Starting your journey into the world of watercolor painting is an exciting adventure filled with possibilities. However, choosing the right resources to guide your artistic endeavor is critical, and this process begins with selecting the right brushes. This article provides a comprehensive guide to the recommended brushes for watercolor beginners, giving you the foundational knowledge you need to get started.
Let’s first classify watercolor brushes into five main types: round brushes, flat brushes, filbert brushes, fan brushes, and mop brushes. Each type has a specific use and delivers unique results. Having a range of these brushes can give you more flexibility in expressing your artistic vision.
ROUND BRUSHES
Round brushes are your go-to for most watercolor techniques. They come in various sizes that cater to different work details. Small-sized round brushes (000 to 1) are excellent for intricate details, while medium-sized brushes (2 to 6) are perfect for achieving controlled washes. Large brushes (12 and higher) are essential for big, loose washes.
For beginners, it’s a good idea to start with the Winsor & Newton Cotman Short Handle Brush, particularly the Round Series 111. This brush comes in a pack including size 1, 6, and 12, providing a broad range to experiment with different techniques. Considered durable, the Cotman series offers excellent value for money.
FLAT BRUSHES
Flat brushes, as the name suggests, are flat and wide. They are excellent for applying broad strokes, washes, and filling large areas with color. Da Vinci’s Series 5073 Synthetic Mottler Flat Wash is a highly recommended choice for beginners. It offers great fluid capacity owing to its synthetic bristles, making it perfect for even, seamless washes.
FILBERT BRUSHES
Filbert brushes, shaped like a cat’s tongue with a flat, rounded edge, are multi-purpose brushes. They can make a variety of strokes, from thin to thick lines, making them suitable for creating shapes like leaves or petals. Try the Princeton Velvetouch Mixed-Media Brushes. They combine the performance of a natural hair brush and the durability of a synthetic one.
FAN BRUSHES
Fan brushes get their name from their fan-shaped bristles. These brushes are ideal for effects like smoothing, blending, and textural strokes. They can create fine lines and tiny details with precision. A beginner-friendly option would be the Grumbacher Golden Edge Nylon Fan Brush. Known for its high quality, it provides a consistent spread of color, making it a favorite among many artists.
MOP BRUSHES
Lastly, we have the mop brushes. These brushes, with their high bristle volume, serve best for wash techniques and soaking up excess paint or water. A beginner-friendly mop brush like the Silver Brush Black Velvet Brushes can be a great investment for smooth washes.
In addition to identifying the type of brushes, it’s also important to understand the two key factors that determine a brush’s quality – the bristles and the shape.
BRISTLES
Bristles can be of natural or synthetic materials. Natural bristles like Kolinsky sable and squirrel hair are known for their excellent water-holding capacity. They maintain their shape well over time and are considered the go-to for professional watercolor artists. However, they are expensive.
Conversely, Synthetic brushes like nylon and polyester are less expensive, making them an ideal choice for beginners. They are quite durable and mimic the water-holding capacity of their natural counterparts decently.
SHAPE
The shape of the brush refers to how the bristles are grouped. The core shapes include round, flat, filbert, fan, and mop. Depending on the kind of work you’re doing, you’ll need to use different shapes. A flat brush is ideal for broad strokes, a round brush for smaller, detailed work, and a mop for large color washes.
Learning about the types, sizes, and materials of brushes is crucial for a beginner. However, it’s equally important to understand individual painting style and preference. Experimentation can be the best way to figure out what works best for you.
Remember, your tools don’t limit your creativity. Even the most basic brush can yield beautiful results in the hands of an artist. But a high-quality, well-suited brush can make a significant difference, giving you the ability to articulate your vision with greater precision and ease. Good luck with your watercolor journey!
