Did you know that brushes are made from natural bristles and synthetic fibers? The best and most expensive watercolor brush is made from the tail hair of the Siberian Kolinsky Red Marten. It stays in shape for a long time and has a very high water absorption capacity due to its very fine hair. A good alternative is the red sable brush. Cheaper brushes are made of mixed or synthetic fibers. These have some other painting characteristics and usually can not absorb as much color as a Kolinsky red sable.

The size of a watercolor painting brush depends on the circumference of the lower end of the ferrule, the point at which it releases the hair. The smallest sizes are 000, 00 and 0. However, these are rarely used in watercolor painting.

Round brush: Draw wide strokes PLUS You can set sharp points and lines with the great round brush.

Flat brush: Strong, precise lines - It stays in great shape and is very durable.

Long-handled fan brush: With him, the color can be distributed featherily and perform delicate wet-in-wet painting.

Tractor: Slim long hair! Excellent for fine long sweeping lines. Very good for details.

Round poster writing brush: Suitable for lines and flourishes. It is used instead of a spring for soft ink lines.

China brush: These can absorb a lot of color. Especially suitable for lettering.

Flat brush: Especially suitable for even washings.

Blur brush: Ideally suited for large-scale washings or to wash over wet-colored areas.

In our next blog entry we will continue with acrylic brushes.