Fan Brushes

Fan brushes have their special uses. You will see from

this photo that there are not only various sizes, but they

are made from different things. The top one is a bristle

brush and because it is stiff (hog bristles are definitely

sturdy and stiff), it will drag more paint. The bottom one

is badger hair and is soft and is great for blending. The one

in the middle is a tiny thing that is just right for small

works. It has synthetic hair and is very soft.

Fan brushes are a sort of novelty when you see them in

the bins at the art store. But what you don't want to see

in your paintings is the tell tale strokes that say 'look,

I used a fan brush!'.

I suggest experimenting with the various types. Get a

stiff bristle one and a soft-haired one. Try out some

things with it. You can get really good effects with just

dabbing the tips, or you can pull paint in a direction that

contributes to making that cloth look as though it is falling

over the table edge.