Aaron Holland Fine Art

In this article we will focus on brushes for the painter. Most people know that long handled brushes are for the oil and acrylic painter, and short handled brushes are for the water-colorist. But do you know why?

Most water-colorists work at a table and so the brush acts like a pencil, whereas most oil and acrylic brushes are designed for work at an easel where the painting is upright. the long handle allows for balance while paintings, and also allows the artist to stand back and paint and hold further back on the brush. hmmm…interesting, no? When you are choosing a water-color brush there are a few things to consider: Both natural bristles as well as synthetic brushes will work; it is a matter of preference and sometimes cost. Synthetics will be less expensive, but hold considerably less water. A good water-color brush should “belly out” in the middle and taper to a long sharp point (somewhat like a tear-drop).

• hint: remember to avoid touching your water-color brush with your fingers, as this will transfer oils to your brush and eventually throw it out of shape. And you should always avoid using a water-color brush for anything except water-color! Most acrylic painters prefer a synthetic bristle (like nylon) or synthetic “blend” (part nylon part natural hair) as it is suitable for the water-based acrylic pigment. There are three main shapes for the brush: the Round, the Filbert, and The Flat. Traditionally, the round was used in portraiture, while the Flat was used for Landscapes (a Bright is a short haired version of a Flat that can either “scoop” paint, or be used with very “slow” or “short” paint, etc…). The Filbert is a relatively new shape to the brush market, and is a nice design that can act like a Flat or a Round depending on which way you hold the bristles.Most quality art dealers will let you use a cup of water and paper to test out a brush before you buy!

*Oil painters on the other hand will use natural bristles for the most part, as the oil mediums will condition the hairs, and the hairs are not so affected by solvents (like mineral spirits) as a Nylon brush would be. The “work horse” brush for the oil painter is the “China” bristle. When you are buying a china bristle brush look for these key words: Chunking Interlocking China Bristle. This refers to a superior quality of bristle construction, specifically using the natural curve of the bristles to ensure that they keep their shape. Some artists prefer a “detail” brush for more fine work. A “kolinsky sable” is the brush of choice for many discriminating painters. This is a specific type of natural hair that is rare and known especially for is spring and responsiveness. It is also expensive. if the cost of a Kolinsky Sable is prohibitive, consider a red sable.

• hint: some artists will buy a brush or two anytime they buy any other art supplies. This will keep your brush supply fresh…and the more brushes you have, the longer they will last!