What are the key things to look for in a partner to your paint?

WHAT MAKES BRUSHES SO DIFFERENT?

• HAIR TYPE

• HAIR QUALITY

• SHAPE

• SIZE

• HANDLE LENGTH

• FERRULE

• DURABILITY

HAIR TYPE

Natural hair like sable or squirrel is the most absorbent and softest hair to use. Synthetic hairs are

less expensive alternatives.

HAIR TYPE

Pro Arte make good quality sable brushes. Winsor and Newton's Cotman range contains good

synthetic alternatives.

HAIR QUALITY

Good quality brushes cost more, but will hold their shape for longer. Winsor and Newton Series 7

sable brushes are considered the finest watercolour brushes ever manufactured. Cotman offer a

more affordable option.

HOW MANY SHAPES ARE THERE?

ROUND BRUSHES

Round brushes are the most popular shape used in watercolour. This is because they are so

versatile and great for fine details and thicker lines. The point at the end of the round brush is very

important to some artists!

FLAT and FILBERT

Not used as often, but both have distinct brush marks for varied application of colour. Flat brushes

are sometimes referred to as ‘One-Stroke’. These shapes are available individually for watercolour.

MOP - FAN - RIGGER

It’s worth experimenting with different brush shapes to get different marks and create different effects.

ANGLED SHADER – SWORD LINER

Slightly specialist shapes used for curving techniques, the Angled Shader is good for more controlled

curves and Sword Liner is often used for signwriting, or both are good for experimenting!

WHAT SIZE MARK DO YOU WANT TO MAKE?

SIZE

Large brushes are great, but they do jump up in price!

WATERCOLOUR BRUSHES HAVE SHORT HANDLES.

SHORT HANDLES

This is because of the fine detail and small scale traditionally associated with watercolour painting.

HOW IMPORTANT IS THE FERRULE?

FERRULE

The ferrule of the brush determines how well the hairs are attached. Good quality brushes will have

been crimped (pressed with great pressure) to ensure limited loss of hairs.

DURABILITY

DURABILITY

How long do you want your brush to last? Quality brushes can last a lifetime if cared for properly.

Sometimes it’s worth investing in a well made quality brush. Watercolour is quite a kind paint, so you

only need to clean with water.

VALUE FOR MONEY

BRUSH PACKS

At Cass, we sell a large range of brush packs. This is a cost-effective way to buy brushes. The Pro

Arte sable brush pack of 5 sells all 5 brushes for the price of the largest brush in the pack! Good to

know. Brush packs also give a good range of sizes for an artist who may not have any brushes.

AND AN ARTIST WITHOUT BRUSHES…

NEEDS TO GET TO CASS ART ASAP!