A mop blending brush, a seemingly humble tool, is a game-changer for artists.
With its soft, absorbent fibers and versatile design, it effortlessly blends colors and mediums, creating stunning
gradients and seamless transitions. Its ergonomic handle ensures a comfortable grip, allowing for precise control and smooth strokes. Furthermore, the mop blending brush's ability to hold and release paint effortlessly makes it an indispensable asset for achieving intricate details and delicate washes. Whether you're an experienced artist or a budding hobbyist, embracing the power of a mop blending brush will undoubtedly elevate your creative projects to new heights.
My recommendation is the Bob Ross Floral Mop brush. We no longer carry any other mops in our online store because this one is the one to beat.
It's only been on the market for about a year. And, not surprisingly, it's not well known because the Bob Ross company gave it an unusual name that pigeonholes the sales of them to obscure Bob Ross floral method artists. However, Karen and I have them in our studio setup, or plein air setup and recommend them anytime anyone asks about blenders. We very literally tossed our other mops into the garbage in favor of this one!
Want to see the effects they can have in a sky? Look at these clouds in the picture and see the soft, whispy nature of this sunrise over the Chesapeake:
Those edges are difficult to achieve with more rigid brushes. A mop makes short, delicate work of blending.
But mops aren't just for softening edges. For oil or acrylics, and even caseins, a mop can be a good tool to use to apply a tone to the canvas, such as a mid-tone grey, umber, browns, yellos, etc. The effects achieved by using a background wash, as they are called, can be stunning. In the above painting, Karen used an Umber, Burnt Sienna mixture behind these colors to impart extra warmth in the colors.
Stunning, right?
Last year when these brushes came on the market, I did a short Youtube video to check them out to see how they perform. Check out that video below and subscribe to our channel for more free videos.
Mops may be less used that your other handful of brushes you cherish, but know that once you use a top-quality one it will be nearby every time you paint.
If you are in class with me anytime soon, I'm happy to let you try mine during class. Just let me know you want me to bring it along for you.
Want your own? Here's the best place to get it: