Fan Brushes: A Comprehensive Guide
If you’re in the market for a new brush to add to your artist toolkit, you might want to consider a fan brush. These brushes have a unique shape and can be used for a variety of different techniques. In this guide, we’ll explore the different types of fan brushes available and what they’re best used for.
Natural Hair Fan Brushes
Natural hair fan brushes are made from animal hair, such as hog or goat hair. These brushes are known for their softness and flexibility, which makes them great for blending and feathering techniques. They’re also ideal for applying thinly layered washes, such as watercolour painting.
Synthetic Fan Brushes
Synthetic fan brushes are made from man-made materials, such as nylon or polyester. These brushes are known for their durability and versatility, making them a popular choice among painters. Synthetic fan brushes are ideal for painting with acrylics, as they can easily handle the thicker consistency of this type of paint.
Bamboo Fan Brushes
Bamboo fan brushes are a great eco-friendly option. These brushes are made from natural bamboo, which is a sustainable and renewable resource. The unique properties of bamboo make these brushes incredibly soft and flexible, which makes them great for blending and feathering techniques. They’re also ideal for applying washes of watercolour paint.
Calligraphy Fan Brushes
Calligraphy fan brushes have a unique design that makes them ideal for creating calligraphy and lettering. These brushes have a pointed tip that can create thin lines, as well as a wide base that can be used for broader strokes. Calligraphy fan brushes are often made from animal hair, such as sable, for their softness and flexibility.
Fan Brushes for Makeup
If you’re a makeup enthusiast, you might be familiar with fan brushes for makeup application. These brushes have a different design than traditional fan brushes, with a wider and flatter shape. They’re ideal for applying products like highlighter, bronzer, and blush. Makeup fan brushes are typically made with synthetic bristles, which are easy to clean and maintain.
