How to Choose the Right Paint Brush for the Art Technique

A carpenter must understand how to use his or her own tools in order to build a house, so must an artist know how to use his or her tools to paint a successful painting. At first, knowing how to choose the right art paint brush is a daunting task.

When I first began painting, I underestimated the importantance of choosing the right paint brush. This article will focus on the tuft ’shape’ of the paint brush and how it corresponds to each different different use and desired painting technique

The material that the paint brush hairs are made of, how they are bunched together, their length and shape all affect the characteristics of the brush.

Here is a list of the duties of some of the most popular brush shapes:

Square: A squared-off brush.

Flat:

• Brush length twice as long as width
• Use for backgrounds and details.
• Use for covering large areas
• blending

Bright:

• Width equal to length Allow for the most control
• Great for coverage
• Blending

Filbert: This brush is similar to a flat but has has a round outer edge.

• The Filbert’s shape can vary from a flatter brush with a rounded outer edge to an oval shape.
• The Cat’s Tongue shape comes to point for more control.
• A multi tasking painting brush.
• This brush can take the place of a round or flat depending on the way the artist holds the brush.

Round Brushes: Primarily used for detail and working in small spaces.

Standard Round:

• Use for shaping, details, and outlining.

Pointed round:

• Use for retouching, finishing touches and details.
• Pointed tip for coloring.
• With a high reserve, this brush is widely used for watercolours
• Worn rounded:
  • Avoids “rounding”.

Script, Liner & Detail: All three brushes are similar and used for painting fine lines. They can all be used for lettering, animal whiskers, branches, and artists’ signatures.

• Script:
  • The longest hair tufts.
  • Holds the most paint.
• Liner:
  • The mid length hair tufts.
  • Compromises between fine detail and longer flowing strokes.
• Detail:
  • The shortest hair tufts
  • Offers the most control

Fan: Fan brushes used for shading, blurring and glazing.

• The Fan paint brush is a thin layer of bristles spread out
  in the shape of a fan.
• Fan brushes are generally used for blending and feathering colors.
• Fan brushes can be used for painting trees, branches, grasses and detail.
• It is popular for painting hair with its ability to paint multiple flowing strands in a single stroke.

Mop: Like the name says, these brushes allow you to ‘mop’ up a lot of paint.

• Usually larger brushes favored by watercolorists, but also used with oils and acrylics.
• Used for making large washes.
• Used for blending and shading with oils.

*****

Thank you to Christophe Bagnis, of the famed ‘Raphael’ paint brush makers.  Since 1793, Raphael brushes have provided exceptional quality and beauty with a rich history dating back to 1793. Christophe generously shared his expertese about paint brushes on my FineArtTips Facebook Fan Page - his knowledge helped me write this informative post.

I hope this helps you ‘choose the right paint brush’! ~Lori

You might also enjoy reading:

Top Paint Brush Tips from the Art Pros on Facebook

Watercolor Painting & Its Materials for the Beginner,

Painting with Acrylics – The Mystery Explained! or

How to Make Your Own Inexpensive Small Painting Panels

I also found this article informative: Artist Paint Brushes