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For most painters, brushes are a critical tool in their bag of essential equipment.

There are a handful who don't use brushes at all ... they use rollers, paint scrapers, cake-decorating tools, sticks, sculpting tools, anything handy for making marks. But traditionally, most painters use brushes to apply paint to their canvas.

Most artists try out dozens of brushes before finding the styles and brands they prefer. Among the favorites are Rosemary & Co. brushes, handmade in England. Rosemary and her daughter Symi work directy with artists, often traveling to plein air events and exhibits to sell their brushes.  They've been very supportive of artists and, even with shipping costs, they really aren't any more costly than other reputable brands. Many of the artists from whom I've taken workshops promote Rosemary & Co. brushes; consequently, I've developed my own favorite styles within this brand.

There are other brands that are also excellent. For watercolors, my favorites are Escodas, originating from Spain. Unlike Rosemarys (which are only available directly from them, or in the US from a few outlets such as Wind River Arts), Escodas are available at many of the major art supply houses such as Dick Blick.

I also like some of the Princeton brushes, and recently discovered their Velvetouch line of synthetic brushes. They are also widely available from most art suppliers. 

Whatever you choose [–] natural or synthetic [–] it's worth some effort to care for your brushes properly. See some tips below on caring for your brushes, which will extend their useful life.

Care and Feeding of Your Brushes: Your brushes work hard, and they are often quite costly. You will be well served to care for your brushes to assure they remain useful. 

Fiber repair: One tip I've learned from my watercolor teacher, Nancy Colby, can help save a brush that has become splayed or has some wayward hairs. This works for watercolor brushes and most synthetics. Boil a mug of water in the microwave. (Make sure the brush is clean.) Immediately hold your brush fibers vertically in the hot water (but try not to submerge the fererule). Hold it there 10-15 seconds or so, then draw the brush out of the water. The hairs should fall back into their original shape and place. You might have to try it a second time. 

Don't Lose It: Here's another tip, to prevent you from accidentally losing your brushes (especially if you paint outdoors). Wrap each handle swith a strip of neon electrical tape. If the brush (or palette knife, mahl stick, pencil etc.) happens to fall on the ground. the bright neon color will make it stand out so it's easier to find. Make a habit of policing your area every time you pack up before you leave. 

Cleaning: I clean my oil brushes as soon as possible fter I've used them, in most cases before the end of the day. I first siwch the brush around in some Gamsol (odorless mineral spirits) to remove most of the paint, then wipe it on a paper towel. I pour a bit of Murphy's Oil Soap in a dish and use that to wash the brush fibers. I place a tennis ball cut in half in my palm so I don't have to wash the brush in my hand. It may take several gentle scrubs and rinses, but keep testing it on a paper towel and eventually the brush gets clean. because Murphy's is great at removing oils. Alternatively, you can use Dawn dishwashing liquid. (Fun fact: In Great Britain, Dawn is called “Fairy Liquid.” Both Dawn and Fairy Liquid are made by Procter & Gamble.) I usually leave a thin coat of Murphy's+water on the fibers of the brush before storing.