So many questions, right?

I mostly work in watercolor so that’s what this post will cover, although I’ll throw in some tips for other media as well.

Size Matters

Seriously, tho, size really does matter! I’ve come to learn to use the biggest brush for the job — it holds more paint or water for longer so you’ll have more space to play before you run out.

I mostly work in a sketchbook on 5. x 8.25″ pages and I use sizes 6 and 8 rounds and then a size 2 or 4 for adding details. My biggest brush is a size 30 synthetic and I love to use it on 9×12″ paper and up. When trying new brushes, I generally try out a size 6 since that’s what I use the most.

Also, I just wanted to mention that size isn’t consistent across manufacturers — so a Winsor & Newton size 6 and an Isabey size 6 could be totally different. Another thing to consider is the brush shape — if a brush has a fuller belly it can hold more pigment and work almost the same as a larger brush.

My Magic Wands

It took me several years of experimenting, but I found that sable brushes work best for me for what I usually watercolor — which is mostly wildflowers, leaves and little landscapes in my sketchbook.

Here’s what I love about sable:

What I don’t love? The price! haha! These brushes are a little pricey, but luckily since I mostly work in a sketchbook I don’t need big brushes for these.

So big drumroll…here are my unicorn brushes:

Here’s a super closeup of the Isabey and Escoda brushes, all in size 6 for comparison — as you can see the Isabey 6201 and the Escoda Reservas are almost identical, although the Isabey 6223 has a fuller belly and longer point. And those points! Ahhhhhhhh!

I’ve used that Isabey size 6 pocket brush on the right almost everyday for two years now and it still has an awesome point! Also, the belly of the Isabey 6223 regular size 6 brush is a little bigger than the Isabey 6201 pocket brush and the Escoda Reserva.

One thing I’ve learned about sable brushes — sometimes they dry all fluffy and kinda poof out, but as soon as you dip them in water and shake them off they’ll return to a fine point. I wet these brushes in water before taking their portraits — I wanted them to look their best for you!

As for the pocket brushes, I’ve found that it’s best to put the cap on while the brush is wet so that you don’t catch any stray hairs and then if you live in a humid climate take the caps off when you return home. The caps do have a hole in the end so the brushes will get some air. Here in Central Texas I usually just leave the lids on after I’ve been out sketching and haven’t had a problem.

Also I wanted to mention that brush handles vary across manufacturers as well and that might be something for you to consider.

Now for my other workhorse brushes — I use these all the time, just don’t reach for them as often as the sables. I also tend to use these for grittier paints and gouache:

For gouache or gritty watercolor paints:

I also use these for student grade paints since they contain more fillers and are harder on your brushes. I really baby my unicorn sable brushes! :)

Recently I’ve been trying to get better at painting clouds and skies in my sketchbook, and I discovered that cheap white synthetic brushes are AWESOME for clouds. I think it’s because they’re so soft that they really glide across the paper and move the pigment around without causing the paper to pill. I got this brush in a big pack at the craft store and tried it on a whim after watching some of Peter Sheeler’s excellent video tutorials.

I also have a really old flat brush meant for acrylic paint that I use for scrubbing/lifting paint.

Second String

These brushes are still in rotation and I use them for specific things, but they’re not my go-to brushes.

Looking at this list, all of these brushes are on the stiffer side and don’t have much movement — maybe that’s why I’ve grouped them together. Hmmmm…

I also feel like they don’t hold as much paint and I’m more prone to getting unintentional blooms when I use them.

Still Want to Try

I’m noticing a theme here on the clouds and skies LOL!

These brushes just don’t do it for me…sorry, brushes! Brush Care Before I go I thought I’d add a few things I’ve learned about brush care:

Here are a few links some of the brushes on Amazon — these are my affiliate links, so if you make a purchase by clicking a link I’ll receive a small commission at no charge to you — thank you!

Hope this helps someone, and please let me know if you have any questions.
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