Brush Problem..

[King Kobra]

I've started painting on to canvas but the brushes that i have are totally and utterly crap. So I looked into WHSmith.co.uk and seen some brushes but don't no which to buy. So can you help me out.
These are the two types of brushes i have seen- "Winsor & Newton Gold Synthetic Brushes"
Link- http://www.whsmith.co.uk/CatalogAndSearch/ProductDetails-Winsor++Newton+Gold+Synthetic+Brushes-30502994.html

The other is- "Winsor & Newton Prix Economique Set of 5 Paintbrushes"
Link- http://www.whsmith.co.uk/CatalogAndSearch/ProductDetails-Winsor++Newton+Prix+Economique+Set+of+5+Paintbrush es-30503328.html

[Black Spot]

You need hogs hair for the main body of work and sable for fine detail. Get the second ones to start with, but as you improve you'll need to find better ones. Do you not have an art shop in your area where you can go and chew the fat with someone who knows their stuff?

[King Kobra]

Hi
There are shops that sell art stuff but not an arts specialists shop.
I'll probably get the second ones then. i got to say that i'm not that good at painting so i'm practicing to get my hand into it.

Look at my sketchbook please i'm gonna add my latest canvas on now.
Thanks

[dumpling]

king - do you live near the range?

[Black Spot]

Didn't realise you were so young. WH Smith is fine for beginners; I used to buy from there at your age.

[King Kobra]

I'm only 13 and will be 14 in February.
So you think the second one is best for me then?

[King Kobra]

Burl- I don't sorry

[dumpling]

ok then.
yeah they seem good enough. i was using cheaper ones for a couple of years when i first started painting and never had a problem. go for the second pack, because the broader range of brushes will give you more to play around with! are you using oil or acrylic? because brush care is important. i could type a little up on caring for them.

[King Kobra]

Burl- I'm using acrylic paints and you could type up about caring.
Thanks

[dumpling]

there isn't a great deal if you're using acrylic. the important thing is to just not let the acrylic dry on the brush as the paint is water-resistant. it's just as important to remove the paint from the bottom of the hairs, too, as when it dries it will spread them outwards. but also don't keep your brush resting head down in water as that can also damage the hairs. wash thoroughly after each session with soap and warm water. i'm not sure which is true, but hot water can either expand the ferrule and make the hairs come out of place, or melt the glue holding them in. and just don't be too rough washing the paint out. be patient!

[King Kobra]

burl- i'll keep that in mind

[Marc Surrency]

Hi,
When you get more painting under you belt you might want to look in to better brushes. In the mean time you can read about the different types of brushes if you like. It put this together for my students. http://www.surrencystudios.com/bush%201.htm

cheers and good luck!

Marc