There is a huge selection of watercolour brushes
available, and when you go into an art shop it can be confusing to make a
sensible choice. The range of sizes can be a nightmare, think of it this way:
there is no point spending £20.00 plus for a brush just for it to sit in a
tin 364 days a year. So spend reflecting on projected use.
Personally I can’t afford Kolinsky Sable and tend to use a synthetic/sable
blend made for me by a UK brush manufacturer. I have tended to find that although
I have spent money on lots of different brushes I always end up using the
same set as follows. Its not the brush thats important its what you do with
it.
I recommend (and mainly use) 4 art brushes, a ¾” or 1” flat one stroke wash,
a pointed (round) No6 a No12 and a standard No1 rigger. As time goes on you
can add other sizes shapes for specific tasks. my choice is just based on
experience. If you can afford sable or a nice squirrel then by all means use
them I always feel a little sorry for the animal though.
Points to note on the use of an art brush.
You might have paid quite a bit for it don't just use the "pointed"
bit at the end. Experiment using the brush from the sides, hold it it different
ways, a good analogy might be use it like you would a knife or fork while
eating a meal...
Squirrel and Sable or natural brushes wear out, i.e. my current sable number
12 three years on is now a rather dumpy No 8/9.
Get expert using the rigger, its the last brush you'll use on a painting..
adding darks and detail.