Affordable Oil Painting Brushes: A Small Kit That Makes Sense
Choose brushes by their marks, compare US buying options and avoid paying for a large set you will barely use.
Read the guideArt for the way you live
The Art Journal
Simple, useful guides to choosing a painting, planning your space and making it your own.
More from the journal
Thoughtful answers, simply explained.
Caravaggio’s Medusa: The Story Behind the Frozen Scream
Look closely at Caravaggio’s Medusa: the terrified eyes, open mouth, twisting snakes and shield that turn a myth into a suspended moment of shock.
Read the guide
Can You Save a Hardened Oil Paint Brush?
Decide whether a stiff oil brush is worth rescuing, choose a compatible restorer and recognize damage cleaning cannot reverse.
Read the guide
The Death of Socrates: The Hand That Makes Time Stand Still
Look closely at David’s The Death of Socrates: the waiting hand, averted face, grieving followers and absent Plato reveal how the painting tells its story.
Read the guide
How to Clean Oil Paint Brushes Without Wearing Them Out
A practical end-of-session routine for removing oil paint, protecting brush shape and keeping cleanup manageable.
Read the guide
Madame X by Sargent: Why the Portrait Shocked Paris
Look beyond Madame X’s famous shoulder strap: explore Sargent’s portrait through its turned profile, tense hand, black dress and 1884 Paris scandal.
Read the guide