Different brushes for different strokes

How many types and kinds of paint brushes are needed to create an awesome wall painting? It could already be given that an artist is an artist and whatever material he sees around, he can make something out of it. But we cannot deny the fact that resources like the availability of basic to rare materials will make an artwork sophisticated and world class. Although there are some who can paint with their hands, brush is no doubt a painter’s best companion.

If you check on some artworks for sale online, you can notice that the medium used is indicated along with what cloth was used—of whether it was canvas or burlap. But none of these indicate what type of paint brush is used. This is because if you mention the kind, you might also be required to identify which stroke in the artwork used a particular brush. And this is because there is a perfect brush for each stroke like a perfect size, tip style, hair texture of brush for every detail you see in the wall painting.

There is appropriate brush for oil paint. Bad brush will make painting difficult for artists, not to mention that they will greatly affect the outcome of the artwork. A good brush for oil paint maintains its shape despite being filled with oil paint. It goes back to each original shape after each stroke in painting. It is not just the texture of hair that differs of whether it is coarse or smooth but it is the kind of brush itself. One kind is made of pig hair called bristle, whereas the other one is called sable from the weasel.

Each of the above-mentioned kind is used depending on the size of the space that needs to be painted. For larger spot or space, an artist uses bristle while the latter is for fine details of the artwork not unless an artist will improvise and make bristle work for fine details, too. But why bother fix it when he can just secure it and make his materials just as handy.

For the beginners who will be getting their first paint brush, you might catch some imitation in the market like brush made of nylon or other animal hair which resembles bristle and sable. Don’t hesitate to go for it if these are the only ones that suit your budget.

Anyway, they come very close to the authentic. Remind yourself too that wall painting requires brushes with long handle as opposed to common wall paint brush that is used to colour your home wall. Non- artists, art lovers and those who buy art online deserve to know some bits and pieces that are relevant to the artwork that they are passionate about.

The author, Shannon, is the co-founder of Artyii, an online sale platform of Asian emerging artists. He specializes in acquiring quality wall paintings at good prices for art lovers worldwide. He has also assisted those who were looking for artwork for sale and those who loved to buy art online.