Dry brush: This stroke is used to create a textured effect. To create a dry brush stroke, load your brush with a small amount of paint and dab it onto the paper. In “The Path to Buckhorn Cove” painting (in progress, yet to be finished), I used dry brush to apply green apatite genuine to create the pine needles on the trees along the path.

Brush speed: The speed at which you move your brush will also affect the type of stroke you create. Moving your brush slowly will create smooth, even strokes, while moving your brush quickly will create textured, expressive strokes. I moved my rigger brush very quickly to create the pine needles. I often select music that is quick in beat and play it while doing this type of brush stroke.

Brush angle: The angle at which you hold your brush will also affect the type of stroke you create. Holding your brush vertically will create sharp, thin strokes, while holding your brush at an angle will create wider, softer strokes. My rigger held straight up and down created needles, on its side it created branches.