Scumbling Technique

Scumbling is a technique I like to use when I want a soft appearance with multiple hues or values. I have been using this in my Perceptions series. I use a specific scumbling brush (an old short hog bristle brush) because scumbling will destroy a new brush in no time. I start by painting a solid color and let it dry. Then I use a small amount of contrasting paint on a dry brush over the dry underpainting. I lightly tap my brush in the paint and lightly dab the excess paint off on a cloth. You don’t want so much paint on the brush that it completely covers the underpainting. In the video I am scumbling coral over blue, allowing the underpainting to show through. In the video I am using quick straight brush strokes, but I frequently use circular strokes to create a cloud-like appearance. I am painting with acrylics but this can be done with oils as well.

In the video I am demonstrating the scumbling technique.

This close up of my painting shows a variety of scumbling textures.