BRUSHES

Sometimes paint brushes make all the difference in your work. For how I paint for most opaque mediums (acrylic and gouache) inexpensive brushes are all I need. Because they aren't costly I can beat them up, splay the bristles, and smash them into the paper or canvas. When it comes to more expensive brushes I may have a lighter touch.

Traditional transparent watercolor requires better-quality brushes because they need to hold a larger reservoir of pigment and water. Oils require every sort of brush and should only be used for making oil paintings.

Brushes come in different shapes and sizes. An assortment of each size and shape is helpful — but always use a larger brush than you think you need. Remember: you are making paintings not drawings :)