A Beginner's Brush Guide

Liner
These brushes are very fine versions of the round brushes. They have short bristles and are used to paint small areas. They are often used to paint fine flowing lines and calligraphics strokes.

Script Liner
The script liner is a long bristled brush used to make fine lines and tendrils. This brush should be used with very thin paint so it will flow easily from the brush.

Round
The round brush is an excellent brush for base painting as well as strokework. With its bristles grouped in a circle, the fine pointed tip works well for detailing because it allows the artist to paint in tiny spaces.

Shader
This flat, versatile brush has sharp corners and medium-length bristles. It can be used for shading and adding dimension and depth. It can also be used for blocking in color, strokework, floating, and blending.

Angular Shader
This type of flat brush has bristles arranged at an angle. This design is excellent for angled strokes and shapes, as well as for tight, curving shapes and blending and edging small areas.

Filbert
This thick brush holds paint well and its fairly short bristles allow firm stroking. It's good for soft, rounded edges, easy flower petals, and blending.

Deerfoot
This round brush has medium short bristles cut bluntly at an angle. It's used for drybrush stippling to create a light airy or fuzzy look.

Flat
This is a versatile brush because the chisel edge can be used to make fine lines and the flat edge makes wide strokes. The bristles are long and can carry a lot of paint so its not necessary to stop and reload often.

Mop
Use this full brush for wetting of putting in large areas of color or wash. It can also be used to soften and blend oils.

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