My Favorite Brushes

Buy your brushes in bulk. I suggest these!

Many of you have asked me what brushes I use and what to look for in a brush. I buy mine in bulk! I actually buy this classroom pack of brushes by Royal Langnickel. They are available here from Blick Art Supplies. I believe a new cheap brush is always better than an old expensive one! This pack comes with 60 brushes in assorted sizes 1,3,5,7,9. You get 12 of each size and it will last you for years. I like the flat tip brushes because it allows me to show my brushstrokes nicely. I also always buy the long handle. This way I can hold the brush further back and get the looseness I’m looking for. At $50 for the whole pack, each brush costs less than $1. I don’t feel bad about throwing out a $1 brush when it starts to split on me. Then I just move on to the next fresh one! Actually to be completely honest, I never really throw away a brush. It just gets relocated to my bin of retired brushes and I will use it for something else or it will become decoration for a shelf in my studio!

I love hearing from you, let me know if you have any questions about supplies or tools that I use! You can sign up for my email newsletter or feel free to use the contact form on my site.

Happy Painting!

“Ali is a fabulous teacher. Her classes are well organized and she gives detailed hands-on step by step instructions. She gives many tips and tricks and I still use her written instructions with every portrait that I paint. What are you waiting for? Take Ali’s classes! Who better to invest in than yourself? I’m so glad I did! You won’t regret it!”

Marty Osbourn

“As a full-time artist, I have taken numerous art workshops and have chosen to study with Ali on three occasions. She is one of the best teachers I have found as she takes each student through her painting process with very detailed written notes & images. Instruction covers topics like the selection of a good image, transfer to canvas, the importance of the underpainting, color mixing, and her loose brushwork to name a few. I selected her portrait class as her portraits are amazing with the use of vibrant colors and bold brush strokes. The paintings of my children turned out great with Ali’s instruction and guidance. In each workshop, I have been amazed as most students in the class travel from across the country to study with Ali. Having access to her classes online is a perfect way for anyone to learn from this talented artist.”

Lisa McReynolds

“I took Ali Kay’s live portrait class and was so impressed with not only her gorgeous work, but also her ability to pass on her techniques and process in a meaningful, actionable and organized way. Ali is a patient and encouraging teacher whose extensive preparation is evident in her notes, image refinement and language. A consummate professional, she is able to take her job of teaching very seriously while still making the experience a ton of fun!”

Sheri Hoeger

“This was exactly what I needed to know about colors and mixing. Now I feel more confident in what paints to order and very inspired.”

Eva Strandberg

“I’ve been a frustrated artist for many years but after seeing the brilliant work you do (and so easy to follow) I’m excited about picking up my brushes. Thank you for your generosity In sharing. I really appreciate it.”

Pamela Reynolds

“Beginners to experienced artists will enjoy Ali’s Artist Retreats. Her easy-going personality and clarity in teaching her style are both enjoyable and easy to follow. Class sizes are such that you are able to get one-on-one help but also benefit from the camaraderie and talent of the other artists’. I hope to return for another class.”

Jan Saunders