Whether you’re a beginning oil painter or an old pro, chances are you have some questions about what types of brushes are best for oil painting and what each of them are good for. Today we’re going to talk about the brushes we offer and bring you some clarification as to which will work best for you.
Terminology: Balance, Flow, and Snap
Balance, flow, and snap are terms we use to describe how the brushes perform. Balance refers to the way the brush feels in your hand; flow means how the paint flows from the brush; and snap is how the brush returns to its natural shape. Art is nothing if not descriptive, right?
Elizabeth ZanzingerTypes of Brushes for Oil Painting
Synthetic brushes mimic natural hair bristles and provide a good allergy-free, less-expensive, and more sustainable alternative to them. Natural brushes are just that--made of natural animal hair like sable, or natural hog bristles. Of the natural brushes, sables are typically the softest and best for watercolors, and bristles are the stiffest and best for acrylics and oils.
Synthetic Brushes
While synthetic brushes are more cost effective, keep in mind that you get what you pay for. Cheaper synthetic brushes won’t offer the same quality performance and they will often deteriorate faster than higher quality synthetics.
Trekell offers lots of options with their Legion and Opal lines. We also offer Golden Taklon, brushes for pinstriping and lettering, and synthetic mop brushes which are great for blending and washes.
The Legion line of brushes are synthetic mongoose with a long handle and are great for both oils and acrylics. They’re a sustainable and long-lasting brush you’ll enjoy for years to come.
Our Opal brushes are synthetic hog bristle, and are super durable while maintaining their stiff shape over time and after enthusiastic use.
Our Golden Taklon brushes come in 6” or 10” long handles and are ideal for any media. They maintain their fine points, hold their shape, and always have an amazing snap.
Natural Brushes
Like synthetics, there are also different levels of quality in natural brushes. Trekell offers the finest quality natural brushes that are durable and high-end. Investing in top quality brushes that will last a lifetime is a wise decision for any artist.
Hog Bristle brushes are yet another staple of an artist’s collection. Ours are flexible yet stiff with a good spring. They retain their shape and don’t spread with time.
Choose the Perfect Brushes for Your Oil Painting
In conclusion, understanding the different types of brushes for oil painting is essential for artists of all levels. By familiarizing yourself with the terminology of balance, flow, and snap, you can better assess the performance of each brush.
When it comes to brushes, you have the option of synthetic or natural bristles. Synthetic brushes offer an allergy-free and sustainable alternative, while natural brushes, such as sables and hog bristles, provide unique qualities for specific mediums like watercolors, acrylics, and oils.
Investing in high-quality brushes, whether synthetic or natural, is a wise decision for any artist. They offer durability, superior performance, and lasting value.
So, whether you're a beginner or an experienced oil painter, choose the perfect brushes that will enhance your artistic expression and help you achieve the desired results. With Trekell Art Supply, you can find premium synthetic and natural brushes that will elevate your oil painting experience. Start exploring our selection today and unlock your creative potential.