The Complete Book of Drawing Techniques

(Darren Dugan) #1
Flat head brushes

177

FLAT HEAD BRUSHES


The flat head brush has been fundamentally
designed to lay down washes but at the same
time it is a very useful tool for making
broader marks. Washes are areas of tone that
are put down onto the paper. They can range
from very light, thin and transparent to dark
and opaque. Washes can be used to describe
atmospheric effects, typically in landscape
drawings. When used in this way, they are


usually applied very freely. Sometimes they
have a life of their own when they are spread
on the paper. You shouldn’t worry about this,
but try to learn how to manipulate the effect.
To make a wash, dilute the ink with water.

Marks made by the flat head brush. These
were made by dragging, twirling and
stippling with the edge of the brush.
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