Brush
calligraphy offers unlimited potential for creating an array of
hand-lettered treasures. A lettering brush has a round ferrule like the
liner, but the end of the hair is shaped flat instead of pointed. With
the help of lettering brushes, artist produce beautiful invitations,
greeting cards and certificates, distinctive stationery, unique posters
and brochures, innovative logotypes, professional-quality headlines,
elegant fabric designs, and much more. It is very similar to a
one-stroke brush.
Lettering brush is usually made of squirrel, goat, ox, pony or a blend
of several hairs, depending on the desired softness and intended cost of
the brush. These brushes are used primarily for lettering, but many are
also used for special watercolor effects. Just like pens, lettering
brushes take a nice shape and are perfect for inking.
Brushes
used for acrylics have long handles that allow the artist to work at a
distance from the canvas. Acrylic paints are more caustic than oils, so
acrylic brushes are designed with synthetics and bristle. Acrylic
brushes are usable in other mediums, particularly oils, while brushes
designed specifically for oil painting and watercolors are unsuitable
for acrylics. Artists can very effectively use glazing and layering
techniques when using acrylic brushes.
Both natural and synthetic bristles can be used with acrylics,
depending on the artist's preference. But, acrylics, being alkaline in
nature, can be hard on natural hair brushes. Those made with high
quality synthetics have excellent durability and offers excellent
stiffness, snap and hair shape retention for maximum control. The
brushes must be kept clean. If acrylic paint dries in a brush it is very
hard to get out without using strong solvents that might damage the
brush. Brushes are cleaned promptly by washing them with warm water and
mild soap when finished painting.
