Brushes are the tools of expression for painting, so it is worth trying out several types and shapes to find what works best for you. Traditionally watercolour brushes are soft so that they apply the paint in a gentle manner without damaging the paper surface. There are brush types for any kind of style, and the materials used in brush manufacture vary too, which can alter how the paint applies and settles. Some brush types hold lots of water, whilst others do not, but there is no right or wrong because there are pros and cons for each. It is all a ma tter of what works best at any given time. Let’s first take a look at different materials used in brush making.
Materials
Synthetic brushes arespring, and a moderate amount of water retention. The use of both fibre types makes this a versatile watercolour brush capable of generous washes as well as delicate details. Natural hair retains copious quantities of moisture, forms a fine point, and it is soft and sometimes springy (depending on the hair type). Squirrel mop brushes hold huge amounts of water, as do Kolinsky sable brushes, but these tend to be more expensive than other brush types.
