One Stroke Brushes

Brushes are the foundation for the One Stroke Technique, and learning how each brush is used is important and a fun part of the painting experience! And, to make it even easier, each One Stroke worksheet pack, book and DVD will indicate exactly what type and size of brush to use.

Two of the most used Brush Types are Flat Brushes and Scruffy Brushes. These brushes, when combined with the paint, instructions and worksheets, make painting fun and easy!

• One Stroke Flat Brushes have longer bristles and less thickness than other flat brushes, so they have a much sharper chisel edge. A sharp chisel edge is essential as strokes start and end on the chisel edge. Flat brushes are used for painting roses, flowers, leaves, and ribbons. For the beginning painter, it’s easier to work with larger brushes, for example a ¾” or #12 Flat, than smaller brushes. Dampen the brush in water and pat dry. Technique Tip: Double Loading is an easy way to mix two colors of paint together on a palette to create a variety of color within a single brush stroke.

1. Dip a corner of the brush into each of two colors, allowing the paint to meet in the middle of the bristles.

2. On the palette, stroke the brush back and forth, spreading the paint out and also pulling more paint into the brush.

3. Re-dip each corner with the same color paint, and get ready to paint! To clean Flat Brushes, rake the bristles gently across the bottom of the Brush Caddy, or wash with warm soapy water. Pat dry.

• One Stroke Scruffy Brushes are a lot of fun to use. Remove the brush from the package and gently pull the bristles into an oval shape. Then, twist the bristles gently in the palm of your hand, while maintaining the oval shape.

Technique Tip: This brush is not used with water. To clean after painting is finished, gently pounce the bristles in the Brush Caddy - don’t rake them, as the bristles can break. Allow brush to dry completely before using again.

Loading the Scruffy Brush: follow the same instructions as double loading the flat brush, but, instead of stroking the brush back and forth, pounce the Scruffy Brush up and down to spread out and pull in more paint – and push hard!