Why Many Artists Opt for Natural Hair Brushes Over Synthetic Ones

Introduction

When discussing the natural hair brushes preferred by many artists, it is essential to recognize the significant role these tools play in the painting process. The choice between natural and synthetic hair brushes often hinges on factors such as control, quality, affordability, and the type of paint being used. This article delves into the reasons why natural hair brushes are favored, particularly with watercolors and gouache, while also addressing the suitable options for oils and acrylics.

The Superiority of Natural Hair Brushes

When working with watercolors and gouache, the choice of natural sable brushes is paramount. These brushes offer unparalleled control over the paints, ensuring a smooth flow from the brush to the canvas. Artistic details and lines are meticulously honed with natural sable brushes, which provide a level of precision that synthetic brushes cannot match. While synthetic hair or fiber brushes may be tempting due to their lower cost, they often sacrifice the quality of lines and details that artists strive for in their work.

For a budget-friendly yet high-quality option, Japanese lettering brushes are a great choice. These brushes, often made from the hair of bristly beasts, offer a balance between affordability and quality. Though not as fine as natural sable brushes, they deliver a respectable level of detail and control, making them a viable alternative for those looking to maintain professional standards on a tighter budget.

Brush Selection for Oils and Acrylics

When transitioning to oils and acrylics, the choice of brush becomes more about stiffness and durability. Unlike watercolors and gouache, where fluid movement is key, oils and acrylics require brushes with stiffer bristles to manage the thicker consistency of the paint. Bristles of higher quality, such as those from natural beige bristles (likely pork hair), offer the necessary stiffness and flexibility to maintain a pointed tip, crucial for intricate details and precise application.

For oils, the bristles need to have about one-third of the fibers or hairs outside the metal collar, with at least two-thirds inside. This configuration ensures that the bristles spring back to a straight position, allowing for precise, controlled strokes. Natural beige bristles are particularly favored because the thickest part of the hair is located in the metal collar, and each fiber tapers to a fine point. The natural contrast in stiffness and flexibility provided by these bristles is a significant advantage for artists working with oils.

Acrylics present a different set of challenges due to their weight and fluidity. Here, the natural beige bristles also excel. The fiber thickness distribution ensures that these brushes can handle the heavier weight of acrylics and still maintain a sharp point, making them ideal for both detailed work and broader applications.

When to Use Synthetic Brushes

While synthetic brushes are not the preferred choice for many professional artists, there are instances where they are perfectly acceptable. For instance, synthetic brushes can be useful for applying the white gesso base coat or painting large areas of a basic color such as the sky or lake. These brushes offer the necessary bulk and evenness needed for covering larger surfaces quickly and efficiently. Additionally, some artists may choose to add a final coat of transparent acrylic or varnish to seal their painting. Synthetic brushes are often sufficient for these tasks as they provide the necessary volume and even spread without the specialized control required for detailed work.

Conclusion

The choice between natural and synthetic brushes is a deeply personal one, often informed by the type of art and the desired level of precision. For those artists who prioritize control, precision, and the long-term quality of their work, natural hair brushes remain a top choice. However, synthetic brushes have their place in the artist's toolkit, particularly for covering large areas or applying base coats.

Understanding the unique qualities of each type of brush can help artists make informed decisions, tailoring their tool selection to the specific demands of their work. Whether it's the fine control of natural sable brushes or the economic yet effective Japanese lettering brushes, the right tool can make a significant difference in the outcome of a painting.