Watercolor brushes are an essential tool for any watercolorist, as they determine the quality and style of the painting. Choosing the right brush depends on several factors, such as size, shape, type of hair and ferrule. In this article we explain the characteristics and uses of the different watercolor brushes, as well as some tips on how to care for and preserve them.
Don’t let your brushes limit your creativity. With professional watercolor brushes, you will be able to paint with more ease, precision and expressiveness. Discover the difference a good brush makes and be surprised with the results.
Don’t wait any longer and get the best professional watercolor brushes!
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Size and shape of watercolor brushes
Watercolor brushes are classified according to their size and shape. Size is indicated by a number ranging from 0 to 24, with 0 being the smallest and 24 being the largest. The size of the brush influences the amount of water and paint it can hold, as well as the precision and coverage it can achieve.
The shape of the brush refers to the shape of the hair bundle coming out of the ferrule. There are many brush shapes, but the most common are:
Round: it is the most versatile and the most used in watercolor. It has a fine tip that allows delicate and detailed strokes, and a wide belly that can carry a lot of water and paint. It is used for all kinds of motifs, from flowers to portraits.
Flat: has a flat, rectangular hair bundle that can create broad, even strokes. It is used for painting backgrounds, skies, buildings or flat surfaces.
Cat tongue: it has an oval shape that combines the advantages of the round and flat brush. It can make thin strokes with the tip and broad strokes with the side. It is used to paint leaves, petals or fruits.
Fan: has a fan-shaped open hair bundle that can create textured effects, such as grass, hair or feathers. It is used with light and smooth movements on the paper.
Liner or script: has a very fine and long bundle of hair that can make very thin and continuous strokes. It is used to paint lines, branches, stems or letters.
Here are some recommendations for professional watercolor brushes:
Fuumuui Pinceles de Acuarela, juego de Pinceles de Pintura con Detalle Redondo de Artista, Pelo de Marta,
ESCODA Set 3 Pinceles Acuarela РN.4,6,10 Redondo Punta Pelo Sint̩tico
Winsor & Newton Set Pinceles Acuarela, Surtidos
ESCODA Set 3 Pinceles Acuarela РN.8,10,12 Redondo Punta Pelo Sint̩tico
Escoda Set 3 Pinceles Acuarela – N.8,12,18
ESCODA Set 3 Pinceles Acuarela РN.4,8 Redondo Punta N.10 Mop Pelo Sint̩tico
ESCODA Set 3 Pinceles Acuarela – Black Set Viaje N.16,1/4″,12 Redondo Punta Espada Carrado Pelo Sintético Serie Versà til Perla Estuche Tela Profesional Fabricado a Mano en España.
ESCODA Set 3 Pinceles Acuarela – Red Set Viaje N.6,8,12
Type of hair and ferrule of watercolor brushes
The type of hair and the ferrule are two other important characteristics of watercolor brushes. The type of pile determines the absorbency, elasticity and durability of the brush. The ferrule type affects the grip and balance of the brush.
Brush hair can be natural or synthetic. Natural hair is obtained from different animals, such as sable, squirrel or pig. Synthetic hair is made from artificial fibers, such as nylon or polyester.
Natural hair brushes are usually more expensive but also softer, more absorbent and more resistant than synthetic brushes. The best brushes for watercolor are sable hair brushes, especially Kolinsky red sable brushes. However, there are excellent brushes made with synthetic filaments or with a mixture of natural and synthetic hair.
The ferrule is the metal part that holds the hair bundle to the brush handle. It can be made of aluminum, brass or nickel. What is important is that it is resistant to rust and wear, and that it does not come loose or open with use. The ferrule also influences the weight and balance of the brush.
Artify 2021 – Juego de 10 Pinceles de Pintura, Incluye una Funda de Transporte, Ideal para Pintura acrÃlica, óleo, Acuarela y Gouache
Pinceles Pintura Acuarela Profesional | Set 8 | Gran Absorción Y Control del Agua para Un Flujo Constante |Estuche para Artistas
Exerz JH024 Artist Set de Pinceles – 10 Pinceles Profesionales con Cerdas de Cabello Sintético en un Estuche Viajero Usar con Acuarelas/AcrÃlico/Gouache/Pintura Facial
Tips for caring for watercolor brushes
Watercolor brushes are an investment that you need to take care of to make them last longer and maintain their quality. Here are some tips for cleaning and preserving them properly:
Clean brushes after each use with warm water and neutral soap. Gently rub the hair with your fingers or a sponge until all the paint is removed. Rinse well and dry with a cloth or absorbent paper.
Do not leave the brushes immersed in water or resting on the tip, as they may become deformed or damaged. Let them dry in the open air in a horizontal position or with the tip upwards.
Store the brushes in a dry, clean place, protected from dust and light. You can use a case, box or jar. Make sure the brushes are completely dry before storing them.
Use different brushes for each type of paint, since watercolors, oils and acrylics have different properties and can damage the brush hair. You can also have specific brushes for certain techniques or effects.
ESCODA Jabon Acondicionador Crema Pinceles
Kurtzy Limpiador de Brochas de Acero Inoxidable – Bote para Pinceles Sin Goteos Capa Doble Portátil para Artistas
Faber-Castell 181517 – Vaso para mezcla de pinturas Clic & Go, color rojo
Professional watercolor brushes
Professional watercolor brushes feature high quality hair, a sturdy ferrule and an ergonomic handle. These brushes offer better performance, greater durability and greater precision than basic or school watercolor brushes.
They can be made of natural or synthetic hair and can have different shapes and sizes depending on the type of stroke or effect you want to achieve.
They can be found in different brands and prices according to their quality and origin. Some of the most recognized brands are Da Vinci, Escoda, Winsor & Newton, Raphael or Isabey. These brands offer a wide variety of models and series of professional watercolor brushes to suit the needs and preferences of each artist.
Pinceles Pintura Acuarela Profesional | Set 8 | Gran Absorción Y Control del Agua para Un Flujo Constante |Estuche para Artistas
ESCODA Set 3 Pinceles Acuarela – Black Set Viaje N.16,1/4″,12 Redondo Punta Espada Carrado Pelo Sintético Serie Versà til Perla Estuche Tela Profesional Fabricado a Mano en España.
Frequently Asked Questions
Professional watercolor brushes have higher quality hair, a stronger ferrule and a more ergonomic handle than basic or school brushes. These brushes offer better performance, greater durability and greater precision than the others.
The type of hair depends on the taste and budget of each artist. Natural hair is usually more expensive but also softer, more absorbent and more durable than synthetic hair. Synthetic hair is usually cheaper but also harder, less absorbent and less durable than natural hair. The best brushes for watercolor are sable hair brushes, especially Kolinsky red sable brushes. However, there are excellent brushes made with synthetic filaments or with a mixture of natural and synthetic hair.
The shape and size of the brush depends on the type of stroke or effect you want to achieve. The most common shapes are round, flat, cat tongue, fan and liner or script. The round is the most versatile and is used for all types of motifs. The flat is used for painting backgrounds, skies or flat surfaces. The cat’s tongue is used to paint leaves, petals or fruits. The fan is used to create textured effects, such as grass, hair or feathers. The liner or script is used to paint lines, branches, stems or letters. Sizes are indicated by a number from 0 to 24, with 0 being the smallest and 24 the largest. The size of the brush influences the amount of water and paint it can hold, as well as the precision and coverage it can achieve.
Professional watercolor brushes can be found in different brands and prices depending on their quality and origin. Some of the most recognized brands are Da Vinci, Escoda, Winsor & Newton, Raphael or Isabey. These brands offer a wide variety of models and series of professional watercolor brushes to suit the needs and preferences of each artist. Prices can vary from a few euros to several hundred, depending on the type of hair, shape, size and series of the brush.
Conclusion
Watercolor brushes are an essential tool for any watercolorist, as they determine the quality and style of the painting. Choosing the right brush depends on several factors, such as size, shape, type of hair and ferrule. Professional watercolor brushes are characterized by high quality hair, a strong ferrule and an ergonomic handle. These brushes offer better performance, greater durability and greater precision than basic or school watercolor brushes.
