What kind of brush for gold painting?

Kviljo · Post by **Kviljo** » Fri Jan 04, 2013 2:30 pm

For those of you who have been painting fine details with powdered gold and oil colours - what kind of brush do you prefer?

Should the hairs be long or short, stiff or soft? Martens hairs?

Also, what kind of size is best? Is 000 or 00 too thin?

I tried painting some details on a quiver yesterday, and I must say it gives some extra respect for the amazing paintwork seen on some old bows. There must be a large amount of technique to learn here. Very interesting stuff.

Arry · Post by **Arry** » Fri Jan 04, 2013 10:19 pm

I hope Adam Karpowicz and Francesco Alessi give us a few hints, their bows are so beautifully painted.

Adam Karpowicz · Post by **Adam Karpowicz** » Sat Jan 05, 2013 3:13 am

The best is a sable hair brush, a longer kind 00 or even 0 (depending how ambitious you are). The longer brush makes it easier to vary the thickness of the line (by applying more or less pressure) - the true sign of a good calligrapher.

Straight, even thickness line is easier to draw with a pen.

Adam

Kviljo · Post by **Kviljo** » Sat Jan 05, 2013 10:55 am

Thanks! It makes sense that the longer ones will make it easier. Gosh, that probably also means that each of the lines should be done in one fluid motion, hehe, and not shakingly with a tense arm one milimeter at a time

What a challenge!

Kviljo · Post by **Kviljo** » Sat Jan 05, 2013 7:06 pm

Is this a good representation of how it should be done, with hide glue as medium too? The paint seems to stick very well to the paper and it seems to cover very well too. Also I think it looks like he can paint for a long time before he has to add more paint to the brush.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tv-U4o-VjIc

Edit: Here's one more:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fedze7jVRBI