Welcome to Part 3 of our brush series! This week, we’re diving into a topic that many artists overlook: old paint brushes. Typically, worn-out brushes get tossed aside, but Stephen is here to show you why you should think twice before throwing them out.
While clean, fresh brushes are crucial for most of your work, old brushes—ones that are wrecked with paint and down to tiny stubs—can still offer incredible value. Their worn, tough bristles are perfect for creating unique textures that can add depth and personality to your paintings. Sometimes, these older brushes allow for creative expression that new brushes just can’t achieve.
In this Youtube video, Stephen showcases some of his favourite old brushes and how he still uses them in his artwork. He also demonstrates how you can paint a stormy sky using oil paints with these worn-out tools. You’ll be surprised by the magic that happens when you embrace the imperfections of these brushes!
If you haven’t already, be sure to check out our previous blog posts and videos in this Brush Series to get a full understanding of painting brush types and how to use them. Then, grab some of your oldest brushes and see what new textures you can create.
Watch this video to learn how to Use Old Paint Brushes and follow along with Stephen’s Stormy Sky Painting Tutorial.
Video Chapters:
- Introduction to paint brushes
- Useful old paint brushes
- Examples of old art brushes in use
- How to paint a stormy sky with oil paints
