Starting your oil painting journey can feel overwhelming, especially with so many different brush shapes and sizes to choose from. The good news is, you don’t need dozens of brushes to get started. In fact, a small selection of versatile brushes will cover almost everything you need as a beginner.
In this Beginners Guide, we’ll walk you through the most important brush types and how each one is used.
Flat Brush
The flat brush is one of the most essential brushes for oil painting. It has a square edge and long bristles, making it perfect for blocking in shapes, creating bold strokes, and building structure in your painting.
You can use the flat side for broad strokes or turn it on its edge for finer lines, making it incredibly versatile for beginners.
Bright brushes are shorter than flats. They are flat brushes with short stiff bristles, good for painting styles like impasto work.
Round Brush
Round brushes come to a tapered point, which makes them great for more controlled, detailed work. They come in a wide variety of sizes making them ideal for refining edges, curves and adding smaller shapes within your painting.
If you want a brush that gives you both soft lines and precision, the round brush is a must-have.
Filbert Brush
Filberts are flat brushes with domed ends. They allow good coverage and the ability to perform some detail work. These versatile brushes that can be used for blending and creating soft edges.
Liner Brush
Also known as a pinstripping brush, the liner has long, thin bristles designed for fine lines and delicate details. This brush is perfect for painting things like hair, branches, or any intricate linear work.
It holds a good amount of paint, allowing for smooth, continuous lines without constantly reloading your brush.
Deerfoot Brush
The deerfoot brush has a unique, angled shape that makes it ideal for soft blending and creating natural textures. It’s often used for foliage, clouds, and subtle transitions in tone.
For beginners, this brush is a great tool for achieving softer effects without overworking the paint.
Dagger Brush
The dagger brush is a versatile tool with a slanted edge that comes to a fine point. It’s excellent for expressive strokes, curved lines, and organic shapes like leaves or petals.
With a bit of practice, this brush can create a wide variety of marks, making it a valuable addition to your kit.
Fan Brush
The fan brush is commonly used for blending and creating texture. Its spread-out bristles make it perfect for softening edges, adding highlights, or suggesting textures like grass, foliage, or hair.
It’s especially useful when you want to avoid harsh lines and create a more natural finish.
Natural vs Synthetic Brushes: What’s the Difference?
When choosing brushes, you’ll also notice two main types: natural bristle brushes and synthetic brushes.
Natural bristle brushes (often made from hog hair) are firmer and more textured. They’re ideal for oil painting because they can handle thick paint and create visible brushstrokes, which is great for building texture.
Synthetic brushes, on the other hand, are softer and smoother. They’re commonly used for acrylic painting but can also be used with oils, especially if you prefer a smoother finish or finer detail.
At our art school, many beginners start with natural bristle brushes for oil painting, as they give you better control when working with thicker paint.
Want to Learn More?
If you’re unsure which brushes to choose or how to use them, we created a detailed video series to guide you. In these videos, Stephen breaks down each brush type, show you exactly how they’re used, and give examples for each brush marks.
Tips for Beginners
Start with a Small Set
Begin with a basic set of different shapes and sizes. As you become more comfortable, you can expand your collection.
Invest in Quality
While it might be tempting to go for the cheapest option, investing in quality brushes will improve your painting experience and results.
Take Care of Your Brushes
Clean your brushes thoroughly after each use to extend their lifespan. We recommend using Incredible Brush Cleaner for best results.
When you’re starting out, focus on learning how to use a few key brushes well rather than buying everything at once. A combination of flat, round, and a few specialty brushes like a liner or fan will give you everything you need to begin.
And remember, choosing the right brush is just the first step. Learning how to use it effectively is where the real progress happens.
If you’d like hands-on guidance, our art classes and courses are designed to help you build confidence with oil painting.