![]() Mustela siberica is wild caught and labelled least concern under endangered US Fish and Wildlife and CITES are concerned about the possibility of endangered species being used. Of Kolinsky brushes coming to the United States, so Kolinskys of any description are expensive and hard to find here. Perhaps because of all the confusion about what Kolinsky sable actually is, the US Fish and Wildlife stops most shipments Many brushmakers make "Kolinsky" sable using other parts of the animal's pelt, the summer coat, a female Mustela sibirica,įor example, it's pretty standard practice to mix male / female hair about 60% / 40% in a brush. The hair is in a conical shape, so it's naturally wider at the base with a pronounced fine tip, perfect for pointed brushes. ![]() The hairs are brown orange with a darker tip. The very best Kolinsky is from male Kolonok weasels or Mustela sibirica's winter tail hair. The only consensus on the title of Kolinsky is that, besides being the most expensive and best brushes, they are sourced from Stray hairs here are a ruined brush since the tip is no longer delicate enough for a fine line.Ī video lesson comparing 4 different brush hairs in a #14 round brush. It must come to the type of point / edge you want. This is the only part that touches the paper. Is it going to let all the water go at once or in a steady stream? How it distrubutes the water changes how the stroke looks. How much water stays in the brush changes the type of stroke and how long you can paint for. The belly of the brush holds your water reservoir. Brush making is very much a fine craft, with years of experience used in making the best brushes. The hair on a good brush is shaped into place, not trimmed. The tight clamp of the ferrule holds the hair in the brush, not glue, which would break down with the rough treatment we artists give brushes. ![]() The other half is in the ferrule for a firm hold. Types of hair and properties are explained below. The shape, stiffness and water retention of the hair type makes the brush. The type of hair changes the brush completely. The hair should lie sleek, with no stray hairs flying out. Most Asian brushes are attached directly to their handle with no ferrule.īrush hairs are clamped in the heel. It should be double or triple clamped evenly. It should be smooth, with no gaps for water to leech in and rot the handle. The ferrule is the metal part of the brush. Your hand size, shape and how you paint changes how you want your brush to feel. Not all brushes are comfortable for all artists. You want it to feel like an extension of your hand. It shouldn't be weighted unevenly where it flops or you have to hold it at the ferrule. The handle should be made of solid hardwood, such as beech. A good brush makes watercolor painting easier and more fun. Once you've reached a certain level in brushes, it's more about the artist's skill than the quality of the brush. There is no point in frustrating yourself. When they get to that point, either repurpose them or throw them away. They have only so many paintings in them before they simply can't achieve the tiny lines you want. You never know until you find the perfect tool to achieve what you want.Ī good brush will last hundreds of paintings. Sometimes a blown out brush is perfect for tree texture or a stub of a brush is perfect for pulling out highlights. Most artists keep a few ratty brushes around, well past when you'd think they would be good for anything. And well known manufacturers outsource some lines, so never pay just for a name. (For really cheap brushes, low price usually means low quality.) Lots of house brands are made by very well known manufacturers. From medium price range up (-20), cost is not necessarily an indicator of quality. British Museumīrushes don't last forever, just a very long time when treated well. Paint brush made from frayed sticks found in Deir el-Medina.
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