Well, at least that is what I tell my students.
Pastel pencil on black card by Kerryanne English
BUT…. to be completely honest, I do it all the time.
Not on purpose of course. What you have to imagine, especially in the class situation, you have in front of you the project you are working on, the water tub, palette, paints, brushes and any other painting paraphernalia you might need. Add to the mix a cuppa of some kind and it is pretty easy to accidentally wash your brush in your hot beverage.
Usually one is aware of it as soon as you reload your brush, but I know there have been occasions when I have kept painting…. and drinking my hot drink for the matter.
Okay, now that I have divulged this useless information I may as well fess up to another dirty secret with regard to my brushes. I have some very special and ridiculously expensive liner brushes. I use them only for specific projects and look after them with extreme care – they did almost cost me an arm and a leg after all. When I finish painting with them I suck them and reshape them…. I assume you are all going eewwww right about now. Sounds putrid I know, but this is a habit I picked up from a highly regarded calligraphy/ticket writing teacher years ago. Sucking round brushes into shape is more effective then using your hand plus the saliva hardens and keeps them that way. Next time you use your brush you just give it a really good wash first and you’re right to go. My brushes have lasted well – I still have ancient brushes from the 80’s… probably older than many of you!
While dipping brushes in hot drinks, then drinking said beverage and cleaning brushes in one’s mouth is not recommended, it certainly doesn’t have any ill effect on your brushes or you. Hhmmm…. that is not a scientific fact just research on my part. I’m seem to be okay and have been painting in some shape or form for 28 years.
Lots happening in the studio this week; some annoying hiccups with software packages for the new computer have slowed down my upload process of the latest patterns to the website, but I think we have that rectified now… SO IT’S ALL SYSTEMS GO!!
For all the other news from the studio you can check out my latest newsletter here.
Hugs ~ Kerryanne
Kerryanne , I’m still laughing as I have done and still do both !I’m going to check out your newsletter now !
Thanks for the tip on the sucking.
I’ve been known to dip my brush in a glass of wine – later on into the evening of course!
Looking forward to seeing your new creations
Hahahahaha I dipped my brush in my coffee the other day…although I realised my mistake and tipped it out. It always seems to happen with the cuppa that tastes the best and you just cant seem to remake it the same ;)Can’t say I have ever sucked my brushes though….
Yep, I have done that on several occasions…dipped my paintbrush into my hot drink, not sucked on my paintbrush…not sure I will be doing that in the near future…my paintbrushes are probably a lot bigger than yours as well…oh the thought makes me want to gag right now….
back to the sewing,
Kiss Noises Linda
Kerryanne great post. I think everyone would dip their brushes in their drink before they realise it.
Sounds the perfect way to reshape your brush
Alison
I’ve done the dipping thing before, lol, but never the sucking thing… somehow, I can’t bring myself to do it! I’ll think of you every time I look at my brush now though!
ha ha! I throw my brushes in my tea all the time because my tea glass sits next to my brush cleaner when I’m working.
And yes, I suck, too. I thought it was just me — so glad to know I’m not the only nutty one out there!
Hi Kerryanne,
Oh, I like your pastel pencil piece. Is that a new medium for you?
This post is funny. Hm, I also suck my brush!
Hugs,
Anna
LOL!!!! You crazy Funny Gal!
I know My Sister regularly drops fabric remnants and threads in her cuppas so it seems to be a crafty Faux Par!!!
I am another brush sucker ha! Confessions everywhere here, but I have found its the best way to keep those lovely sable ones in shape for next time.
alicia :0)