Thursday, 27 June 2013

New Brushes

Artists love getting new supplies: a new sketchbook, exciting new colours, but my favourite is a brand new brush. There is so much promise in the clean perfect bristles. Should you glance at my studio shelves you would be forgiven for thinking - "she does NOT need another brush." Yet, so often,after using a brush for a while, the honeymoon is over and the brush starts to behave badly.

I am pleased to tell you that I think I have found a make of brush that is near perfect. (Free would be perfect) Rosemary Brush Company in the UK makes the most wonderful brushes. We (my students and I) placed an order which arrived a week ago. They have been sitting in my studio saying " paint with me - paint with me now!!

 At last yesterday I had a chance to try them out. I am really impressed with the way they respond. We bought a few Kolinsky Sable brushes for watercolour as well as some of the Ivory series and the Chungking bristle. The Sable are a dream to use, with a wonderful point and generous belly.

I indulged in a treat for myself - the Pocket Reversible travel sable brush solves the problems associated with transporting good brushes without damaging them. A removable shiny cover that protects the brush fits on the back of the ferrule to provide a good handle.

Ink and watercolour drawing - Alpha series sketchbook with Rosemary & Co Pocket sable
The Ivory brushes have a crisp spring to them - quite different to conventional hog hair. A lot of thought has gone into the design of the handles, the balance is good and they are comfortable to hold. The Ivory brushes in particular clean up easily.
Sparkling new brushes !!
Ok back to the Studio to paint - bliss!

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7 comments:

  1. Janine Whitling27 June 2013 at 09:26

    i have studio envy now! hee hee

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  2. Patti Edmon Artist27 June 2013 at 21:53

    We seem to have an almost visceral attachment to the supplies we love! I've often marveled at the sensation of opening a new jar, tube, bottle, or trying a new paint. You'd laugh if you saw the condition of my brushes! Wabi sabi at best:)

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    1. Art Matters28 June 2013 at 06:56

      Patti, I have plenty of those too - you should see what my favourite No 1 round looks like - almost ground down to the ferrule!

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  3. Chris Stern / CS Designs28 June 2013 at 02:26

    I love the ink and watercolor, great color and flow. I also have to agree that it is always great to get new supplies and I don't think you can ever too much of any of them.
    :) Chris / CS Designs

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    Replies
    1. Art Matters28 June 2013 at 06:57

      Thanks Chris - there's always this idea that we'll be able to paint better with a new brush!

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  4. Manisha Vedpathak6 July 2013 at 21:22

    Hello Carol,truly said .I love buying brushes any time I visit an art store.Your blog is interesting and I loved your painting named "Memory wall".I invite you to visit my blog,do have a sneak peek at it. www.manishavedpathak.blogspot.com
    have a great weekend!!Cheers from Africa,
    Manisha

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    Replies
    1. Art Matters7 July 2013 at 07:35

      Thanks for visiting, Manisha, and for your kind words.

      Delete

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