How To Hold A Watercolor Brush Like A Pro

Why the Princeton Heritage 4050 Size 12 is the only watercolor brush you actually need ~ plus how to use it.

Hi everyone, and welcome back (or simply welcome for the first time, if you’re one of the many new folks here). Today I’m letting you in on my top choice for watercolor brush. I often call it my desert island brush because it’s the one I would pack if I could only pack one. I’ll also be pointing you towards a few free video exercises so you can see how i use this watercolor brush.

Here she is ~
my most favorite Princeton Heritage 4050 synthetic sable round brush Size 12.

One of the most frequent points of feedback I receive from students is that they never learned how to hold or use their brush. Most of the time everyone is teaching how to use the paints - how much water - how to put it on the page - the paints! the paints! the paints! Buuuut the samurai is only as good as his sword ??? is that - whats the saying? Comment what I’m trying to say…

Let’s dive into how to actually use your brush. Starting with what it’s made of.

Anatomy of A Watercolor Brush

First up, the parts of a watercolor brush. Starting from left to right… you have the Point, The Belly, The Ferrule, and then The Handle…. I refer to each of these as Im teaching.

Taken from my Ultimate Guide to Watercolor Supplies. Link below

Little side note or if you’re looking for a deep dive. Watercolor bristles are made from many different materials. Many of them are made from animal hair so if that concerns you, there are synthetic options available… My desert island brush has synthetic bristles.

The most important thing about the bristles is that they hold a lot of water… much different than acrylic or oil brushes. I also appreciate a good spring to a brush (something that bounces back after being pressed on the paper) as opposed to something like a mop brush that is so floppy and lazy to regain its shape once wet.

But I digress… if you want to hear me nerd out on all the watercolor supplies, check out the free supply guide below.

Free Watercolor Supply Guide ꩜

How To Pick Up Paint

Pick up paint with the belly of your brush… I repeat

Pick up paint with the belly of your brush!

Here’s an instagram reel from the archives showing how it’s done.

Inline Brush Hold: Echo Exercise

This is a GREAT warm up exercise for loosening up. Even if you dont get to do the actual exercise right now (bookmark it for later) I want you to walk away with this one tip.

Practice painting with your brush handle tilted down at a 45*. If you are righty, start by tilting the top of the handle to the right and if you are lefty, tilt the handle to the left. It doesn’t always have to stay to the left or to the right, the most important thing is to keep the tip of the handle pointing in the direction YOU. ARE. GOING.

So! Imagine there is a headlight on the top of your paintbrush. Your paintbrush is now a little vespa scooter. As you paint, keep that headlight shining in the direction you want your brushstroke to go. You will find you need to move your wrist, and maybe even move your paper.

This isn’t how I paint all the time. But I do use it at times (especially when painting leaves) and it' is a great way to warm up.

Check the tutorial here

Vertical and Drop Hold: Painting Evergreens in Watercolor

The next two holds are both included in this tree exercise. I noticed it was difficult for student to get a really thin line because of how they were holding their brush.

A little note here: If your hand is wiggly (like mine) go with it. Let that come into your paintings. If I can speak for us humans here, we WANT to see your hand in watercolor paintings. The more that you can infuse your own self in the paintings the better.

That being said, I have a few tricks for stabilizing your brushstrokes so you can get to where you want to go :)
Click to play the video below…

Why A Bigger Brush?

Size 12 can be a reach for most of the beginners I teach, but it’s also one they quickly fall in love with. You can achieve a very thin line (see tutorial above) as well as a super thick brushstroke. Its a worthy tool when making marks, especially at the end of your painting when you just need some movement and crisp dark value spots. It can also be helpful when you want to lay down a wash over a larger area but don’t have a flat (or like me, can’t be bothered).

If you are looking to loosen up in your watercolors, a bigger brush is the most impactful way to do it.

Other Starter Supplies

Princeton Heritage round 12 Brush linked here
Water cup link here
Watercolor Paper Block here (High quality 100% cotton, will take your paintings to the next level)
Watercolor Practice Paper here (Perfect for quick exercises and getting your reps in)
All my watercolor supplies - essential and just for fun - found here.

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Thanks so much, wishing you all an inspiring day.