In February we will be focusing on brushes for use with acrylics and in this article I provide you with a link to a small starter set for under £6 choosing the best ones I could find for starting out. All you have to do is click on it to go straight to Jacksons art.
So brushes! If you are new or just starting out it can be daunting to know what to buy and how much to spend. Read on as I tell you which ones NOT to buy and give you a link for 3 brushes that will be perfect for using in class and at home with acrylics.
BUY ONLINE A SET OF 3 ACRYLIC BRUSHES
If you are buying on line you can try www.jacksonsart.com or if you just want to buy a set of 3 brushes then click on this link as I have picked out a set of 3 acrylic brushes for a great price! Hurry as they are on special offer
Brushes not to buy: Hobbycraft brushes! Sorry but they get a thumbs down. You may have a large set with light coloured handles that are long with pale hairs (see in this photo on the right? They are good for oil but not so with acrylics. If you haven't used them yet be prepared for splaying, hairs falling out and an undefined shape (more about this in classes). If the brushes you have are bristle brushes they are much more difficult to use.
Brushes to look out for: synthetic - soft to the touch, have a good spring when you touch them, good point or nice straight flat edge (flats). You don't need to get sable brushes you can pay less if you follow the above tips. Acrylic brushes have a shorter life cycle than watercolour brushes (watercolour is easier to rinse out than acrylics making them better value) Think about size, a small, medium and larger brush. Student quality can be good if bought from an art shop but ask them if not sure. Artist quality are always better value for money.
Hope that helps. We will also look at watercolour brushes in the spring