The stippler is a soft, natural haired brush, which looks similar to a stencilling brush, but is much softer.

The stippler is ideal for creating texture. It is a round natural-haired brush, which is angled to make stippling more tactile.

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How to use a stippler brush

The exercises below were created using the colour bluebell.

1. Creating a smooth wash

Wash the brush from side to side to achieve a smooth wash.
 
2. Creating light texture

 
Gently tap the brush onto the paper to create an open texture; allow some of the background to remain dry.
 
3. Creating a denser texture

 
Continue to tap onto the paper, allowing the colours to merge and achieve a mottled effect.
 
Tapping in another colour will add to the textural effect.
 
4. Creating a flicked texture
Flick the brush upward to create a spiked texture.
 

Painting flowers using a stippler brush

How to paint chives



1. Using bluebell and a touch of permanent wild rose, flick the stippler upward.

2. Allow to dry then add another layer on top.

3. Paint the stalks using the pyramid and country olive.

How to paint hebes



1. Use the stippler and bluebell to suggest the shape of the flowers.

2. Add a little permanent wild rose before the initial wash has dried.

3. Once dry, introduce a final layer to create the texture.

4. Paint the leaves using the pyramid. Make an extended brushstroke with midnight green and sunlit green.

How to paint wild flowers



1. All sorts of wild flowers can be suggested using this technique.

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2. The butterfly was achieved using a pyramid brush in the same way.

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How to paint buddleia



1. Use the stippler and bluebell to suggest the shape of the flowers; add a little permanent wild rose.

2. Once the initial wash is dry, add texture by gently stippling on top.

3. Paint the background by scribbling with the tip of a pyramid brush onto a damp surface.

4. Add the big leaves with sunlit green and a little country olive, using a pyramid brush and an extended brushstroke.

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This extract is taken from a 2012 issue of Leisure Painter.

Paint more flowers with Fiona's book, Watercolour Flowers for the Absolute Beginner, published by Search Press in 2023.

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