Cross Hatching with Round Brushes, The Most Important Brushes for Oil Painting

With Leonardo and Rafael showing the world how to soften an edge using a brush, various brushes were invented as the years continued. Because it's easy to soften an edge when painting is wet, almost any brush will work. A sable brush, bristle brush, or most effectively, a round brush can achieve this effect.

However, the challenging part comes when paint is dry, and you must work into it to soften edges without reworking the entire painting. When faced with this situation, I have tremendous success using various round brushes from the Rosemary Brush Company.

The Art of Cross-Hatching  

If you look back at Rembrandt's paintings, you'll notice lines along creases in a face and along the edges of a face. This broken line is what creates that softness and realism. If a line becomes too long, it can appear flat, stiff, attractive tension, and not realistic.

Rembrandt observed this with his painting and dry scumbling techniques, layering over and over. It's common for artists to study Rembrandt's lines and notice the crosshatching lines in his etchings.

A Brief History of Cross-Hatching  

Crosshatching developed in the 13th century using tempera paint. In the 13th-century egg tempera, transparency in shadows occurs, affecting how shadows are painted across generations.

However, don't miss the technique that could be used later in painting – this is what Rembrandt did. Some artists create entire paintings with crosshatching, and it's essential to understand when it works for them.

Modern Techniques and Materials  

I don't think it necessary to use round brushes to create each mark individually. John Singer Sargent appears to use a brush similar to the bristle fan brush, leaving behind marks that are very similar to Rembrandt and Velazquez's work.

This style is reminiscent of 13th-century egg tempera crosshatching. When using a round brush to soften edges, I occasionally use natural pigment products like gel, which helps me achieve opaque colors in the form of glazes.

Conclusion  

When used correctly, cross-hatching can add depth and realism to any painting. Whether you're a seasoned artist or just starting out, experimenting with this technique can be a great way to take your art to the next level.