Brushes and Paint

If I want to buy brushes... do you recommend me buying on line or will going to Michaels work? Or do you know any other types of places that I could by supplies? I'm in San Jose, ca. I went to one art store that had some snazaroo paint but Extremely limited selection. Any recomendations?

I typically buy my brushes in person, because it's so hard to tell what size and how much flex a brush has on-line. Once I know what I like and exactly what brand/size it is I might purchase on-line though.

I buy mine at Michael's.

what brand do you recomend if I go to Michaels? Also what about the paint? Any recomendation where I can buy them in person?

I love the American painter #5 round. It makes perfect dots and can do almost anything with control. These are available at Michael's.

I just grab whatever to be honest.... I am trying to find a substitute for the #4 & 6 round Kolinsky sables "Cirrus" by Winsor and Newton as my local Michael's doens't seem to be getting new stock so I keep buying and trying other brushes.

You need to try out brushes and figure out what works for your way of painting really.

Def try several brands and experiment - get that 40% coupon at Michael's and experiment. Personally I think that the Loew & Cornell 700 series and American Painter (I like the 4, 2, and 00) are nice solid affordable working brushes.

My Am Painter 4 makes better tear drops when I "swirl" it round and round rather than just "swiping" back and forth to load...... it gets that sharp point that works great for the pull and plop teardrop (or the skinny to fat).
Shannon - let us know how you find the Cirrus series!!!

I am starting to appreciate my Paradise "fat belly" round as it has the ability to hold more paint and has a nice sharp skinny tip......

I have cheapies that work well for certain stuff too - my "smush" brush makes a great small place blender and clouds and foam on a wave. My old filbert is a great fast double loading flower petal maker..... play and have fun - maybe you'll find that perfect brush and technique that work for you to share with all of us.