How do I put a gradient and/or pattern as a brush in Photoshop without loosing the nice color?

Is this even possible? Is there another way I can get that effect?How do I put a gradient and/or pattern as a brush in Photoshop without loosing the nice color?
not sure why u would need to...u can use adjustment layers and areful selection to get the desired effect without losing the color.

masks

cannon ink