The Perfect Starter Brush Set
- Marion Dutton
- Sep 30
- 2 min read
Updated: Nov 3
Choosing the Right Brushes for Oil Painting: A Comprehensive Guide
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When starting out in oil painting, choosing the right brushes can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, Rosemary & Co. has simplified this process with curated brush sets that eliminate the guesswork. Here are two of my top recommendations: one for absolute beginners and another for artists ready to dive into landscapes.
Set 20 Beginner - All Media
Rosemary has put together a beautiful 8-brush collection designed with beginners in mind. Choosing brushes can be daunting, but this set takes away the guesswork. With a balanced mix of shapes and sizes, Set 20 provides everything you need to begin your painting journey at a competitive price. It’s a delight to paint with and will grow with you as your skills develop.
Set 45 Landscape Brushes for All Media
This set contains 16 carefully chosen brushes from Rosemary’s standard ranges. They are designed to cover every aspect of landscape painting, from broad skies and distant trees to detailed foliage, grasses, and textures. Set 45 has become a favorite among artists as a complete, go-to landscape kit. If you’ve been searching for a versatile set to replace the discontinued Michael Smith brushes, this is the perfect starting point.
Rosemary Smoosher Brushes
The Smoosher, sometimes called a smudger, tinter, or blender, is a beautifully soft badger-hair brush. I use it almost exclusively for my underpaintings. It’s perfect for creating smooth, velvety transitions in raw umber or monochrome layers. This allows me to build depth before moving on to detail brushes.
This is why I’ve included it in my Getting Started Brush Set. If you want to experience how I create soft, atmospheric underpaintings, this brush is essential. Beyond underpainting, it’s also excellent for seascapes, clouds, stippling, and gentle blending in both oils and acrylics.
Conclusion
Choosing the right brushes is crucial for your oil painting journey. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced artist, having the right tools can significantly enhance your painting experience. Consider investing in quality brushes like those from Rosemary & Co. They offer a range of options that cater to different skill levels and artistic needs.
By selecting the right brushes, you can improve your technique and enjoy the process of creating beautiful artwork. Happy painting!
