Artwork – Daniel Smith Watercolor on Fabriano Artistico on Fabriano Artistico in a Mary Roff handmade sketchbook
With Christmas gift cards burning up in the pockets of those looking for places to use it, I thought I should mention Mary Roff’s excellent handmade sketchbooks once again. You can read my review here.
This painting didn’t work the way I hoped. I used the color-lifting method again, but instead of using my regular brushes, I used a scrubber brush.
If you are unfamiliar, a scrubber brush is a hard-bristled with short fibers and it is designed to … lift color. I tried one years ago, but didn’t like it. However, I’m much better at watercolor these days, and decided I really should try it again.
Nope. Still don’t like it. When you lift color from a page, in essence, you are lifting fibers and damaging the paper. By doing so, lightly, you can get a softly textured look. If you scrub too hard, you can get a muddy mess and paper that won’t let you apply any more color.
In my opinion, the scrubber takes off too much fiber all at once and moves the color around to aggressively. Perhaps, it’s my lack of experience with this kind of brush, but I was using it with with very light pressure. At any rate, I couldn’t add more color in some places, so I couldn’t continue as planned. I’m not unhappy with the finished piece though.
The sheep in this reference photo from Pier52 seems to have a ‘I’ve just got to sit down for a minute’ feel that I was going for, and I think I captured it.
Life Imitates Doodles 
I love the eyes on your sheep, Sandra. They’re kind of hypnotizing. The wool looks soft, too. About scrubbers: I don’t use them much, unless I want to soften an edge. To get a sliver of a highlight, I use a slightly damp angled shading brush that has a spring to it, like the inexpensive decorative brushes. Anyway, I like your sheep! Have a great weekend!
Thank you, Kathy! I over-emphasized the eyes. I tend to do that because so much of the character is there. I definitely prefer using a soft brush to remove color on a larger scale because you have more control over how much you remove.
He’s adorable and so cuddly. His facial expression is awesome, almost like he’s wondering what you looking at. He’s perfect just the way he is. Terrific job in doing him.
Thank you, Joan! I do enjoy painting sheep.