How to Use a Rigger Brush for Watercolor

Today we take a brief look at the long stringy brush known as a rigger or a script/liner brush and talk about how it can be used.

The three brushes in my hand at the beginning (left to right):
Master's Touch synthetic Squirrel rigger from Hobby Lobby

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[cgoodman]

I know this is an older video…..but thank you for it. It was just the info I needed. I was always confused about what a rigger was and why to use it vs a diff brush. Great info.

[ambds]

You had me at 'shock absorber.' I have very shaky hands, and I've been struggling with lines. My rigger is my new best friend.

[mariagarcia]

Dear Steve, you are such a generous artist. There´s tones of videos with artists pinting watwrcolors so that you can see how THEY PAINT, but nobody else really shows HOW TO PAINT in such an easy way that even the very beginner can learn. Thank you very much from Spain!

[ficheye]

The only thing annoying about your videos is... I can't get that song out of my head!! Actually, it's not annoying at all. Your whole presentation is very appealing. I'm really glad I found you on my journey into watercolor. I watch at least one a day and some I've watched several times. Thanks buddy!!

[mariannskears]

I just started using my rigger and it is true what you said. I was born with what is called Essential Tremors and while using my rigger yesterday I noticed a very big difference in how it seems to not show my tremors as much. So, I love it now. Thank You also for letting us know what we need to load it all the way to the ferrule.

[davidludwig]

Thank you for all the information you cram into your videos. I'm sure I'm not the only one who appreciates your style of teaching, too; very knowledgeable, but not pushy. PS: Say "hi " to Reese for me, please.

[mindsQuill]

Thank you so very much! I have very unsteady hands and I could not do long lines like that with my round 0! I had ordered a rigger which is yet to be delivered so I could make long lines but I wasn't sure if it was a good decision to invest money on a rigger. I am so relieved to know that it is kind of a shock absorber! Thank you so much!

[celestebuckway]

I really enjoy your videos. In a world where more is better, to have you say I only need flat and round brushes is refreshing. You said if you see a need for a certain brush that is fine. I like your practical thinking. Thank you and I'm slowly making my way through your videos!

[nancyfleming]

Just.... Thanks! You are the greatest source of WC info out there.

[inlesinlet]

i was intrigued by the rigger because of its name, since i'm a sailor by heart. now that i know it can help make great tree branches, which is one of my favourite things to paint, i know that i need one! thank you for making such greatly informative and entertaining videos :D

[peaches]

Oh my you, thank you, thank you! I wasn’t sure just how these were used. I do a lot of flowers, trees, etc. and now I can see this brush being one of my favorites! 😀

[mindofwatercolor]

@Nilesh K – The three I hold at the beginning, left to right: Masters Touch Synthetic Squirrel (Hobby Lobby Brand), Princeton Neptune, Windsor Newton. There are lots of good riggers out there so don't feel limited to these brands.

[Rockymtnbloom]

I do think a rigger or liner is a must-have.

[Kuemmel]

Funny that you mention Bob Ross. I'm in my twenties and I like to watch Bob Ross for some inspiration and my German dad told me he would watch Bob Ross in the 80's to learn English. The Joy Of Painting was one of the few shows in the English language back then.
Today it is still on German TV late at night.

[Sunandshine]

Perfect lesson, I have just bought my first 'rigger ' and I love it ! Now I know how to use it properly, you star ! Thankyou .

[yvonnewhitehouse]

Thank you for all your helpful videos. I decided to try watercolours after only using oils and acrylic. It’s very different so help much appreciated.

[anoos]

Thank you for this clarification. Very helpful video😊

[eunicenield]

Thanks for showing how to load a rigger brush.

[peggyconti]

Your videos are so informative. Thank you

[naffisahmed]

Hi Steve I use these brushes for fine pin-striping work like you said they a design to hold a lot more paint and give you more flexibility to move around then a regular brush. Well explained Steve nice tutorials...