{"id":1023,"date":"2021-09-11T08:21:00","date_gmt":"2021-09-11T08:21:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/gallerybry.com\/?p=1023"},"modified":"2021-12-31T06:24:29","modified_gmt":"2021-12-31T06:24:29","slug":"how-to-blend-edges-three-techniques-for-blending-edges-with-oil-paint","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gallerybry.com\/?p=1023","title":{"rendered":"How to Blend Edges: Three Techniques for Blending Edges With Oil Paint"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

For today\u2019s ARTicle, we are going to discuss blending and three common ways to blend edges. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

We will discuss some examples, look at some visual diagrams, and finish with an exercise. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s get started. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the last ARTicle, we discussed hard and soft edges and everything in between. Blending those edges is how to achieve such a multitude of edges. Let\u2019s look at three examples. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are three common ways to blend edges: by using a dry brush, using a between color or value, or a combination of both. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Using a dry brush is probably the most common and well known technique. Essentially all it entails is mixing one color and value shape into another. See the example below. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Light
Blending oil paint with a dry brush<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The benefit of this technique is that it\u2019s quick and efficient and you don\u2019t have to be a master at color mixing. Now let\u2019s look at some shortcomings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The down side is that it\u2019s easy to over blend and lose beautiful brushwork, resulting in a potentially flat painting. The next technique helps avoid this problem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another option is to use a between color and value. In other words, brush in a color or value that is somewhere between the two color shapes you want to blend. See the example below. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Light
Blending a light and dark value with a mid tone <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

With this technique you will achieve a much more painterly effect with beautiful brush strokes, rather than a painting that appears overworked and flat. But there is still one more option. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The final option is to use the best of both techniques. Why use just one tool when you can use multiple? You may find that using a mid tone to blend doesn\u2019t always give you the effect you desire. In that situation you may find that blending with a dry brush, your finger, or any other tool can give you exactly the edge you desire. Now let\u2019s finish with an exercise. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

To master blending values, try painting an apple on a small panel. This will help you efficiently practice blending without being slowed down by drawing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do one a day until you feel confident in the progress you have made. Experiment with different lighting directions and temperatures to keep the exercise fresh. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Landscape
An apple a day helps the inspiration stay<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

In the next article we will discuss how connecting light and dark values can make a strong composition and make starting a painting easier.
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