Hi Michele,

Try Ruby Satin brushes by Silver Brush. This was the brand that Marvin recommended for our workshop. I had always used natural brushes (sable & bristle) and questioned the quality of synthetics since I'd never used them and had been told by my professors that synthetics were inferior. As with several other 'rule of art,' this was quickly thrown out the window. The Ruby Satin holds paint like bristle and the brush strokes are smoother than sable. I had also bought Rathbone brushes (which are very good) for the workshop and I like my Ruby Satin more.

Hope this helps,

Renee

Thanks for the tip, Renee. I'll be ordering some new brushes soon and it sounds like I should check these out!

Did you use the Ruby Satin brushes for everything in the painting: initial lay-in, all the way up to finish?

Hi, Michelle--

I use Ruby Satin filberts and like them a lot--they have excellent snap and hold a nice load of paint; clean up easy too.

gh

We used the Ruby Satin for the lay in mostly and for details in the wash in. We used rags for the wash-in. :)

I like buttery paints, too. Sennelier is the best brand I've used.

Renee

Thanks!