :)

denthe said...

Oh, this is coming along beautifully! I love using a liner brush. I always use it with ink, you can make really fine lines with it then. Very good motto for the next year! I'm going to adopt it ☺

Cris, Oregon Artist said...

Fun using liner brushes. I have or used to have one... it wore out. I need to go find me a new one. Thanks for the reminder. Love being in my studio to... smelling the paint.

Rita said...

Loving the deep, rich colors and the shimmer of the gold. I have never gotten used to the liner brush, either. I do like that thick and thin effect you got with it. :)

Elisa said...

Lovely technique and the result is bright and colorful! Love the flower lines

Anonymous said...

Liner brushes are tricky. I use one to sign with but little else. I should practice, too. They can be great for twining vines and curlique things. Your lines here look great! They have so much more character than a marker line could.