Saturday, January 25, 2014

Brushes - Giveaway

I've been asked frequently about the brushes I use.  So here is the scoop:  your choice of brushes is pretty much based on personal preference, so I'm not advocating a particular type of brush.  It depends on the type of work you are doing - your substrate, the scale, which paints you prefer, and so forth.  It also depends on how you treat them - do you take care of your brushes and wash them carefully at the end of each studio session?  Or do you leave them in a bucket of water until they disintegrate? How much spring do you like in the brush hair?  Do you like them soft, firm, or somewhere in between?  And then there is handle length and material...

But to answer the question, I use these Dynasty brushes from Blick Art Materials.  They're cheap, so I can abuse them; they have all the characteristics that feel comfortable to my hand (my hands are small) and the right amount of stiffness.

New Brushes
Used Brushes
 
Brush Care
If you would like to try these brushes, comment on this post, and I'll choose someone for a giveaway.  Just a couple of these brushes in two sizes, maybe something else thrown in for fun.  You must be in the USA to be eligible, and it's your responsibility to give me contact information.  I'll do the drawing on Monday, January 27th.

Brush Cleaning

If your brushes get too stiff from leaving them out too long with acrylic paint on them, leave them in a strong solution of Murphy's Oil Soap over night.

I did not come up with this brush cleaning technique.  Various people have told me about it, and I have discovered that it works.  YAY!

113 comments:

  1. Thanks so much for the tip about using murphy oil! Who would've known? And I'm hoping it's a good omen that I'm the first to comment in hopes of being the lucky one!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I never knew about cleaning brushes with Murphy's, but if it's good enough for wooden pews at our church, then it's good enough for my brushes. Thanks for the tip.

      Delete
  2. I'm in !!! I never win anything.... hope springs eternal.

    I often use Murphy's to clean my brushes after a painting session, but I have not heard of.. nor tried.... the idea of leaving a gunky brush in Murphy's overnight. Thanks for the tip.

    Susan MJB

    ReplyDelete
  3. I'd love to try some new brushes, and maybe get some Murphy's for some of my old ones.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I've been wanting to try these brushes...it's on my list of things to order from Blick next. I have tried Murphy's in a brush that was "gunked" up...it does work!!!

    ReplyDelete
  5. It's always good to learn about new tools.

    Irene

    ReplyDelete
  6. AlwayS great to hear about a good cheap brush.....thanks for the link and info on the brush cleaning....... I stand my funky brushes on a jar of water with a bar of ivory soap ..... A couple of days and the are clean as a whistle.....

    ReplyDelete
  7. I didn't know about Murphy's as a brush cleaner. I use Master's Brush Cleaner.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Love the brush cleaning tip, will certainly try it. Could certainly use these brushes, might help me in your class?

    ReplyDelete
  9. Thanks for the Murphy's oil tip. I would really like to try those brushes.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Would love to try these brushes!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Thanks for the cleaning tip, I will give it a try.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Jane,
    you are so generous with your techniques, love your videos. and so generous with your giveaways! I use Murphys and wear rubber gloves when i take them out of the soap to wash them off. I am sensitive to smells and don't want it to linger on my hands for hours!

    ReplyDelete
  13. I am always trying new brushes, and I don't like them beaten up so your Murphy's Oil tip was invaluable. Am I just a fussy painter that I keep my brushes so clean? Or frugal? Or not courageous enough? Thoughts to ponder. Regardless I would love to try your set. : )

    ReplyDelete
  14. I haven't shopped at dick blick since the eighties, now that makes me feel old!! I'm always on the look out for brushes that fit my style of painting. I definitely appreciate the Murphy's oil soap tip. Ruined many brushes through the years! Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  15. I would love an opportunity to win some new brushes. After all you can never have enough can you? I keep all my old brushes. I am not sure why. Even when I can no longer use them. They are like old friends. I am weird.

    ReplyDelete
  16. thanks for the GREAT brush cleaning tip...I am a middle school art teacher and I am always finding brushes ruined that the students do not clean and hind so they don't have to clean them...I have a huge container for ruined brushes and now...I can hopefully revive them.thanks for the great tip...fingers crossed for some new brushes.........

    ReplyDelete
  17. The subject of brushes confuses me! I still have not found the perfect brush and spend way too much time changing them out in the middle of a painting. Thanks for the tip on Murphy's oil and for your continual sharing of information!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Yes, I use and abuse my paint brushes too! Can always use a fresh supply!
    Thanks for the Murphy's oil soap tip.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Jane, Thanks for your videos and sharing of techniques. Your blog is a visual treat. Many times watching you brush paint I've wondered about your brushes. They seem to behave so well for you. Now we know! Thanks for the opportunity to win a couple.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Thanks, Jane. Still trying out different brushes & yet to buy some Murphy's oil soap. I'm going to get on that :)

    ReplyDelete
  21. I use Murphy's Oil Soap for many things and now I can include my paint brushes in the mix.
    This is a great give-a-way.

    ReplyDelete
  22. I do tend to gravitate to the same brushes time after time. I haven't tried these though.

    ReplyDelete
  23. The Murphy's Oil Soap is a great tip...one I could have used for a long time. Thanks. Don't we always need to try new brushes?

    ReplyDelete
  24. Thanks for the tip and the give away.

    ReplyDelete
  25. I sadly admit I am a brush abuser - Thanks for the cleaning tip! I would love a few new brushes! xx Christine

    ReplyDelete
  26. i am always on the search for some good "cheap" brushes. i really abuse them and end up throwing away a lot of them. seems like i might have heard the murphy's oil soap trick but had forgotten it, will have to give that a try. thanks for the opportunity to win a couple of new brushes to try out.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Sometimes stores do not announce their sales on brushes. Whenever you're in an art supply store, wander around the store and you may find a sale on brushes (and other art supplies on sale). I found a good acrylic brush for a buck.

    When it comes to watercolor sable brushes, you may find it cheaper to pick up a nice brush and take care of it, so that the brush will retain its shape for a while to come.

    ReplyDelete
  28. I never intend to abuse my brushes, but that is the way it ends up! Thanks for the tip on cleaning them! I would love to try a Dick Blick brush!

    ReplyDelete
  29. Just an FYI for regular cleaning of brushes (i.e. after each painting session) with Murphy's Oil Soap - which I have used for years.

    You don't need much. Just put one drop on each side of the brush..... gently rub it into the bristles (particularly at the metal ferrule end) with your thumb on one side of the brush and your index finger on the other side ... then rinse really well. Lay the brushes flat while they dry. Store them flat or brush side up after they are completely dry.

    ReplyDelete
  30. How fun! I'd love to try out some new brushes and the soap technique- never knew. :)

    ReplyDelete
  31. Look at all these people who will now be rushing out to buy Murphys! Including me! I've actually thrown away a few brushes after leaving them out overnight with paint on them and I just couldn't get them flexible again. This is an exciting tip! And - a new brushes offer to boot.....fingers crossed!

    ReplyDelete
  32. oh wow..i would love to try those brushes. i'm always looking for just the right one!

    ReplyDelete
  33. This look interesting would love to give them a try. Thanks for the giveaway...

    ReplyDelete
  34. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  35. Thanks for the post, Jane! I see I'm not the only one who's been curious about what you use.

    ReplyDelete
  36. Thanks for the post! I am looking forward to class with you in March @ AVA! Bought some brushes for class, but would love to learn with one of your old ones in hand...

    ReplyDelete
  37. Great info on Murphy's oil soap. Would love to try those brushes.

    ReplyDelete
  38. Would love to try these brushes. Thanks for the opportunity.
    Lesley LAFS

    ReplyDelete
  39. I'd love to try these brushes! And thanks for the tip on using Murphy's, it's great!!!

    ReplyDelete
  40. Well I don't live in the US, but I do have a US post box we rent. Murphy has saved a lot of my brushes :-)

    ReplyDelete
  41. Thank you for the tip on using Murphy's and the great giveaway! I'd love to try these brushes--you can never have enough good brushes!

    ReplyDelete
  42. would love to win -- thanks for the chance

    ReplyDelete
  43. Love that Murphy's tip, Jane! I only have a very few 'new' brushes, but all are welcome. A friend send me a handful of lovely old what I called "ratty old brushes" which I seem to use a lot for my work! But new lovely ones are always welcome! I really enjoy your site and your work!

    ReplyDelete
  44. Hi Jane,
    I love following your blog, and would enjoy taking a class from you one day.
    I tried painting on 8x8's after reading your post on 4x4's. It was my first time painting on cradled wood, and I loved it.
    These brushes would be fun to try, thanks for the chance!

    ReplyDelete
  45. Thanks so much for the information. I treat my brushes about like you do, but had not heard about soaking them in Murphy's Oil Soap overnight. I have several I need to try that with.

    ReplyDelete
  46. I would love to try these brushes! Always wishing I had brushes for acrylics!

    ReplyDelete
  47. Murphy's Oil Soap? Cool! Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  48. Thanks so much for this post! I was wondering the same thing, especially after you mentioned your favorite brush is held together by duct tape:) Is that one a Dynasty too? Great tip about the Murphy's Oil Soap, hadn't heard that before.

    ReplyDelete
  49. And Murphy's is great for oil brushes too...and smells so good! I'd love to try the dynasty brushes. Pick me Pick Me :)

    ReplyDelete
  50. Thanks for the tip on choosing and cleaning your brushes. In your video tutorials, it looks like your brushes apply the paint so easily and smoothly.

    ReplyDelete
  51. I have often wondered what brushes you use. The paint seems to go on so fluidly in your videos. That's probably more your skill in knowing how much paint to use, etc. than the brushes. But I would love to try a Dynasty brush. Thanks for giving so freely in your videos and your blog. I look forward to every post.

    ReplyDelete
  52. I have one brush. I could use a couple more. Thanks for the chance.

    ReplyDelete
  53. I purchased your scribble collage with hand painted paper and just love it! I enjoy any of your videos and get great inspiration from you! Thank you for sharing...

    ReplyDelete
  54. Well, I will join the hordes in entering the brush giveaway, always looking for brushes that work well. Thanks for the opportunity and for the reminder about the Murphy's Soap. I do have some brushes that could use it!

    marilyn (marimuseinpt@gmail.com)

    ReplyDelete
  55. I would love to try these. I'm just getting into mixed media art after a loooong absence from art.

    ReplyDelete
  56. Would love to win your give a way.

    ReplyDelete
  57. I would love these brushes -- mine are in a pot of Murphy's Oil right now!

    ReplyDelete
  58. Thanks for the tip using Murphy's oil soap. I never heard of it. What a great treat, a chance to win brushes.Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  59. I would love to win these! Thanks for the giveaway

    ReplyDelete
  60. I live in Canada so can't win but soooooo appreciate this confession of 'brush-abuse'. You are in such good company! :)

    ReplyDelete
  61. I'm terrible on my brushes, so I'd love to see how these hold up

    ReplyDelete
  62. Thank you so much for the brush cleaning tip ... Going to try it on my poor ready to go out the door brushes, and, I would love to give these brushes you're offering as a give-away a try. The sound great.

    ReplyDelete
  63. my water cup looks like yours. I like flat brushes wir\th a little spring in them. l\i really like the way you use the brush to move paint and medium.

    ReplyDelete
  64. Would love to win a set of brushes. Thanks for the Murphy's tip - it's good for many other things, too!

    ReplyDelete
  65. Thanks for the tip on the brushes using Murphys Oil Soap...never knew about that. I would love t try the brushes you use...always looking for something different than what I use.

    ReplyDelete
  66. I love and use the same brushes. Did not know about the Murphy's soap thanks SO much for that tip!

    ReplyDelete
  67. I'm out, Im in australia, but I have found that a little soak in alcohol does wonders too, as well as cleaning surfaces that have spatter on them

    ReplyDelete
  68. I always like trying new brushes.

    ReplyDelete
  69. Murphy's oil soap is a lifesaver for me, as I am a brush abuser. Thus, I could use some new ones!

    ReplyDelete
  70. I wish I had heard of using Murphy's before today to clean my brushes. I recently purchased a giant bottle of Winsor Newton brush cleaner and it worked great. I was actually able to get acrylic paint out of a shirt with that. I'm pretty hard on my brushes like many of you are here.

    ReplyDelete
  71. I would love to try these brushes. I have heard about Murphy's oil soap - just never tried it.

    ReplyDelete
  72. I hadn't heard about using Murphy's oil soap. I just made a trip to Dick Blicks store today for the first time, be still my heart. I would love to try those brushes. I'm not very gentle with mine, although don't always leave them in water for a bit. Just sometimes. :)

    ReplyDelete
  73. WOW! I already feel like a winner, learning about Murphy's Oil is great tip!

    ReplyDelete
  74. Oh I looks of those short but beefy handles. Would love to win some. Thanks for the tip about cleaning.

    ReplyDelete
  75. Recently I have been painting on fabrics. Today I brushed on some color to an almost finished art quilt (scary) and it worked perfectly to add depth to some thread painted trees. I am always looking for good, fairly stiff brushes so I can get an accurate line. These sound great!

    ReplyDelete
  76. Yeah I have a Dick Blick's within 25 miles and get their coupons regularly. I will have to check out the brushes. Great tip about the Murphy's, I will give it a try.
    Hayler5@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  77. my comment went into outer space, so I'll try again. I use Murphy's also and another tip for scungy brushes is to soak them in a strong solution of fabric softener, then rinse. I got this tip from s "faux" decorating book. I also use gel alcohol hand sanitizer to get acrylics off my hands, the counter, the floor, etc. Just use it by itself FIRST, wipe off, then rinse with water. Thanks for your good ideas.

    ReplyDelete
  78. Thanks for the info on the brushes and the oil soap. I had heard about it but have not tried it yet. I have a lot of grungy brushes so need to get on it.

    ReplyDelete
  79. Good to know about the Murphy's oil soap, I actually have a bottle under my kitchen sink right now!

    ReplyDelete
  80. I know Murphy´s Laws but not Murphy´s soap.

    I´d participate but I don´t live in the USA.
    Luck!

    Regards.

    ReplyDelete
  81. Thanks for the tip and the chance to win.

    ReplyDelete
  82. Have had great success restoring neglected brushes with the Murphy's technique. Would love to have some fresh brushes though!

    ReplyDelete
  83. Thanks for the cleaning tip; I am always destroying brushes so invaluable for me.

    ReplyDelete
  84. I really need some new brushes, so I am in! Good advice about Murphys, I also had somebody tell me to use vinegar to clean them.

    ReplyDelete
  85. Dear Jane,
    So glad hear about the brushes. Had been having a frustrated time and wondered what you used.
    And the cleaning tip is very helpful too. But best of all are the videos and descriptions of your masking technique. Have tried it and it produces a beautiful soft texture that I cant get with anything else. Thanks for your generous blog. Hope to get to a class some time. Happy New Year. Beverly

    ReplyDelete
  86. Hello Jane... I just found your blog a few days ago and have been enjoying your artwork and videos!! You are a very inspiring artist and teacher! I'm excited to try some new mixed media techniques.. and could always use a new brush or two! Thanks for the chance to win some :)

    ReplyDelete
  87. Such great info. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  88. I've never tried these brushes. I usually work with the white synthetic brushes and love them. They take a beating from me. Would love to compare the difference. It is so great to see your process and supplies and get ideas for trying some new. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  89. New tools are always appreciated. Thank you for the opportunity and the tips!

    ReplyDelete
  90. Oh, I love giveaways and I love hearing what brushes you use. Fun!

    ReplyDelete
  91. Thanks, for the opportunity to win some brushes and the tip on the Murphy's Oil...never knew such a thing would work for cleaning brushes. You are too kind.

    ReplyDelete
  92. Got one of the brushes for a trail, and it is a great one. Also very affordable.
    Thanks !!

    ReplyDelete
  93. Woo Hoo a giveaway.....Put my name in. thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  94. I am always looking for a good cheap brush to use with acrylics.

    ReplyDelete
  95. Yup. Murphy's has saved me many a brush. After so many years with watercolor I find it impossible to remember to deal with the acrylics asap. I'm making a note of these brushes. Thanks for sharing, Jane.

    ReplyDelete
  96. I'll have to try Murphy's oil soap on my brushes. I'd love a chance to try these brushes.

    ReplyDelete
  97. Thanks for the helpful hint for cleaning gunked up brushes. Who doesn't have Murphy's oil soap hanging around?! I wonder if it'll work for glue-y brushes too. I'll be trying it out tonight. Thanks for the chance to win some good brushes!

    Peace,
    Donna

    ReplyDelete
  98. I wondered what brushes you use. I like that they are shorter, seem pretty stiff, seem to hold a lot of paint or medium and best of all that they are cheap!!!

    ReplyDelete
  99. I came across a FB post and so glad I clicked on the link! I'm going through your videos and posts on your website and learning a lot. Thank you for sharing your talent with us and giving us the opportunity to win a product that you love to use.

    ReplyDelete
  100. I always love trying a new brush, I will have to order some. Murphy's Oil soap is a treasure. When I taught school it was a life saver to send some on a piece of damp sponge in a Ziploc bag so a student could keep dabbing on clothing that came in contact with paint or oil pastels. The paint and stain always came out in the wash.

    ReplyDelete
  101. I sure could use some new brushes

    ReplyDelete
  102. I am needing some new brushes, would love to try these out!

    ReplyDelete
  103. Thanks for the tip, will check these out. Maybe I"ll even win.

    ReplyDelete
  104. Wow!! How generous! Thanks for sharing the information and for the chance to win.

    ReplyDelete
  105. I really enjoy your blog and NEEDED the tip about the oil soap for crusty ol' brushes!! I'm buying some Murphy's tonight! I keep all my brushes, even the disposables. I just keep cleaning them until they fall apart. I'm Cheap! I leared to always wash your brushes in college when I worked in the scene shop.

    ReplyDelete
  106. Thank you so much! LOVE your work!

    ReplyDelete
  107. I would love to try some of these brushes!! I have used Murphy's Oil soap on clothes and it works great (if it doesn't get too dry: ). Leaving brushes to soak with the brush pointing down is very hard on them though. If there's a way to put your brushes in a plastic bag with the MOS and lay them flat it would do less damage. Even so, the least amount of time left soaking is best. Let them dry flat too. It keeps the ferrules (the place where the brush meets the handle) from getting soggy and loose. Just my two cents worth. : )

    ReplyDelete
  108. It is certainly helpful to hear about inexpensive brushes that can still take some abuse. Its a costly endeavor to find something inexpensive enough for this budget that doesn't shed all over the art.

    ReplyDelete
  109. Sounds worth a try (the brushes, that is)!

    ReplyDelete

I have had some spam comments lately, advertising of stupid stuff. So I am moderating comments until I can figure out a better way to prevent spam. THANKS!