Acrylic painting is a versatile and popular medium, but it requires the right tools to achieve the desired results. Paint brushes are a crucial part of any acrylic artist's toolkit, and it's essential to choose the right type of brush for the job. In this post, we'll explore my most used and 7 favourite brushes. As a landscape and seascape artist, I would not have been able to accomplish what I have, without these brushes. Here they are in order of most used. The oval paint brush, fan brush, flat soft natural brush, liner brush, filbert brush, dagger brush, and palette knife for acrylic painting. Acrylic painting is probably one of the toughest mediums to work with, just because of how quick it dries. So the right tools are a must if your getting started with acrylics. I will provide links in my pictures and at the end of each description to our favourite Amazon store if your interested in any of them.
1. Oval Paint Brush
An oval paint brush is a versatile brush that is perfect for blending and creating smooth strokes. This is not your typical oval brush though. Not the one I use anyway. This brush was meant for furniture and outside work, but with its natural bristles I can paint a whole forest in minutes. I use a dabbing motion that creates great texture and depth with each layer of colour. From Cherry Blossoms to Big Evergreens i would not have been able to do it with these 2 guys. The Brietis Oval brush is my number one and most used.
2. Fan Brush
A fan brush is a unique type of brush that is ideal for creating special effects and blending colours. The shape of the brush allows for a soft texture that is perfect for painting clouds, hair, feathers, waterfalls, trees and waves . The Winsor & Newton University Series Fan Brush is my favourite and a high-quality option that can help create a variety of textures and effects. One of my tutorials on my Youtube Channel is Painting waves with one brush, and this was the brush. Such a great tool. It's good to have different sizes as well unless you only paint one size canvas. I paint on small and large canvas so I need a few different sizes for convenience, but you can get away with just one size. If you would like to purchase one of these feathery beauties just click here https://amzn.to/3JMHUig
The Link To My Wave Tutorial:
3. Flat Natural Brush
A flat soft natural brush is perfect for creating sharp edges and smooth finishes. This type of brush is ideal for painting on canvas or other textured surfaces, and its soft bristles make it easy to apply thin layers of paint. This should be my number one brush since its used on every painting, but its used to apply my base paint and blend backgrounds. Which is my least favourite to paint, but it is very important as it sets the quality of the painting. This is also my most expensive brush I own, but it definitely has held up to the ware and tare. The Raphael Textura Flat Brush is an excellent option for acrylic painters looking for a reliable and high-quality brush. I use the 2", but you can also find a smaller version or larger depending on the size of the canvas your painting on. You will not go wrong with this brush. You can find the 2" brush here https://amzn.to/3JNgoB4
4. Liner Brush
A liner brush is a long, thin brush that is perfect for creating fine lines and details. This type of brush is ideal for painting letters, borders, and other intricate designs. The synthetic bristles of the liner brush make it easy to apply a consistent line of paint. There are so many sizes and types of bristles that I couldn't even count how many exist. I probably own about 20 myself, but I use this one probably 90% of the time. I especially love using this brush for painting tree branches and twigs. The Princeton Liner No. 2 is an excellent choice for acrylic painters who want a high-quality liner brush that can create fine details. This brush is also a good choice for watercolour painters. Please use the link provided to find better options as well. https://amzn.to/3Tl00uT
5. Filbert Brush
A filbert brush is a versatile brush that can create both sharp edges and soft blends. The rounded shape of the brush makes it ideal for painting foliage, flowers, and other organic shapes. I normally use it for tree trunks, flower petals and leaves. This is another one of the brushes I own so many of, but only use one I find myself more comfortable with, and that's the Princeton Velvetouch No. 8 Filbert Brush. It is a high-quality option for acrylic painters looking for a brush that can create a range of textures and effects. This brush is also great for watercolours and oil base painters.
feel free to use the link provided for my favourite Filbert brush. https://amzn.to/3TpzqRp
6. Dagger Brush
A dagger brush is a unique type of brush that is ideal for creating crisp lines and delicate details. The shape of the brush allows for a controlled flow of paint, making it easy to create a range of textures and effects. This is one of those brushes I wish I could find more uses for. I have trouble choosing between this and my filbert sometimes when I'm painting flowers. Sometimes I find myself painting whole trees with this fun brush. It's still one of those things where it comes down to comfort. This is a must have and once you become comfortable enough with it, you can paint master pieces with this Dagger. This could definitely replace a liner and filbert brush if you can master it. I'm not quite there yet, but I'm working on it. The Silver Brush is a top-of-the-line option that can help acrylic painters create stunning, detailed designs. I bought a second just because I loved it so much. Here's the link so you can have some fun to https://amzn.to/3ljn9RF
7. Palette Knife
A palette knife is a versatile tool that can be used for mixing and applying paint. The flat, flexible blade of the knife allows for smooth, controlled strokes that are ideal for creating texture and depth. These 2 are used the most when I paint mountains or making water lines. I think I have mastered the mountains with the scraper knife. I've provided the link to my second go to as well down below. If your into painting mountains, get rid of that brush and master the knife.
The Liquitex Freestyle Painting Knife is a high-quality second option that can help acrylic painters achieve a range of effects and textures. "You can move mountains" I think Bob Ross said that.
In conclusion, choosing the right paint brushes is crucial for any acrylic painter. The oval paint brush, fan brush, flat soft natural brush, liner brush, filbert brush, dagger brush, and palette knife are all essential tools that can help artists achieve their desired results. By investing in high-quality brushes, acrylic painters can take their work to the next level and create stunning, professional-looking paintings. "Happy Painting"
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