Recently, Jamal (Aragorn) asked me what brushes I was using for my oil paints. I promised him I would take some pictures of them and describe what I use each type of brush for. So, here goes nothing
Fine detail painting:
(Left) This is a Floquil Red Sable, size 5/0. I use this exclusively for doing eyes. I just bought one of these but it seems pretty good. Cost: $5.00 (US)
(Center) Winsor Newton Series 7, Kolinsky Sable brush, size 000. Excellent brushes but a little pricey, Cost: around $10.00 but well worth it. I wouldn't try doing any fine detail work without one. The 00 & 0 sizes are useful too but anything larger gets too expensive and not very useful (I think).
(Right) For fine blending I like Winsor Newton Regency Gold, size 0. These are relatively inexpensive and with care usually last for 3 or 4 models at this level of detail. I usually but these by the half dozen. Cost: $4.00
Mid level painting and blending:
(Below) These are Floquil Red Sable brushes, size 0 and 2. Also new to me but they seem pretty nice. Cost: $5.00 each.
(Below) WN Regency Gold brushes after a lot of use. Still good for laying down paint but not much more. But very good while new for blending.
Final blending and stippling of paint:
(Below) These can be almost anything you find. From Red Sable to synthetic to horse hair. As long as it's a soft bristle it works well for this purpose. You don't want one that's too stiff or it will push the paint around rather than blending it together. The one on the right is a WN Cirrus Kolinsky Sable, size 6. Very good brush for a good price. Cost: Under $10.00 for a nice size brush.
Well, I hope this is helpful to you. If you have any questions, or disagree with anything I have said, please feel free to ask me anything.
Thanks,
