Paint brushes??

[Callynne]

It has been mentioned here to buy the best brushes one can afford. That being said I think it would be helpful from some of our best known painters (Charlotte, Nancy, Teri) and anyone else, what do you look for in paint brushes.
Painting on woodcarvings instead of paper or canvas has to require different brushes...or does it? Is sable the best? What do you use to do detail work...what are your preferences.
All these question come because I just recieved my latest Dick Blick catalog, there are so many brushes to choose from and up till now my buying has just been from Wal-Mart or JoAnn Fabrics. Those brushes work great for a couple carvings then they are all 'messed up' will more expensive brushes last longer??
Do you prefer synthetic brushes for 'surface painting' larger areas or do you go with 'real' brushes for everything? Any tips or suggestions are appreciated! Thanks, Callynne

[woodenleg]

I am NOT A GOOD PAINTER AND PROBABLY SHOULD KEEP MY MOUTH SHUT! However, I have found that I like the brushes that are the chisel points in all different sizes. For very small items, I use some of those with really stiff bristles that are more pointed.

I hate every brush I have gotten from China. The bristels just fall out and stick to the piece. (They may be higher quality by now.) There is a brand ('Royal??') that I think it very good.

I have found that my brushes last much longer if I do not leave them sitting in the water. I'm sure that others will have a great deal to add on these subjects and I look forward to hearing it.

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

keep your brushes in 'lard oil' when not in use, keeps the life in the bristles..use soap and water to clean out before use.

[Nancy-G]

For painting base coats or big areas I don't care too much what I use as long as it's smooth doesn't shed. I'll use Loew Cornell and Robert Simmons synthetics from Wal Mart.

[Nancy-G]

> I didn't click 'Reply' .....I wasn't finished!!!
When I'm ready to paint details or faces I get really picky about brushes and I want a Kolinsky Sable. Dick Blick makes a good one .... Winsor Newton, IMHO, is best.
Right now I'm looking at the Dick Blick catalog too and thinking about the DaVinci Maestro kolinsky sable rounds. Even at 50% off they are pricy but I'd sure like to have some.

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

My choice too, except good quality oil painting brushes don't hold up using them on water based paints..they end up flaring out! So I have been buying brushes at walmart, one of each size in a pack for about 4 dollars...and they do all right, but they too flare eventually, but at least you aren't out much! I have all my oil paints etc, but not patient enough to use them and wait for them to dry on a woodcarving! :-/ :P :

[AlArchie]

I don't do sny of that fine detail painting (snow scenes, floral motifs, etc.) so can't answer for those exceptional talents, but most of the painting I do on water critters is with an air brush, or short, stiff bristle brushes, for stippling. I find the mid-range priced brushes at Michael's, WalMart and other art/craft stores quite satisfactory. I did find that a good sable pointer worked wonders when painting the Soo Line sign on that last carving, though, so I may take a shot at some more delicate work, down the line.

Al

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

Was that a pun? down the line? down the Soo line! LOL :

[AlArchie]

Geeze, I do it even when I don't try! 'Down the Line' didn't even register.......

Al

[icarve2003]

I was told by an instructor once to use sable brushes. That's what I buy and I usually look for the cheapest ones I can find. I'm like Nancy though, for large areas, I just use someting that will get the paint on without falling apart.

Chris