My learners often ask which brushes are best to buy, this depends on what type of painting you are doing.  There are four types of brushes that I couldn’t do without and I think everyone needs.  Below are the most useful types of brushes in my opinion:

The Flat Brush 

This brush is ideal for backgrounds because it covers a large area without leaving those brush marks that you get with smaller brushes.  It also can save lots of time, because of the coverage you can get with them.  They are also great for painterly backgrounds and effects.  If you work large you will need a wider flat brush if you are work fairly small a medium sized one will be fine.

The Angled Brush 

The angled brush is great for lines, curved strokes and filling corners.  Painter and decorators tend to use angled brushes for ‘cutting in’ which means corners.  They area also great for covering large areas with the wide area of the brush being much like a flat brush.  You can use the tip for getting into smaller areas.

The Round Brush

These brushes have a round tip, the hairs can vary and be either short or long in length.  They are good for smaller areas of a painting, details, short strokes and ‘drawing’ with the brush.

The Fan Brush

The fan brush is a a versatile brush which is good for smoothing, blending, and feathering.   They are an excellent tool for textural effects, such as fur, wood grain, clouds, and leaves on trees.