Drybrush

The resulting brush-strokes have a characteristic scratchy and textured look that lacks the smooth appearance that washes or blended paint commonly have.

When using oil-based media, such as oil-paint, similar techniques are used, although instead of water, the brush is used dry or any oil or solvent is removed.

Because oil-paint has a longer drying-time than water-based media, brushing over or blending drybrush strokes is often avoided to preserve the distinctive look of the drybrush-painting-technique.

[4] Oil-based drybrushing can also be scrubbed onto paper, canvas or absorbent gesso with stiff bristle brushes to impart smooth airbrushed or pastel-style effects.

Images painted with a dry brush are characterized by the specific transitions of light and shadow and gossamer tones.

An example of the drybrush technique using black acrylic paint on illustration board
"Sisters and Brothers" paper, oil paint. 50x70 cm. Technique "dry brush"
Portrait using drybrushing technique