Watercolor Tips and Techniques (How to Use Brusho)

In this video I am going to tell you about Brusho watercolor pigment powder, and show you some basic techniques for using it in your paintings or alone, it’s suitable for beginners too!
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[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Have you tried Brusho? Let me know in the comments :-)

[@lynneboll2454]

Can you keep Brusho in the star burst shape and save it somehow?

[@scottmantooth8785]

*might be using something very similar or closely related to it...i've found that RIT dye crystals (as it is called here in the states) used for fabric dye produce some very interesting results on watercolor paper...it does not take much and they do seem to be permanent at least on the projects i've used them with*

[@SuzetteG316]

I love brusho. I use a push pin and pierce the top of the lid. Then I just sprinkle out what I need through the little hole (which you can make a bit bigger if that is a bit too small for you) and replace the pin so it acts as a stopper for storing until next time. Now the Brusho is very controlled, you don't waste product, it goes pretty much right where you want it and it doesn't go all over your studio and all over you. Hope this helps those of you using or wanting to try Brusho. Happy painting!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Yes many of my students do this. I just like to keep my lids solid I guess :-)

[@Bindismom]

I do the same with my lids. They are hard to get off and just beg for a spill!

[@dominofalling2038]

I've never taken the lids off of my Brusho, far too scary. The push pin in the lids gives you more control. I also added a small white label on the top so I can paint the colour in the pot like a swatch, (as the pots only has the colour printed on the side). I've just bought some spray sealant so I can preserve my pictures.

[@kingfisherdesignsmetals]

I blended some Brusho with Windsor-Newton Iridescent Medium and used it for dragonfly wings. Next it could be interesting for butterfly wings.

[@blackpoppymagazine]

Wow that's sooo interesting!! Well done u for such artistic thinking, I was wondering how to get that irridesant wing look! I'll try it!!

[@susandubber8536]

Your introductory warning pitched me into a state of alarm-panic ... pigment from floor to ceiling, pigment from hair to toes ... hmm ... have to think about that one. Wandered off for a good 'think' and stepped barefoot onto a plastic headed pin, fugitive from Christmas decorations. Ouch! Glared at it, then a 'Eureka Moment'. Wonder if I could pierce the top of a tub with such a pin, using it as a plug, and sprinkle the 'Brusho' like pepper. Like pepper without the sneezes. Next anguish : which colours to choose as 'samples'. Art-induced Anguish!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Too funny!

[@marceybadillo1618]

Hilarious!

[@Aeronwen813]

Thank you for your demonstration and explanation. Having tried Brusho using the pot as you suggest like salt or pepper, I still managed to get it everywhere I didn't want it. So much so that I now have a dedicated large cardboard tray in which I put my paper before sprinkling! Spraying water onto Brusho needs to be done from some distance away from the powder (maybe as much as 12inches or 30cms) so that it isn't disturbed too much by the force of the spray, or spray upwards above the Brusho and let the water droplets fall gently onto it. When spraying, I always have an old towel under and around my paper to catch the errant Brusho particles. I also tried applying Brusho with a small dry brush, as you kindly demonstrated, but even that seemed to be too much. The best method I have been told about (by artist Alison C Board) is to use a coffee stirring stick dipped into the Brusho pot and the excess tapped off back into the pot before tapping it over your paper. This method works well for me. Although I haven't tried it yet, I am wondering if Dorland wax would seal a finished Brusho artwork. Although it wouldn't be possible then to paint over it or add more Brusho, it would mean that any stray water droplets wouldn't reactivate the powder and if you were sending a card in the post it wouldn't be damaged by rain!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

I am about to order some Dorland's actually and will make a video about it. I think if there's loose powder it would still disturb but who knows. I will experiment!

[@marcwheeler4406]

I just saw your comment I was actully scrolling thru to see if others might wonder about errand waterattaching to drawing I'm also going to look into the sealant you recomd thank you so much.I rather do like this type of median but have had glitter explosions experience that has traumatize me and kept finding glitter for months in stranges places so I was hesitant andweary but excited when michele had this tech on video than was was like ohhhh no theres no way I'm safe to use brusho even tho my artistic dna wants to so bad....lol I also liked your suggestion I'd hyper enclose my artistic area so I could not accidentally fling the bits of brusho on any other surfaces...very good examples you have of how to contain to contain brusho...thank you so much for your info/ suggestion on and help...now brusho and sealer are going on list for xmas next yr along with travel paint brushes. And ink and granular fld... ..lol🎨😷👋

[@sislertx]

I just ordered some..gonna take over a month to get it...cant wait...but like 90 pwrcent of my stuff i probably will use it just once.

[@gila1959]

Love your videos (even your nails are bful..😊)

[@liamwatson5125]

I’ve never seen Brusho before. That looks like fun! I wanna try it out!

[@jomac3120]

Yes 👍 thank you! I have premixed some so I can directly spray it

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Sounds great!

[@BrazenSpirituality]

Thank you Michelle! 🎨🖼️🥰🥰🥰

[@joiedefi]

Looking forward to seeing those craft papers 🥰👍🏻

[@andrewfrost8866]

This looks excitingly interesting, I’ll have to get hold of some and give it a whirl!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

It's beautiful and unpredictable!

[@b-playzyt9929]

I used black, purples and greens of different shades to create a beautiful outer space background for a canvas I did about 5 or 6 years ago

[@4windrush]

Thank you for this tutorial. I haven't used brusho before and now im inspired to go ahead and do some abstract sea scenes.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Glad it was helpful!

[@robertweinblatt2018]

This is great on sanded paper with pastel over it👍🏻

[@robertmcclelland7201]

You are awesome! Love your voice and presentation.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thank you!

[@saraswativaidheesh2160]

What an interesting medium. I have never heard of Brusho, Wonder if it’s available where I live . The effects are beautiful. Looks more suitable for abstract painting or to create special effects on regular water colour painting. Loved the video. Thank you !

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

They do it mail order from art companies I believe. Somebody on Instagram told me it's manufactured in the UK which I did not know! ☺️

[@normarimington5928]

Thanks for the techniques, particularly using a brush to paint in some structure. I'll be trying some sterilising fluid in place of bleach.

[@bohemestudio]

Excellent technique !!! Love the way the powder split in to the water! I just start gettinng into watercolor ... i'ts Magical !!! Thank you .

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

You're welcome Ivan, yes, it is indeed magical :-)

[@joycewickman3249]

Thank you for such in depth instruction! I can't wait to try brusho!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Have fun!

[@silverajookrishnan8995]

Beautiful work by Brasho.tq mdm.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thanks a lot

[@phyllissanfiorenzful]

Beautiful!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thank you!

[@letitiarosenthal2286]

Lovely 😍

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thanks 🤗

[@chrisgratton5924]

Wonderful thank you!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

You're very welcome!

[@robertweinblatt2018]

I must have 3 sets of that stuff and is it ever versatile! Love this magic dust

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

It really is!

[@lynnbradshaw6279]

I love Brusho but being clumsy I get it everywhere if I take the lid off. I have holes in the lids which means I only splatter it all over my desk and not on the floor as well. Love using it, despite this.

[@hollytomas8905]

Love Brusho! Love this video, thanks Michele :O)

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

No worries Holly!

[@monopinion8799]

Amazing!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thank you ☺️

[@chrispurnell1785]

Loved the demonstration, thank you. Could you tell us the make and size of the white handled flat brush you used to wet the paper?

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Sorry it's such an old video I would have to re-watch the whole thing. White handle sounds like Daler Rowney Graduate though, hope that helps!

[@judybreedlove5348]

I've used Brusho for years. You can also tap a small amount into a palette and add water, then paint as you would with watercolor.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Hi Judy, yes I have used it that way too, it's really versatile!

[@candisstewart6481]

I just opened up my package of Brusho & it looks amazing! This is gonna be fun...when/if I get something that I like, I’ll cover it with transparent watercolor ground to layer on top. And maybe use Frisket film to keep it confined, oh my wheels are turning!

[@joiedefi]

It sounds fantastic, would work well in my art journal. I painted a winter scene today....I wonder if I could use it in a winter sky? What does a little tub cost, and where do you buy it from? Joie 💜🌿😁

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

There are sets on Amazon (links in description), some art shops sell it, and you can buy individual tubs in some places, they are about £6 each on Amazon, cheaper if you get a set, and they pretty much last for ever! Yes I have used it in a sky before, with collage. It's great for an autumn fireworks scene too, I think you would enjoy using it! X

[@marinapicard4714]

Thank you!!!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

You're welcome!

[@wendywhitter2768]

I put some of my brushos into plastic eye drop bottles so I can tap or shake the bottle, it give me far more control than making a hole in the pot.they are very cheap of Ebay.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Great idea!

[@rupalishankerarthub]

Not available in my country's Amazon. Would love to try it.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Really? I think there are other online art suppliers who will sell it to you, many European retailers will send worldwide. Might be pricey of course.

[@Engelhafen]

Fabric dyes work very similar

[@marcwheeler4406]

Do u have to seal with some type of sealing spray I would be worried that brusho might run before you had a chance to frame it behind glass if water was to find a way near it?....mikelle New York mom👩‍🎨✍🎨😷👋

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Once it's dry it won't move, but dust can drop off so it's a good idea to store finished work in a seperate bag.

[@robertweinblatt2018]

M calico cat Camille got into some and rolled in it! You should have seen her when I got home! She’s multi colored anyway but this time it was green and orange🤣😂😜🤪😱

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Hilarious!

[@thebabynurse7161]

As someone who doesn’t like glitter because of the mess, I don’t think this is for me. It sure is beautiful though!

[@norahoulton8065]

I bought the olive green brusho to try. I was going to use it to paint grass. Question. If I put down various greens for my grass, can I put brusho on top

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Yes you can!

[@suzeaa]

I wonder what Georges Seurat would have thought about Brusho?

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

That's a thought!

[@lindamiller1921]

Does Brusho have a binder as used in other watercolors?

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

I don't believe so, I think it's more ink based.

[@paulatrowski1782]

Michele is brusho the same as procion dyes I used to use in the 70s ?

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

I'm not sure, it's certainly been around that long!

[@teresasantos5221]

How can buy this pots of brusho. I live in Portugal and I never saw this pigments.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

You are best to look online, I believe Amazon has them, Jacksons will also send abroad, and probably the SAA too.

[@barbarahaime2008]

I remember last summer when I spilled some bleach onto recently purchased dark blue leggings I was really annoyed with myself especially when I realized that it had turned pink. It was too large an area to sew a patch on so I decided it was time to go punk style!. I went outside into the yard and sprinkled bleach onto the leggings which created a lovely random pink pattern which I wore for a short time and later went very fashionable with a holey look at no extra cost. Well I did at least get two seasons out of the leggings .

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Brilliant!

[@materialgirl338]

Its micro powder? Can it used on fabric? Is it toxic?

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

It's a type of dye, yes I believe you can use it on fabric, you will need to consult the manufacturer. Not sure about toxicity, it's not a problem if you get it on your hands but don't breath it in obviously.

[@natford8271]

Have you tried lemon juice instead of bleach?

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

I have not!

[@natford8271]

In the Studio with Michele Webber Natural but milder bleach!

[@Lacroix999]

Does sealing your artwork help with being more lightfast?

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Probably not, it's sunlight that degrades the pigments, and Brusho are ink based.

[@marthajacobo3519]

Can you stubble watercolor pens and get the same effect? Thx!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Not sure what you mean, watercolor pencils can be grated for something similar although it's not quite the same

[@candisstewart6481]

You are so rght about the dangers of bleach, my hubby will get anaphalictic shock from one whiff. So no chlorine in this household.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Goodness I didn't know you could be that allergic to it!

[@gl9543]

What kind of paper are you using there Michelle? I’ve tried on CP and it doesn’t ‘burst’ as nicely as that.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

It's only SAA practice paper, it's the surface they call rough but it's actually pretty smooth...

[@brightonrosie]

I have just bought 3 pots of Brusho. Can you drop surgical spirit in rather than bleach ?

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Well it won't be any more harmful than bleach, worth an experiment... Whether it actually removes any colour is another matter, try it on a scrap :-)

[@brightonrosie]

It gives a less harsh effect than bleach but was lovely

[@zaarteestdanaportiermorvan2453]

What happens if you put a damp brush in it?

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

It will activate it and may ruin the powder

[@robfielding100]

Had to Google ‘Neat and Tidy’ 🧐

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Ha ha :-)

[@robertweinblatt2018]

I dab at it with a sea sponge slightly dampened and then there’s no explosion

[@robertweinblatt2018]

It looks like an aerial view of a hurricane

[@VBeeMe]

This is a recipe for disaster. Pretty but such a no go 🙅‍♀️