11. Using Brushes to Letter.
a. Introduction.
To construct letters with a brush, choose a brush
with hairs equal to the size of the lettering (width of the stroke).
After filling the brush with paint, use a scrap piece to work the tip of
the brush into a chisel point that is the same size as the normal spread
of the brush hairs. Then, form each stroke of the letter with the tip of
the brush and maintain equal pressure with each stroke.
Excessive
pressure causes uneven strokes and shortens the life of the brush.
b. Gripping the Brush. There are two different ways to grip the brush
for lettering: pencil and two-finger.
The pencil grip is the same grip
you use to hold a drawing pencil. Use whichever grip with which you feel
most comfortable.
No matter which grip you use, you must position the
brush at a right angle (perpendicular) to the drawing surface so you
finish each stroke with a clean-cut edge.
(1) Most illustrators prefer the two-finger grip (figure 2-11)
because it provides more maneuverability of the brush on curved strokes.
To use this grip, hold the brush by its ferrule between your thumb and
first finger. Keep the brush at a right angle to the drawing surface and
rest your other two fingers and the heel of your hand on the drawing
surface.
Figure 2-11.
Two-finger brush grip
(2) Make each stroke with a coordinated arm, wrist, and finger
action.
For vertical strokes, pull the brush toward you.
To make
horizontal strokes, move the brush from left to
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