Yes! The water brush works well for brush lettering. The basic rule is simple: thin strokes going up, thick strokes coming down.
How do I start brush lettering?
- Draw guidelines. Use a ruler and a light pencil to draw two or three lines, so your letters stay the same height.
- Mix a creamy color. Use more paint and less water, so your letters look bold and don't spread. Squeeze the water brush only lightly.
- Hold the brush at an angle. Tilt it so the side of the bristles can touch the paper, not just the tip.
- Go light on the way up. Move the brush upward with very little pressure for thin lines.
- Press on the way down. Press gently as you move downward, so the bristles spread and make a thick line.
- Slow down and lift often. Write each letter in a few separate strokes, lifting the brush in between. Slow strokes look smoother.
What should I practice first?
- Rows of thin upstrokes and thick downstrokes.
- Ovals, waves and loops.
- Simple letters like "o", "a" and "l", then short words like "love" or "joy".
How do I make colorful letters?
- Ombré: while a letter is still wet, touch a second color to the end of it and let them blend.
- Rainbow words: paint each letter in a different color. Clean the brush between colors by squeezing gently and wiping the tip on your wristband or a tissue until the water runs clear. See "How do I clean my water brush between colors?"
Good to know
- Let each letter dry before painting a letter right next to it, so they don't bleed together.
- Practice on a scrap page first. Brush lettering takes a little time, and every page gets easier.
- Paint a name, a quote or a greeting on a card for a lovely handmade gift. 🎨