Which brushes to use?
Added 2017-11-06 09:05:32 +0000 UTCWhich brushes are better for watercolors? Let's talk about that.
1. Squirrel brushes.
These brushes are doing really well with watercolors when you prefer any loose techniques without pointy details. Yes, it still can do details, but its really soft and you can't control your strokes perfectly. So if you need to fill a large space or drawing large flowers for example - it's the best brush for that, because it holds a lot of water and paint inside the hair
2. Kolinsky brushes. After a long time of research I've found that kolinsky brushes are perfect for me. This hair still holds enough paint ant water inside, but the hair itself is very elastic so it gives you the control you need. So big fillings, little details - it works for everything in my opinion.
3. Pony hair or other super cheap brushes - just don't buy it. Better to spend a little more money on good brushes and enjoy the process and result. I drew with pony hair brushes here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BMrY4N-JB5U&t=1s and it was awful XD So.. just don't. It's more like when kids need something for their art classes and moms don't want to buy good stuff for just a kid who will break everything, this is the case of buying this stuff, I think.
4. Synthetic brushes.
It always depends on the brand how good these brushes will work. For a long ime i really didn't like any synthetic kind of brushes, because it holds ways less of paint and water inside so are not really good for watercolors. These brushes are more for acryllic/oil/gouache paints because you don't need a lot of water for these paints. But it gives you the control you look for because the hair is not very soft. Also some brands make really good synthetic brushes, like Escoda, Da Vinci or Malevich I tried lately, I like these brushes. So I just think that the synthetic brush industry is developping and making better and better brushes. Also they are always cheaper than natural hair and cruelty free. So look for a good brand and you will find a nice brush!
6. Waterbrushes/aquabrushes.
These brushes are really effective to draw outside when you can't use a jar with water. You simply take this full of water brush with you and squeeze some water in process (just don't forget to take a piece of cloth with you to get rid of paint excesses). Very great thing, I'm so thankful that they invented it.
5. Bristle hair brushes are mostly not for watercolor at all, but you can use it to add a texture effect.
So yeah, this is the most common brushes you can see at the art supplies store and stare at them without knowing that to do and how to choose :D I hope this post will help you with it!
Comments
happy to hear that! :D
ashiyaart
2017-11-06 12:41:12 +0000 UTCThanks a lot for you detailed explanations, really helpful for watercolor beginners like me! Love your work <3
Tamaking91
2017-11-06 12:38:01 +0000 UTC