Once, I Googled what type of paint brush did Van Gogh use for his signature brushstroke - the thick, dash-like strokes often seen in his skies and ground. I did not find a definitive answer. Experimenting on my own, I think it is the "round." I was able to mimic the swirls and dashes a lot better with the round brushes. I wonder, why did he lay on the paint so thickly? Paint was expensive back then. And he was broke. Maybe for the effect? Well, I digress.
I clean my brushes every time after use. Because I paint with water mixable oil paint, the clean up is easy. Taking care of the brushes is a discipline. I use the Mona Lisa's Pink Soap Brush Cleaner and Preserver and The Master's Hand Soap.
Lessons Learned and Hindsight - If I were to copy any artists' work, I try to remember to pay attention to the brushes used. How to know - experiment before hand. Also, I remind myself to change brushes. It is easy to just keep painting with the same brush already in your hand.
Just last week, my husband and I were at the art supply store for me to pick out a brush. I couldn't decide between the two. He gripped both and said, "If I were painting, I would pick this one. This feels good in my hand." He is not a painter, but he knows his tools.
