How to paint a sunrise landscape with a waterbrush.

I love painting with waterbrushes. They are now the only brushes I use, even in the studio. They easily create graded washes (an application of paint that transitions from more intense pigment to a pale tint) which I find everywhere in nature. As you paint, the pigment in the brush gets used up but the brush stays wet by capillary action creating a tint of the original color.

Here I use a large, fine point, Pentel Aquash brush. This is my go-to brush for most of my painting. If you have another brand or size brush consider getting this one. The Pentel brush snaps to a sharp point, allowing you better control of your painting. It is also large enough to make a reasonable wash. The smaller ones require you to constantly recharge the brush.

Click on the first image to start a step-by-step slideshow. Download Worksheet.