As much as I've been enjoying figure and life drawing with charcoal, it's fun to switch it up and work with different media. So I dug out my watercolour pencils and gave them a go.

At first, I found it rather impractical to work with colour as well shapes and shadows during the 3 or 5 minute life drawing poses. The time it takes to switch colours and dip the brush in water, and the act of holding a bunch of tools in your hand, all add to your attention given the short time. Then I discovered the water brush, and it's revolutionised painting on the go for me!

A water brush has a soft plastic reservoir that can be filled with water. When you squeeze the barrel, water flows into the bristles, which removes the need for a separate water container. It also makes it quick and easy to clean the brush when switching colours or when you've finished painting. The barrel is flattened which prevents the brush from rolling off your work surface.

The water brush is fantastic for watercolour sketching and painting on location, life and figure drawing and journaling. Perfect for blending watercolour pencils or applying watercolour, gouache or ink. Highly recommended!

I used a Pentel Aquash Waterbrush for this watercolour life drawing of a 3 minute pose. I predict the water brush will come in handy for portable summer painting!