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Watercolor Painting Tools that I Love: My Favorite Budget-Friendly Brushes
Original 6" x 7" Watercolor Painting created using the #14 and #10 brushes shown. The #2 was used for my signature.
A Good Brush is Important
Are you a watercolorist who would like advice on what type of brush to purchase? There are a great many watercolor brushes out there to choose from...so many, in fact, that it can be difficult to make a decision.
Whenever I teach watercolor workshops or am asked for a recommendation, I always suggest Loew-Cornell Ultra Round Brushes (series 7020). These brushes are soft and flexible, hold a lot of water, have an exceptional point, and are happily inexpensive.
My favorite brush size in this brand is the number 14. A great alternative to the pricey kolinsky sable, this brush does it all: the point can be used for the smallest spaces and the thinnest lines, while the side of the brush can be used to fill in large areas quickly or to soften edges. With this one versatile brush, there's no need to switch to smaller brushes throughout the painting process. It also makes a great "thirsty brush" - the tip behaving like a straw to suction beads of water from your paper in order to prevent blooms. The number 2 brush is the perfect size for my signing my paintings.
The Loew-Cornell Ultra Rounds come in sizes ranging from 2 to 14. (I only wish they made them larger!) You can find them online at places like www.dickblick.com.
UPDATE 5/15/2024: Loew-Cornell Ultra Rounds are discontinued. However, KINGART Original Gold 9020 Ultra Rounds are virtually identical!
Paint. Love. Repeat.
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