Of all the tools available to today's painter, none is more valuable than a fine quality brush. Artists often ignore the
importance of good brushes, tending to think of them only as a means to an end. Indeed, choosing the correct brush for
the task at hand will greatly facilitate the journey to your next masterpiece.
The array of brushes offered up in the marketplace is truly mind-boggling. There is, apparently, a specialized brush made
for every conceivable approach to painting. And while it is desirable to match up the brush to the work to be done, truth
is most painters can get by quite nicely with but a few good quality basics.
Let's start with the operative term "good quality." The rule here is: Do Not stint on brushes. Buying cheap, poorly made
brushes is a false economy. Not only will they wear out quickly, they will perform inadequately, thereby making your
work even more difficult.
Regardless of how you paint or what kind of brushes you like to use, purchase the highest quality tools you can afford.
Now once you have acquired good brushes, learn to take care of them. At the end of the day clean your brushes
thoroughly. If working in oils, first rinse in turpentine followed by gently washing with soap and warm water. Dry with
paper towels and, if possible, suspend the brush with the bristles pointing downward.
Brushes tend to be categorized according to size, shape and bristle material. The most commonly used brushes for oil
painting are known simply as bristle brushes. Depending on the shape of the bristles, these brushes are usually referred to
as flats, brights, filberts, rounds or fans. With a good variety of each shape in various sizes, you will be set to accomplish
most any artistic challenge.
For finer, smoother or more detailed work, sable brushes are the choice. They are considerably more expensive than
bristle and require gentle handling, cleaning and storage. But with proper care, they are a worthwhile investment and can
give years of satisfaction.
Because of the many brush styles now available, it should not be too difficult to match brush to task. Experimentation will
yield the greatest amount of and the highest quality information about brushes and, particularly, which brush is right for you
and your purposes.
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