ArtBistro

I have been trying to paint tiny details with acrylics, but I end up making lines too thick or things too big. How do you paint little details like fine lines or hair, etc? I tried using smaller brushes, but it's not working out. Help!!!

Sometimes i use a split brush technique where with one stroke you can get multiple lines. You can also build up layers this way, and if necessary soften the effect with glazes.

comb brush or fan brush - and gentle touch. Dennis

It often depends on the size you are working in. If you think your paint with a blending fluid, that can help. I find I don't need too small a tip to suggest fine detail. I often use a size 8 chisel and use the flat angle for larger strokes and the very corner for finer detail.

If you treat hair as a mass and add detail in strategic areas like around the face, you won't need to worry too much about over detailing it. Your eye and the viewers eye will say Hair to them if you get the masses of light and dark and the depth correct, then use some detail srategically. For some fine loose hairs, dabbing in little quick flicks, like where the light hits individual strands, can suggest detail without actually finishing through with continuous lines to "draw" strands persay.