Are you shopping for a really good artists paint brush but you aren’t sure about what shape to purchase for your art supply? Here is a little bit of information about brushes and brush shapes.

The real difference between a brush that you use for watercolor painting and one that you would use painting with oils or acrylics comes down to the handle. The heads are very much the same, sometimes identical. Paint brushes that are designed to use for oil and acrylic painting have a longer handle to facilitate use while standing at an easel. Watercolor brushes or brushes used for craft painting have shorter handles with the understanding that artists would use them while seated.

Under most circumstances, artists paint brushes for watercolors can be used for other media as well, oil painting being the only exception. Paintbrushes used with conventional oil paints need to stay allocated for that use. Brushes that are used for watercolor painting can also be used for acrylics, and vice versa, back and forth. The best thing to keep in mind is that with proper care your brushes should not have residues of paint in them and can therefore be used for all kinds of media.

You should always have a brush cleaner or brush conditioner in my art supply. If you primarily paint with brushes made from natural hair then a conditioner is a must. Your fine art paint brushes are made with hair much like your own. Imagine if you painted with a piece of your hair… it would need some T.L.C. afterward. A brush cleaner is great for reviving brushes that maybe didn’t get the attention they needed after your last painting was completed. A good brush cleaner can often revive a brush that would have been destined for the garbage otherwise.

Not sure what shape or size brushes you need for your project? Whatever you like is the best thing to get for your art supplies! But, if you are new to all this, keep in mind that variety is not only the spice of life but, a great way to keep your painting techniques fresh and interesting. Plus, you won’t meet very many happy painters who complete a painting on a full sheet of watercolor paper using only a size 8 round watercolor brush. To keep your brush strokes interesting and your paintings lively, use any paintbrush that peaks your interest.

For more information about different types of brushes, check out my other guides!