to ask any of you with knowledge of oil painting to help me out?

[hiddley]

I've had a long-winded thread on the Christmas board about what gift to get my mother.
The long and the short of it is, she attends art classes weekly for years (and I know nothing about it - shame on me), but between myself and my sister who knows her better, we have decided that some good quality paint brushes would make a nice gift for her.

Things to note:
I know nothing about paint brushes, sizes, bristles, softness, lengths, thickness or anything else that might be relevant.

She is very much an amateur artist but it is her beloved hobby.

Could anyone point me in the direction of a brand/collection/set/style of oil painting brushes? Since it's Christmas, I'd like a 'good' brand so to speak rather than a load of cheap ones.

I would be forever grateful.

Otherwise she's getting a Tens machine for Christmas

[hiddley]

Budget btw would be £50 ish but somewhat negotiable within reason.

[ILoveDolly]

They vary massively in price so hard to advise but maybe just visit a lovely art shop and check out the selection?

[hiddley]

I can honestly tell you hand on heart, that in the three years I have lived in London I have never once noticed an art shop. I obviously don't frequent the artsy parts! Plus, I'd feel like a complete eejit asking for some naice paint-brushes and not having a clue what a naice paint brush is!

[lilygirl81]

My DH is an artist, I am very much not. A couple of years after we got together he mentioned that he fancied trying charcoal as a media. I went to an independent art supply shop and asked them to give me everything he would need to get going, up to my budget. He still talks about what a brilliant gift it was.
A long rambling way to suggest that you find a local art shop (avoid hobbycraft for this type of thing) and give them your budget. Alternatively, DH uses Jackson’s Art online, you could email them and get suggestions, they are generally very helpful.

[hiddley]

My mother is very set in her ways. If it's oil painting she likes, that will be it. End of discussion.
I am presuming you can get sets with different sized brushes or something? Thin ones? Flat ones? Broad ones? If I could get a nice set that came in a decorative box, that would be nice, but perhaps my budget is a little on the short side?

[bridgetreilly]

With paintbrushes you get what you pay for, on the whole. Have a look at Winsor and Newton ranges and go for the one you feel comfortable paying for. Bigger brushes are considerably more expensive than thin ones, so they are nice for a present.

[Badweekjustgotworse]

It's such a personal thing I'd be wary of buying an expensive brush without knowing what she prefers. I'm an artist and if you spent 50 quid on sable brushes I'd never use them! I like short flats and tend to pass over anything ele when I painting as it doesn't suit my style.

Maybe a load of canvasses or ask her what brushes she likes if you don't mind it not being a surprise. I know vouchers can seem a bit soulless but for an article tidy a voucher for a good art shop is heaven! She could go in and browse for ages and treat herself to something special she might not otherwise have bought herself?

[Screamer1]

What area are you in hiddley? Art shop is best place to go. There are SO many names of brushes you could get. CASS art could be a good place to start. They have one in Islington and a couple in town too.

[MumW]

Could you get in touch with the Art Class tutor? They've known her for 3 years as well as knowing about the equipment.

[hiddley]

What about this?

this set

Is acrylics the same as oil?

[PenelopeStoppit]

Brushes are a personal preference. Can you have a sneaky look at the types she uses, take a picture for reference and then buy a few using your research? Oils paints are always appreciated as they are expensive but again palette and brand are personal so check them as well if you get a chance.

If this is no good can you buy her tickets to an art exhibition if there is an appropriate one coming up?

[PenelopeStoppit]

Don't buy acrylics if she only uses oils. They are not the same at all.

[IveGotBillsTheyreMultiplying]

Windsor and Newton Artists long handle hog bristle brushes in a set of three or four. Not the Winton student quality, you get what you pay for. Plus a voucher for her local art shop?

[hiddley]

Haven't a clue of the name of her teacher and no way of finding her either - different country. I know from history that she dislikes vouchers. Funnily enough I've heard of winsor and newton (must have been 30 years ago when I was in school!).
I've been looking on amazon but I just don't know what to look for.
I'd like a decent quality, range of sizes I guess? I'm sure she doesn't use the same size brush for every bit she paints? Maybe she does for all I know lol! If It came in a nice presentation box or packet or something that would be a bonus. I'll keep googling.

[Badweekjustgotworse]

hiddley those ones you linked aren't for oils, they'd be far too soft, they're watercolour and gouache brushes.

Askingvher tutor is a great idea whoever posted that up above

[Badweekjustgotworse]

Do you have any pics of her paintings? That would help us to guide us ou as we'd know what sort of style she paints in then

[IveGotBillsTheyreMultiplying]

The Windsor and Newton Artists hog ones come in a brush case and look smart.

[hiddley]

only

Or

paints with just 3 brushes

[hiddley]

That should read 'brushes only' not *only

[hiddley]

No, I have no pics of her paintings at all!

[IveGotBillsTheyreMultiplying]

Winsor & Newton Artists' Oil Colour Bamboo Box https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B002RLQ07C/ref=cmswwrcpptai_SP1cAbWZBV7TX

Hate amazon but this is the same set reduced massively from last years rrp.

[SteamTrainsRealAleandOpenFires]

Bob Ross stuff?

[hiddley]

Ok, doubled checked with sister and it's definitely oil she uses and not acrylics.
I'm going to have to find an art shop somewhere?
I live in East London! Hardly the centre of artistry!

[ScoobyDoosTinklyLaugh]

I'm a painter. Brushes are really style and taste dependant, I think it's a bit of a gamble trying to guess what ones she would like. I'm not a particuarly fussy person but I am quite particular about the type of material/floppiness/shape of the brushes I use. Its all very well saying hog hair is best for oil painting etc but it really depends on the way an individual paints as to what brushes they'll get on with. I use a mixture of synthetics/bristles and sables for oils.

[HaHaHmm]

Whereabouts in London are you? If south, go to Cowling and Wilcox in Camberwell. They are so helpful and will be able to put something together for you.