How to Use a Chisel Blender Paint Brush

WHAT DOES THAT BRUSH DO?

Join us at the Brush Bar to learn what your brush can do for you.  Our What Does That Brush Do? series offers tips and techniques to ensure you get the most use from your Willow Wolfe artist brushes.

The chisel blender is comprised of short bristles formed in a compact manner. It holds its shape, blends softly and yet has a powerfully straight stroke when used on the chisel edge. I use chisels in all my work including birds, butterflies, flowers, still life and landscapes.

Two primary techniques used with a chisel blender are pat-blending and chisel blending.

CHISEL BLENDING

If you take a peek at the Daisy strokes shown in the main image you’ll notice that in the upper strokes there are striations. That is created through chisel blending. The same technique is applied to the breast of this little bird. By holding the brush on the chisel edge you are able to create the appearance of fluffy feathers.

 

PAT BLENDING

Pat blending removes many of those striations and creates a softer effect. The leaves below are painted in water mixable oil and blended softly with the chisel blender.