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Choosing Your Oil Painting Brushes
The most popular oil painting brushes are bristle ones. The most commonly used types are the longhaired brushes known as a "flat" and the short-haired brushes known as "bright." There is also a round bristle brush that comes to a blunt point, which you may find useful after you have become familiar with the possibilities of the long- and short-haired varieties. These come in sizes from a scant inch to over 1 inch in width and are identified by numbers. While I suggest inexpensive student colors for beginners, I recommend that you buy the best brushes you can afford. Properly cared for, a good brush will hold its shape and resiliency and will last a long time. In the Oil Painting Tips and Tricks section I include advice on the care of brushes and the use of other types of brushes. The following sizes should enable you to accomplish all the work necessary on canvases from 9 x 12 to 20 x 24 inches: ![]() Long-haired brushes numbers 2, 4, 6, and 8 Short-haired brushes numbers 4 and 6. In addition to the bristle brushes, you may find a small pointed or round sable brush handy for fine lines and details. No 1 Flat: The long-haired bristle brush known as a "flat." It will serve for the bulk of your work. No 2 Bright: Also a bristle brush but with a shorter hair. Using the edge of the brush produces a thin line, excellent for outlining. No 3 Round: The round brush is available in both bristle and sable hair. It does not hold much paint but is useful for details. No 4 Filbert: Combines the characteristics of a flat and a round bristle brush. A very fluent stroke, particularly useful for head and figure painting, can be produced with it. No 5 Rigger: Made with sable hair, the rigger is used for delineating fine lines and sharp details. No 6 Flat Sable: The flat sable is the most effective brush for producing a smooth finish. Its soft quality lends itself well to glazing effects. Oil Painting Links:![]() ![]() Intro to Drawing | Figure Drawing | Intro to Sketching| Color Theory | Oil Painting | Water Colors | Acrylics | Charcoal Crayon | Still Life Painting | Painting Equipment | Painting Canvas | Art Glossary | Painting Outdoors | Perspective | Painting Tips and Techniques| Angel Drawing Prints and Posters | Link to This Site| Privacy Policy and Terms of Use
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