Water brush pens are perfect for painting on the go or adding a little bit of color to your sketches and drawings. Most people find it ideal for painting outdoors or anywhere where carrying your water container would not be easy. Water brush pens come in various shapes and sizes, so they’re perfect for any watercolor project.
Each artist may have their own preferred technique when using water brush pens.
However, general tips include filling the water brush pen with water and using it as any other watercolor brush. Read below to know how to use a water brush to achieve the desired effects.
Contents
How does a Watercolor Brush Work?
A water brush pen has bristles at one end for drawing and writing and an ink reservoir to hold watercolor.
The water flow is adjustable, so you can control how much water goes into your paper. The more pressure you apply, the more water will come out. This is possible because the water in the pen reservoir will seep down, depending on how you angle the brush.
Therefore, it is also simple to stop the flow of water to the brittle. You can simply release the tension on the pen or angle it upward.
Be careful not to let too much water build-up at the tip, or it will leak out (and make a mess!).
How do you use Watercolor Brush Pens for Beginners?
Here are a few water brush pen techniques that you might like to try:
1. Beginning with Wet-In-Wet Technique
The wet-in-wet technique is one of the most popular watercolor brush pens. It’s a simple process in which you start by painting on top of already wet paint. This technique will create interesting blends and gradations as the colors mix together. You can also use this technique to create watercolor effects on paper.
2. Adding Details with Dry Painting
Once your watercolor is mostly dry, you can add details and highlights with a brush pen. This step will allow you to create more precise lines and shapes. You can also use this technique to write or draw text on top of your painting.
3. Adding Details with Dry Brush Technique
The dry brush technique is another excellent way to use watercolor brush pens. It involves using a light touch to apply paint to the surface. Use this technique to create delicate details and highlights in your painting. You can also use this technique to add color accents to your work.
4. Using a Waterbrush with Watercolor Paints
Watercolor brush pens can also be used with watercolor paints. This technique will create a more translucent effect and allow you to blend colors more easily. You can also use a water brush to add details and highlights to your paintings.
5. Adding Text or Drawing on Top of Your Painting
You can also use watercolor brush pens to add text or drawings on top of your paintings. Indeed, this is a great way to personalize your work and add extra detail. It is ideal for creating watercolor effects on paper.
6. Using a Waterbrush with Gouache Paints
Watercolor brush pens can also be used with gouache paints. Such a mixture on paper will give you a more opaque and vibrant effect. You can also use a water brush to add details and highlights to your paintings.
7. Experimenting with Different Techniques
The best way to learn how to use watercolor brush pens is to experiment and explore different techniques. Try adding washes of color, blending colors, and adding details with a brush pen. You’ll be surprised at the results you can achieve with just a few simple steps!
There are a few Things to keep in mind when Using a Water-Based Brush Pen:
- The water reservoir is located at the top of the pen, so make sure not to let the paint get too thick. Or else, it will become more challenging to control water flow
- Unlike traditional brushes, there is no need to dip the tip of the brush into water before each stroke. Therefore, you should hold it under running water for a second or two whenever you need more moisture
- If the water brush pen starts to produce poor results, it might be clogged with paint. To clean it, hold the pen under running water and gently squeeze the barrel until the water runs clear
- You can also use a brush to clean the bristles
How to Fill a Water Brush Pen?
Water brush pens are versatile to add color and life to your drawings. They can be filled with water or any other liquid medium, such as ink or paint. Here’s how to fill them up:
- Remove the cap from the pen and hold it upside down over a container that will catch the excess liquid
- Slowly pour the desired liquid into the barrel of the pen until it is full
- Replace the cap on the pen and shake it gently to mix the contents
Conclusion
Water brush pens are great for artists who like to create paintings with watercolor. They can be used on paper, canvas, or any other surface you want to use them on. A great advantage of using a water brush pen compared to traditional bottle inks or acrylic paints is that it’s much easier to clean up your work area after use.
You can also create color gradients by simply adding different colors together, which would be impossible with other media pens. Remember to experiment with different techniques to see what works best for you.