Choosing the right paint brush is essential to creating a successful painting. There are many different types of paint brushes available, each with its own unique shape, size, and bristle type. We'll explore the most common types of paint brushes and offer tips and advice for choosing the best brush for your painting needs.
Round Brushes
Round brushes are the most versatile type of brush and are used for a wide range of painting techniques. They have a pointed tip and a round belly, which makes them perfect for creating fine details, thin lines, and broad strokes. Round brushes come in a variety of sizes, from small to large, and are ideal for creating everything from small details to large areas of color.
Flat Brushes
Flat brushes have a rectangular shape with a straight edge and a flat belly. They are ideal for creating broad, sweeping strokes and for filling in large areas of color. Flat brushes come in a variety of sizes and can be used for a wide range of painting techniques, from blocking in large areas of color to creating smooth, even layers of paint.
Fan Brushes
Fan brushes have a flat, fan-shaped bristle head that is ideal for creating delicate, feathered strokes. They are often used for blending and for creating special effects, such as foliage or clouds. Fan brushes come in a variety of sizes and are best suited for creating thin, wispy strokes. Or in the case of Bob Ross, happy little trees!
Filbert Brushes
Filbert brushes have a flat, oval-shaped bristle head with a rounded edge. They are ideal for creating soft, blended edges and for painting smooth, even layers of paint. Filbert brushes come in a variety of sizes and are perfect for creating everything from fine details to broad, sweeping strokes.
Angle Brushes
Angle brushes have a slanted, angled bristle head that is ideal for creating thin, precise, sharp lines and for filling in tight spaces. They are often used for painting corners and edges, as well as for creating fine details and sharp angles.
Tips for Choosing the Best Paint Brush
Consider Your Painting Style
Your painting style will play a role in determining the best type of paint brush for your needs. Consider the techniques and effects you want to create and choose a brush that is best suited for those techniques.
Consider the Size of Your Painting
The size of your painting will also influence the size of the brush you choose. Larger paintings will require larger brushes, while smaller paintings may require smaller brushes.
Experiment with Different Brushes
Don't be afraid to experiment with different types of brushes to find the ones that work best for your style and technique. Try using a fan brush to create pine trees and even try creating your own tools to apply paint to your canvas!