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JIM'S WATERCOLOR GALLERY

Watercolor Brushes

It truly is amazing what kids say......About Watercolor Brushes for Painting.

I was using my best brushes in demonstrating to some 8 - 10 year old school children.

A very colorful painting was appearing right before their eyes, one sweet little girl raised her hand and asked "what kind of brush are you using to make such a pretty picture?"  before I could answer she added "it sure is painting so nicely".

As though the brush was doing all the work.   Never-the-less she was smart..... A GOOD BRUSH MAKES A BIG DIFFERENCE.

So what Watercolor brushes for painting do we buy?
A basic set may be as follows:
A #6 Round
A #12 Round
A  1" fLAT
A #6 OR #8 Rigger (liner).

BRUSH  ANATOMY  101......Watercolor Brushes

Brush heads can be made of just about any hair material.  Nylon, Treated Nylon, Blended Brushes,Ox, Bristle, Goat, Squirrel, Red Sable and Kolinsky Sable.
Know what you are buying so that you can get the best deal.
Saw some brushes in a local Art Store marked 100% Camel Hair.... give me a break, these brushes have never seen a camel in their life.   They stopped making these a very long time ago, even then they were no good.

Watercolor Brushes listed here are priced lowest to highest.
White Nylon, very fine filament, no texture, water and paint runs straight down the nylon, not noted for color holding capability.  Not recommended.

Golden (or some other words) Nylon, is a  filament that has been treated, pitting the fine strands allowing it to be not only softer but to carry and retain water and color.

Ox, not used in watercolor painting very much.  Has course hair, handles punishment well.

Bristle,  same remarks as Ox.

Squirrel,  very absorbent, borders on being very floppy, will not come to a point very well, but if you have a soft, very organic painting style and you love large washes this brush may work for you.

Goat,  soft hair, absorbent, get a large puddle or paint ready it will suck-it-up.  Mainly in oriental brushes, great in Hake brushes.  Great for painting very loose landscapes.

Red Sable,  slightly below the performance level of a Kolinsky brush (nowhere near the price either).  A good natural hair brush.  Comes to a good point.

Kolinsky Sable,  Great brush, Great price, your work must justify buying these Watercolor Brushes for Painting.

Overall.... the Blended Brush, or the Golden Nylon are good value for your money.  Recommended.

CLICK BELOW TO SEE GREAT PRICES ON WATERCOLOR BRUSHES.

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