ARTIST BRUSHES · A STUDENT REFERENCE
Choose the brush.
Shape the mark.
Explore brush shapes, sizes, fibers, and primary uses—then match the tool to the mark you want to make.
Shape before size
First choose the mark-making shape. Then choose a size that fits the scale of your painting.
THE BRUSH LIBRARY
Pick a shape.
Study its mark.
19 brushes
UNDERSTANDING SIZE
Numbers are clues,
not measurements.
- 01
Brands size differently
A size 8 from one maker may not match another. Compare the actual width, length, and belly—not only the printed number.
- 02
Small numbers, fine work
Sizes 000 through 2 are generally detail brushes. Too-small brushes can make large paintings look scratchy and slow.
- 03
Large brushes unify
Larger brushes encourage broader shapes, cleaner color masses, and more confident marks.
- 04
Inches are clearer
Wide flats, washes, and varnish brushes are often labeled by width—such as 1/2, 1, or 2 inches—which is easier to compare.
A USEFUL STARTER SET
04
Four shapes cover a lot
A medium round, a medium filbert or flat, a larger flat, and one small detail round can handle most beginner exercises.
1×
Buy fewer, better brushes
One dependable brush that holds its shape is more useful than a large set of specialty shapes with weak ferrules and shedding fibers.