Modern artist pinceaux artiste come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and bristle types. They are a crucial tool for an artist to choose in order to achieve the desired results of their painting. Whether it’s short thick strokes that show the brush lines, soft smooth patches of color or long fluid lines, the right brush can make all the difference.

It can be overwhelming standing in the paintbrush aisle at a paint store with the vast sea of choices spread out before you. It takes a lot of time and experience to develop an understanding of the various brush types, their qualities, and what they can accomplish for you.

Drawing in Color: Exploring Techniques and Artistry with Oil Pastel Pencils

Round, flat with angled hairs at the tip. This is a great choice for creating curves and can also be used to cover large areas quickly with broad brushstrokes. A round with natural hairs (like the ones shown) tends to wear down faster than a synthetic one, but it will still serve you well for years to come.

Filbert, flat with a rounded tip. This is a classic shape for oil or acrylic painters and is the most versatile of all brush shapes. It can be turned on its side for a thin line, or swiveled in mid stroke to create tapered marks.

Sable brushes are the gold standard for fine art. They are made with the finest quality sable bristles, birchwood handles and seamless nickel ferrules. They hold a very large amount of paint and have a good spring to them, making them ideal for working on fine detail as well as larger stokes.