Watercolor Brush Purchase Guide

Material of pen bristles

The brush bristle is the most important part of a watercolor pen.

Watercolor brush bristle needs strong water storage ability and elasticity. And the degree of front gathering is also very important.

The order of brush bristles from good to bad according to this standard is as follows:

Mink hair > squirrel hair > other animal hair (such as wool, wolf hair, etc.) > artificial fiber hair

Brush function

It is usually divided into coloring pen, tick pen and background pen (these names are taken by myself, just as the name suggests).

Coloring pen:

That is, the pen normally used for coloring, it is the most commonly used in the painting process.

And it often needs to be used together at the same time. Beginners can buy three first.

Tick pen:

That is, the pen used to draw thin lines.

It is enough to have one, which need to require strong front-gathering ability.

Remember not to buy a thin pen that has only a few bristles. Beginners will mistakenly think it will be easy to control, but its water storage ability is poor. There is no water left before half a line is drawn.

You’d better buy a pen with fat belly to store water. At the same time, the pen tip should be very sharp, which is the best choice for a line drawing pen.

Background pen:

That is, the pen used to draw the halo dyeing of a large area of the background.

For those with strong water storage capacity and large size, beginners can buy one first.

Travel pen:

That is, the pen you can take out when you travel out.

For the fountain pen, this kind of pen has a water storage part on its ass. When used, it can squeeze out the stored water, so there is no need to prepare another glass of water.

The choice of brush bristles and the different types of watercolor pens play a pivotal role in the world of painting. In this guide, we'll delve deeper into the qualities of various bristles and explore the functions of watercolor pens.

Types of Bristles:

The brush bristle is the heart and soul of a watercolor pen, determining its performance. The key attributes to consider are water storage ability, elasticity, and front-gathering.

Mink Hair Bristles:

Mink hair bristles are the cream of the crop when it comes to watercolor pens. They excel in water storage capacity, offering artists ample control over their painting process. Their superb elasticity ensures precise strokes, making them a favorite among seasoned artists.

Squirrel Hair Bristles:

Squirrel hair bristles are another excellent choice, particularly for their water-holding capabilities. Artists find them ideal for achieving delicate and intricate brushwork.

Other Animal Hair Bristles:

Bristles from animals like wool or wolf hair come next in line. While they may not match mink or squirrel hair, they still provide satisfactory results. These bristles are often more affordable and accessible.

Artificial Fiber Bristles:

Artificial fiber hair is a budget-friendly alternative. While it may not offer the same level of performance as natural hairs, it can still produce beautiful results. Beginners often opt for this type.

Functions of Watercolor Pens:

Watercolor pens serve different purposes in the painting process. Let's explore the three primary categories and a bonus option:

Coloring Pen:

This pen is your go-to tool for adding color to your artwork. It's versatile and the most frequently used in painting. For beginners, starting with three different sizes of coloring pens can provide a good foundation. Using multiple sizes allows for various brush strokes and techniques.

Tick Pen:

The tick pen specializes in creating fine lines. It's crucial for adding detail and definition to your artwork. When choosing a tick pen, prioritize those with strong front-gathering ability and a generous water reservoir. A sharp tip ensures precise control for intricate line work.

Background Pen:

When you need to apply a large wash of color to the background, the background pen is your tool of choice. Look for brushes with ample water storage capacity and larger sizes. Beginners can start with one background pen to get a feel for handling large washes.

Travel Pen:

For artists on the go, a travel pen is a handy addition to your toolkit. These pens often feature a water reservoir in their handle, eliminating the need for a separate water container. Fountain pens with this feature are especially convenient for painting while traveling.