Drybrushing

So, In my recent perusal of "scholarly articles" on miniature painting, I've come across the assertion that "drybrushing", as we often call it, is a beginner's technique, to be replaced at some point later by more advanced methodology.

I'd like to politely disagree.

While drybrushing is not the most complex technique out there, nor the most time consuming, it is a very valuable tool for any painter. However, there needs some clarification. Drybrushing and highlighting are two very different things that both achieve the same generic result -- a highlight. However, highlighting requires a bit more precision, while drybrushing can be done a bit more liberally to achieve a similar result.

So, you may ask, "why would one want to drybrush when they can achieve more precise results from simply painting a highlight?" There are a multitude of answers to this question, but one sticks out in particular (at least in this painter's mind).

Drybrushing creates a worn or dusty look, while highlighting makes things look a bit "flashier" or more pristine.

This makes all the difference when you have two figures to paint, one of which is a knight in polished armor, while the other is an ancient skeleton risen from the grave. Obviously that skeleton isn't going to be the shiniest thing in the world.

In conclusion, don't mock people for drybrushing. While it is a simple technique to learn, the artful application of it requires a bit more finesse than many are willing to admit. So, in your adventures in painting, don't hesitate to give it a shot when you want a miniature to look a little worse for wear! Until next time, Happy painting!



P.S. - I went to see Sherlock Holmes tonight in theaters. If you haven't seen it, please do. It was greatly entertaining, and well worth the ticket price.

--Nate