Last week we talked all about brush shapes and touched lightly on sizes. This week i would like to dive into the topic a little deeper and really give you a visual of these brushes. While i know the information i have written for you is informative, sometimes seeing and having a visual reference can really inspire you. So here's a look at brush sizes and shapes in action.
This swatch shows each brush shape previously posted side by side with each other. i used various sizes but you still get a general idea of the shape of the brush. Below are each brush shape broken down individually so you can see just a tiny portion of what they are capable of creating. i used the same brush size pictures above as below in the individual examples so the above swatch is a reference to the sizes.
The Round is such a verstile brush. It can make thin to thick lines. This is the same brush that created all those different lines and shapes. It is the first brush i would recommend for your stash. The sizes vary from a very tiny 0000 to big larger sizes. These sizes are supposed to correspond to the length of the hairs from the ferrule to the tip. However, the numbers on these brushes vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, so a "4" in one brand can be smaller or larger in another brand. The above round is a "4."
The pointed round is very similar to the above round but as you can see, you can get a more detailed, fine line. The thin point on the top really changes up this round shape. The pointed round has the same number sizing as the round. The above pointed round is a "5".
These look large but are really small. The above overview photo really gives you an idea how tiny these script/liners can be. i love them for the detail they give. Great for highlighting and signatures. The scripts have the same number sizing as the rounds but you generally don't find them in larger sizes. The above scripts is a "1."
The filbert is such a fun brush. That curved toe really creates a different shape than a normal flat as evident in those little "dot" shapes and in the petals of the flower. The filbert has the same number sizing as the round. The above filbert is a "6."
Flats, as you see, can give you nice coverage in one stroke. Turn it on its side to get a smaller line. i wanted you to see what different sizes look like side by side. These brushes are usually sized by the width of the hair above the opening of the ferrule. So you will usually see numbers like 1/2" etc. The left flat is 3/4" and the right flat is 1/2".
The angle shaders/brushes are another useful brush. They produce a variety of shapes from a wide swipe to a thin line. All of the above examples use just one size angle brush. These are generally measured the same way as flats although sometimes you will find them numbered like rounds. The above angle is a 1/4".
Very similar to flats in shape but good for short controlled strokes. These are also generally measured the same way as rounds or filberts. The above bright is a "2."
This oval wash really lays in lots of color. This particular oval wash is 3/4" and the same size as the bigger flat pictured above. Because of its "moppy" head you really get that great coverage. Generally sized the same as flats.
The fan brush is fabulous for creating texture like the above image. Turn it on its side to get a nice line. i also find it useful for creating great circles with a small flick of the wrist. Generally sized like rounds so you will see a number on it. The above fan is a "2."
If you are just starting out, i recommend purchasing a round and a flat. These two types of brushes have such a variety that you will get lots of uses out of them. Then depending on the type of art you are creating, expand your paint brush stash as it appeals to you.
Previously covered paint brush topics:
- Create Daily: The Paint Brush (Basics & the anatomy of a brush)
- Create Daily: The Paint Brush: Hairs & Bristles
- Create Daily: The Paint Brush: Shapes
