Most of us — amateur painters 😊 — have found ourselves at some point in an art supply store, staring blankly at the display of paintbrushes… so many shapes, sizes, and different price points.
The choices can be overwhelming, even for someone who has been painting for a little while! How do you pick the right brush to start with, and what are all these different sizes and shapes for?
In this post, we’ll try to help you understand the various shapes and sizes, so you can make your choices a little easier!
Off we go...
-
round brushes : with a round tip, sometimes pointed, these brushes are perfect for painting lines, outlines, and details. The lines you create can be thin or thick depending on the pressure you apply.
-
flat brushes : with a square-shaped tip, available in various lengths, these brushes are mainly useful for thicker lines and for filling in larger areas. However, using their edge with gentle pressure, they can also be suitable for creating fine lines.
-
filbert brushes : with an oval shape, these brushes are better than flat brushes for filling in color because the strokes are less visible. They are also ideal for blending and creating smooth transitions.
-
fan brushes : these fan-shaped brushes are perfect for painting leaves, flower fields, and clouds... In fact, we love experimenting with these particular brushes! 😋
-
angle brushes : These brushes are essentially flat but with a 'cornered' edge. They are ideal for shading as well as for reaching into tight spots, such as corners, where other brushes might not fit—perfect for painting tree branches or pine needles 😉
We believe that you need one of each shape, but if you're just starting out and your budget is limited, we would say that with a round and a flat brush, you'll be well-equipped.
As for the size, we also recommend beginning with a medium-sized brush. Over time, depending on your needs and style, you can expand your collection.
Lastly, it's very important to take good care of your brushes using specialized cleaners . This way, your brushes will last forever!
That's all for today!
Have a great day, and we'll talk again next week!
Artistic kisses!
