Dry Brush Technique

DRY BRUSH TECHNIQUE

Process: The Dry Brush Technique

I primarily create portraits and landscapes using cold-pressed 300gsm paper—typically from Fabriano or Canson.

Step 1: The Sketch

Each piece begins with a light, carefully measured pencil sketch to ensure the proportions are accurate. For more detailed or larger portraits, I use traditional scaling techniques or a grid method.

Step 2: Refining the Lines

Once the basic sketch is in place, I begin the clean up process—removing rough marks and keeping only the lines I’ll build upon during painting.

Step 3: The Dry Brush Technique

This traditional and highly detailed style of oil painting requires only a small amount of oil paint, a selection of synthetic and hog hair brushes, and a kneaded eraser.

How it works:

• A tiny amount of oil paint is placed onto the palette and flattened.

• I select the right brush for the texture I’m working on.

• The brush is lightly loaded with paint, then brushed off on a separate sheet of paper to ensure it’s almost dry—just enough to leave a soft, controlled mark.

Painting is done in delicate layers, gradually building tone and depth. Patience is essential to achieve a natural, realistic finish.

Step 4: The Magic Touch

Once enough texture is built, the final phase begins—what I like to call the “magic part.” Using a kneaded eraser, I lift paint to create:

• Skin highlights

• Hair strands

• Reflections in the eyes

This subtle detailing brings the portrait to life.

Additional Enhancements

To push for even more hyperrealism, I occasionally incorporate:

• Fine pencils and pens to add detailed skin textures

• White paint for extra shine

• An electric eraser to extract fine strands of hair or subtle highlights

How Long Does It Take?

A single headshot portrait typically takes around 3 days, though photorealistic or hyper-realistic commissions may take longer depending on complexity.

Watch It in Action

Want to see the full process in motion?
📽️ Watch a Time-Lapse of My Painting Process →

(Link the The Rock timelapse)

or video box below