Creating Depth and Detail with the Series 12 Flat Brush

When it comes to bringing landscapes to life, the right brush makes all the difference. The Series 12 Flat Brush is designed with stiff, slightly uneven synthetic bristles that allow you to add both texture and subtle detail with ease. Whether you’re painting soft, distant foliage or building up layers of bold, expressive detail, this brush gives your work a vibrant, natural feel.

👉 Explore the Series 12 Flat Brush in the Shop

Why the Series 12 Flat Brush Stands Out

“Every stroke adds a new layer of texture—letting your imagination flow across the canvas.”

Stiff, uneven bristles: Perfect for adding broken texture to foliage, bark, and textured surfaces.
3 Versatile sizes: Great for broad areas while still allowing for controlled detail.

Technical Exercise: How to Paint Foliage

One of the most common challenges for artists is achieving realistic foliage that feels alive and not repetitive. In this exercise, I demonstrate how to use my three go-to brushes—including the Series 12 Flat Brush—to create rich, varied foliage effects.

You’ll learn how to:

Load paint effectively for crisp, clean marks.
Use the brushes at different angles to vary leaf shapes.
Apply strokes in a way that builds depth, consistency, and natural form.

With practice, you’ll notice your leaves, canopies and texture taking on more convincing detail and dimension.

👉Purchase the Foliage Brush Set here

Stippled Brush Techniques for Depth

“By keeping the brush relatively dry, you can create a beautiful stippled texture—perfect for subtle depth in foliage.”

Dry brush stippling: By keeping the brush relatively dry and applying only a small amount of paint, you can achieve a delicate, textured finish. This is ideal for distant foliage, where detail should remain subtle.
Soft blended stippling: For closer foliage or areas needing more density, load a little extra paint onto the brush and gently tap with just the tips. This produces a soft, natural stippling effect that adds depth without looking forced.

Both techniques can be combined in a single painting to create variety and depth across your landscape.