- Brushes are versatile tools.paint brush #5 image by Adam Borkowski from Fotolia.com
Your paint brush is probably the most important tool you have in painting. A good brush will hold a lot of paint, be able to apply paint precisely and last a long time if well cared for. They come in a host of shapes and sizes, each with specific advantages. It is important to experiment with your brushes to learn about them. Go ahead and try some different things, and if it doesn't come out as planned you can always paint over the area. - Round brushes come to a point, which means they are suited for detail work. They can also be used to cover large areas by pushing them into the canvas a bit, which will make the bristles expand. Turn the brush to the side to create a scraggly, dry brush effect.
- Flat brushes have bristles in a rectangular shape. They are good for creating clean edges and sharp forms, and for defining shapes. Use them as you would a house painting brush, at about a 45-degree angle, for most applications. You can also stipple with the tip of the brush, loading it with paint and pushing the brush repeatedly straight into the canvas, to make interesting textures.
- Use smooth, even strokes for clean application and areas where you do not want to leave ridges in the surface of the paint. Short, slashing strokes can convey energy. A brush that is loaded up with paint that is not too heavy or viscous will have better pull (meaning you can drag it further across your painting without the brush running dry). This is good for longer, swirling strokes or calligraphic applications. Keep the paint out of the ferrule (the steel part of the brush the grips the bristles) so you have more control. Wipe the brush on a rag occasionally for this purpose.
- Keep your used brushes in a solvent--either water for acrylic paint or mineral spirits for oil paint--during your painting period. Wash them as soon as you are done for the day with soap and water.
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