When starting your painting journey, it is natural to focus on paints and colours first. Yet one of the most important tools in your kit is the humble brush. The type of brush you use can change how paint flows, how smooth your edges are, and even how long you can keep control before the bristles wear out. For beginners, this choice can feel overwhelming, there are so many shapes, sizes, and materials to choose from.
The good news is that you do not need dozens of brushes to get started. By learning the basics of brush types, their uses, and how to care for them, you can set yourself up with a simple but effective collection that will support your growth as an artist.
1. Understanding Brush Shapes
Each brush shape has its own “personality” and purpose:
- Round brushes: Taper to a fine point, perfect for details, lines, and small areas. A versatile starter brush.
- Flat brushes: Broad and square-ended, excellent for bold strokes, washes, or blocking in large areas.
- Filbert brushes: A rounded flat brush that gives softer edges — great for blending and natural shapes like leaves or petals.
- Fan brushes: Spread-out bristles, useful for textures such as grass, hair, or clouds.
- Detail brushes: Very fine rounds or riggers that give extra control for line work.
For beginners, a round, flat, and filbert in small and medium sizes will cover most needs.
2. Bristle Types — Natural vs Synthetic
Brushes are usually made with either natural hair or synthetic fibres:
- Natural hair brushes (such as hog bristle or sable) hold more paint and water. They are prized for oil and watercolour work but can be more expensive.
- Synthetic brushes have improved dramatically in quality in recent years. They are affordable, durable, and often easier to clean, making them an excellent choice for beginners.
- Blended brushes combine both for versatility.
If you are just starting out, a good synthetic set will serve you well. You can always invest in higher-end brushes as your skills develop.
3. Brush Care — Making Them Last
A well-cared-for brush can last for years. Here are some simple habits to protect your tools:
- Never leave brushes standing in water or solvent — this bends the bristles.
- Clean brushes thoroughly after each session. Water-based paints wash out with soap and lukewarm water, while oils require a proper brush cleaner or solvent.
- Reshape the bristles gently with your fingers while damp.
- Store brushes flat or upright (bristles facing up) to keep their shape.
By developing good habits early, you will avoid the frustration of frayed, splayed, or hardened brushes.
Where to Buy Brushes – Spotlight on Rosemary & Co
If you are looking for artist brushes that offer outstanding craftsmanship without breaking the bank, Rosemary & Co is a wonderful choice. Based in Yorkshire, England, they are well known for producing brushes that feel balanced, responsive, and beautifully made. Students and professional artists alike praise their durability, noting that the brushes hold their shape well even after plenty of use.
They also offer a wide and beginner-friendly range. For watercolour, there are top-tier options such as Pure Kolinsky Sable for the finest control, alongside more affordable choices like Pure Red Sable and the versatile Red Sable Blend, which combines natural and synthetic fibres. Acrylic and oil painters can explore reliable synthetic ranges such as Ivory, Eclipse, and Evergreen, as well as traditional natural-hair brushes like hog bristle and Masters Choice. Their Beginner Sets provide excellent value for money, and many artists also recommend the Series 33 — a range often compared to premium brands like Raphael, but at a fraction of the price.
Final Thoughts
Learning about brushes may not feel as exciting as mixing colours or planning a new painting, but it makes a real difference to your progress. With just a handful of carefully chosen brushes and some simple care, you will have everything you need to start building confidence and enjoying your painting practice.
To inspire you further, we will be sharing some wonderful student paintings below that demonstrate how brush choice can affect marks and textures.
If you would like to take your next steps with structured support, why not explore our Beginners Painting Course. It is designed to help new painters gain confidence, learn the fundamentals, and enjoy the process of creating with paint.
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