Brushes, Continued
Paint brushes
Lettering, illustrations, and painting are done with paint brushes that vary in
composition but have similar physical characteristics. All brushes have
bristles, a ferrule or quill, and a handle. Choice of bristle depends on the
intended use or desired effect. The size of the ferrule or quill dictates brush
size and holds the bristles tightly in place, and the handle, usually made of
hardwood, indicates the size of the brush.
Figure 2-67 shows brush nomenclature.
Figure 2-67. —Brush nomenclature.
Shapes of a
There are four major shapes to paint brushes: fan, round, flat, and bright.
paint brush
The fan shape feathers paint over a surface and responds well to a light
touch. The round shape is most commonly used for watercolor because it
picks up and retains more pigment and water. Bristles on the flat and bright
will differ according to the type of pigment used but tend to be a stiffer more
controllable brush.
Figure 2-68 shows the shape of common paint brushes.
Figure 2-68. —Brush
shapes.
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