A Beginner’s Guide to Paintbrushes

If you’re new to painting, choosing the right tools can be pretty overwhelming. Just like with colors, there’s a huge variety of paintbrushes to choose from.

So here — in broad strokes — is The Art League guide to paintbrushes. See below the graphic for more resources!

Guide to Paintbrushes

Other tips

  • The quality of hair and the manufacture process make a big difference in how a brush holds and distributes paint, and how it retains its shape and spring.
  • Try starting with just a few brushes, then invest in different sizes, shapes, and styles as you learn what you need.
  • Always feel free to ask at The Art League Store if you need help selecting the right brush for the job. Our supply store is staffed by working artists.

More resources

Patrons’ Show Award Winners

Patrons' Show night

It’s hard to decide what part of the Patrons’ Show Fundraiser is most beautiful. Is it the artwork itself? The community coming together for a night devoted to art? The artists and volunteers whose generosity makes it possible?

For these artists, the most beautiful part might be the awards they received. These awards are determined by this year’s judge, Dorothy Moss (Assistant Curator of Painting and Sculpture at the National Portrait Gallery) and the votes and picks of the ticketholders:

  • Clemente Best in Show for Contemporary Realism: Wendy Donahoe
  • Clemente Faculty Award: Marsha Staiger
  • Clemente Collector’s Award: Cynthia Richmond
  • Torpedo Factory Artist Award: Carol Levin
  • Geri Gordon First Choice Artist Award: Nancy Fortwengler
  • Van Landingham Awards​: Kay Springwater & BJ Anderson

Congratulations, and thank you to all the artists who make the Patrons’ Show Fundraiser possible!