I love coffee. But, I’m not a coffee snob.
Same goes for paintbrushes. I love them, but I’m not a snob. However, I could easily become one (if I won the lottery). So, here are my favorite brushes from ‘Somewhat Snobby’ (I mean, they’re not made out of unicorn hair or anything) to ‘Always Affordable’.
My all-time favorite brushes?
Trekell! I love, love, love the Trekell Opal 4000 kf series. I use the filberts in 8, 4, 2, 0. (But I’m finding myself using flats more and more…). Why do I love them? They are the perfect balance for oil painting of flexibility and firmness. They also NEVER lose their bristles. And, if you treat them with love and kindness, they keep their shape for a very long time.
Ok, hand in hand with Trekell brushes are my second favorite - Rosemary Brushes. The only reason I didn’t name them as number one is because I use them for blending (which is important to a portrait artist!). The series I use is Rosemary Filbert 278 in 4, 2, and 1. But I just end up using the 4 all the time. I have never met a blending brush like this beauty. Truly my portrait-painting ride-or-die.
Now, those brushes are more of an investment (for me personally, I know fancier artists have even fancier brushes, but I like to keep a little money left over for things like the mortgage and groceries!). I also have some favorite brushes that are a bit more accessible to every budget!
Amazon cheap-o Bomega brushes. Although, I think the brand name changes from time to time (I still can’t figure Amazon brands out). They’re cheap and I like ‘em!. The last time I purchased them they were ‘Bomega 803’ and they come in a pack with all the sizes. They are very soft, and great for subtle detail and some blending. Also, when the bristles splay, they create great texture!
And last but not least, good ol Princeton Snap! brushes. These cheapies are available at your local art store and will cost you a whopping $2-$5 dollars. I love them because they do a decent job and you don’t have to have a proper funeral if one loses a bristle or two…you can just buy another one! I tend to buy the smaller ones and use them for details in eyes, lips, and noses.
So there you have it- these are a few of my favorite things! Hope this was helpful. Happy painting!
