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7 Quick Steps to Paint Brush Cleaning

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7 Quick Steps to Paint Brush Cleaning

Are your brushes looking clogged with paint, drying in strange shapes or you just don’t know if you are using the correct cleaning methods? You’ve come to the right place! In this easy step by step guide we’ll explain how to clean your paint brushes like a pro! Whether you use water based or oil based paints, we’ve got you covered so get ready to learn how to make your art supplies sparkle and shine.

Step 1: Gather All Supplies

  • Warm soapy water – dish soap or paint cleaning solution

  • Solvent based cleaner such as Turpentine

  • Plastic bag

  • Plastic container or bucket

  • Glass jar with lid

  • Paper towels, clean rags

  • Well ventilated area

Pinot & Picasso Cleaning Sponge

Step 2: Remove Excess Paint from Brushes

Immediately after use, remove as much excess paint as possible by wiping brushes onto paper towel, scrap paper or a rag. You can go one step better and use the excess paint to start the background of your next canvas!

Pinot & Picasso Bondi Art Supplies

For water based paint (Acrylic, Watercolor, Latex):

Add warm water to a small bucket

If you have a paint cleaning solution, follow the directions on the bottle as to how many drops to add to your water bucket.

For oil based paint (Oil, Enamel):

Oil based products require an appropriate solvent based cleaner to break down the bonding agent which holds the pigment in the paint. The most common paint thinner is Turpentine mineral spirits which can be purchased at your local hardware store. Turpentine has a strong odour so adequate ventilation is recommended. Look out for odourless options as they are more health friendly! A glass jar or container with a lid

Step 4: Gently Clean the Brushes

For oil based paint, pour a small amount into a glass jar and swirl the brush in the mineral spirits, patting it against the bottom to release paint. Repeat until the brush appears clean then dry and move on to step 5.

Swirl the brush in the soapy water, gently massaging the bristles with your fingers. Ensure you get all the paint off both the bristles and brush handle.

For stubborn paint, use a paint brush comb, regular comb or an old toothbrush to gently comb through the bristles, helping to dislodge the paint.

Washing paint brush

Step 5: Rinse and Repeat

Rinse the brush under running water. Repeat the process to ensure there is no remaining paint until the water runs clear and there’s no trace of soap or paint pigment left in the bristles.

Pinot & Picasso paint brushes

Step 6: Dry and Reshape the Brushes

Now you have fabulously clean paint brushes, squeeze the excess water from your brush and use your fingers to gently reshape the bristles to their original form. Lay the brushes flat or hang them upside down to air dry. Avoid leaving brushes standing upright in a container, as water can seep into the ferrule and damage the brush over time.

What’s a ferrule you ask? Just a fancy word for the metal band that attaches the bristles of the brush to the handle.

Step 7: Store Clean Brushes Properly

Store your clean, dry brushes with the bristles pointing upright or flat to maintain their shape.

If you want to protect the bristles further, you can use brush guards or covers. These are specially designed plastic or mesh sleeves that slide over the bristles to maintain their shape.

Cleaning solution disposal and storage:

Dispose of water-based paint waste according to local regulations – many areas have specific guidelines for disposal such as avoiding pouring paint down house drains.

For oil based paint, leave the jar of Turpentine or paint solvent for 24 hours, you will see the paint residue fall to the bottom and you can pour the clean turps back into its original container. Wipe out excess turps with a rag and put in the waste, label your jar for future cleans! Store Turpentine in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, heat sources and flames. Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Pinot & Picasso wash paint brush

Why is it Important to Clean my Paint Brushes?

Prevents cross-contamination:

Clean art tools means you can be sure that various paint types or mediums aren’t interacting with one another.

Preserves brush quality:

Regular maintenance of your art tools ensures they will keep their shape and last longer before needing replacement, particularly if you have natural bristle brushes.

Health and safety:

Regular cleaning minimises the build up of various hazardous materials found in paint that pose risks to human health and the environment.

Saves time:

There is nothing more creatively stifling than consuming then starting a new paint job and losing your mojo with extra cleaning and preparation!

Do I need to Clean a Paintbrush Every Time I Use It?

That’s a big YES! Cleaning your paint brushes after each use is essential to prevent paint drying in the bristles and going hard. Make sure your art tools maintain peak performance so you can continue creating your Picasso worthy masterpieces!

Extra Tips to Keep Your Brushes in Tip Top shape:

Avoid Soaking:

Avoid soaking brushes in water or solvent for extended periods, as it can damage the bristles and the ferrule.

Avoid heat:

Avoid drying brushes in direct sunlight or using a hairdryer as heat can damage the bristles.

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15 Of The Best Australian Painters Of All Time

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15 Of The Best Australian Painters Of All Time

Australia, with its breathtaking outback landscapes and unique shorelines has inspired artists for Centuries. From the Ancient imagery of Aboriginal art dating back thousands of years, to European settlers and modern contemporaries, Australia has produced some of the most notable and prominent artists worldwide.

Our list of famous Australian artists is compiled from a diverse range of men and women, from all ages, cultures, time periods and cultures. The rich history of this country, merging of cultures and infusion of artistic influences from across the globe has resulted in highly original Australian art and painters with unique and multi-layered viewpoints

Australian Art – A Historical Overview:

Australian art has a long and rich history that has truly made its mark on the global art scene, from traditional Indigenous Australian art, European impressionist influences to modernist styles. Australian art continues to evolve, embracing new mediums, styles, and perspectives, reflecting the country’s dynamic cultural landscape.

Aboriginal art

Aboriginal artworks are thought to be some of the oldest in the world, with rock paintings located in the Kimberley’s being dated back 40,000 years ago. Considered to contain the oldest continuing art traditions in the world, Aboriginal art developed over time and across various tribes producing intricate rock carvings, paintings, decorative tools and complex dot paintings. Often telling stories of the Ancient Dreamtime, holding deeply spiritual and sacred meanings and associations for each Aboriginal artist who depicts it. The creation of the earth, its creatures and the recording of history are dominant themes amongst the hundreds of individual cultural styles of various tribes, each with their own methods and techniques.

Aboriginal Art

Early Exploration and Colonialism (1600-1880)

European colonisation in the late 1700’s brought numerous artists to the continent in search of new inspiration. Fascinated by the exciting new terrain and wildlife, these European settlers combined artistic influences, styles and methods from home with a new subject matter – the unique Australian environment, resulting in distinctly Australian art. Early colonial art mainly focused on documenting the landscape, flora, fauna, and the new settlements.

Early Exploration and Colonialism

Australian Impressionism (1880 – 1920)

The Heidelberg School, also known as Australian Impressionism, was an art movement centered around the artists who gathered in the rural area around Heidelberg, a suburb of Melbourne. Characterised by its focus on capturing the Australian landscape in a manner influenced by French Impressionism, the movement concentrated on plein air painting and portraying the effects of light and atmosphere.

Modernism (1914 – 1945)

During the Great Depression and wartime periods, Australian art reflected the social and economic challenges faced by the country, depicting scenes of poverty, unemployment, and the impact of war. Artists responded to the harsh realities of the time embracing abstraction and art movements such as social realism.

Postmodernism (1945 – 2000)

Australian art underwent significant change after World War II with artists moving away from strict adherence to a particular style and embracing a mix of artistic styles and mediums. Post-war Australian art was diverse, dynamic, and emotionally charged, reflecting the country’s evolving identity and the influence of global artistic movements. It laid the foundation for the rich and varied contemporary Australian art scene.

Contemporary (2000 – Present)

With increased migration, Australian art became more diverse, reflecting multicultural influences. Australian artists have embraced conceptual and contemporary art forms, engaging with political, social, and environmental themes.

The Best of the Best – Our top 15

Today, the Australian art scene boasts a diverse range of styles, mediums and influences merged together and infused with a rich historical, cultural, social and political history. Each Australian painter listed below is as individual, unique and complex as Australian art itself.

1. Margaret Olley (1923-2011):

Margaret Olley is renowned for her vibrant still life paintings inspired by everyday objects such as fruit, flowers, and pottery. Olley’s distinctive style and use of color made her a celebrated figure in the art world. Throughout her career, she received numerous awards and accolades for her contributions to the arts and is widely regarded as one of the country’s most talented and beloved painters.

Olley’s impact on the Australian art community was profound. The Margaret Olley Art Centre in Murwillumbah, New South Wales, stands as a tribute to her remarkable career and artistic legacy. The gallery provides visitors with the opportunity to explore her works and gain insights into her creative process. It’s a wonderful destination for art enthusiasts and those interested in experiencing the beauty of Olley’s creations up close.

Margaret Olley Artist

2. Sidney Nolan (1917-1992):

Sidney Nolan is one of Australia’s most prolific and celebrated 20th-century artists. Growing up during the Depression era, Nolan emerged with a vibrant modern art style, focusing on uniquely Australian stories from the bush.

Nolan’s fame largely stems from his iconic depictions of the Australian outlaw Ned Kelly which became an enduring symbol of Australian art. His legacy continues to influence contemporary artists and art enthusiasts worldwide. His ability to capture the essence of Australian identity and history in his art remains a testament to his enduring impact on the art world.

Sidney Nolan Artist

3. Grace Cossington-Smith (1892-1984):

Grace Crossington-Smith’ artworks are characterised by vibrant colours and a focus on everyday life in Sydney during the 20th century. She had a keen eye for capturing the beauty of ordinary scenes and domestic life, infusing them with a sense of modernity and artistic expression.

Inspired by the Modernist art that she saw in Europe, Smith’s style was ahead of its time, contributing significantly to the development of Post-Impressionist art in Australia. Her pioneering work has left an indelible mark on the country’s artistic heritage.

Grace Cossington-Smith

4. John Brack (1920-1999):

John Brack is well known for his contributions to the Australian art scene. He was a leading figure in the Melbourne figurative movement and is considered one of Australia’s most significant 20th-century painters. Brack’s work often depicted urban life and the human condition, capturing the everyday experiences of Australia in a distinctive style.

Brack used his influence as a successful Australian artist to highlight the anonymity and alienation of modern urban life through his sharp observations, satirical edge, and meticulous attention to detail. His vast body of work includes a diverse range of paintings, drawings, and prints, all of which have contributed to the rich tapestry of Australian art.

5. Albert Namatjira (1902-1959):

Albert Namatjira is a renowned Indigenous Australian artist whose Western-style watercolours paintings of the ancient Australian outback introduced Aboriginal art to the wider Australian community.

His skillful use of colour and light gained him widespread recognition and his contributions to the Australian art scene were acknowledged in 1953 when he received the Queen’s Coronation Medal. In 1968, he was honoured posthumously with his portrait on an Australian postage stamp, commemorating his legacy as a pioneering Indigenous artist and cultural ambassador.

In 1956, Australian artist William Dargie painted a portrait of Albert Namatjira, which went on to win Australia’s most prestigious art award, the Archibald Prize. This was a significant milestone in the recognition of Indigenous Australian artists, as it marked the first time that a portrait of an Aboriginal person had won the honour.

Albert Namatjira Australian Artist

6. Arthur Streeton (1867-1943):

Arthur Streeton was a renowned Australian landscape painter and a leading member of the Heidelberg School, an important art movement in Australia during the last 19th and early 20th centuries. Known Considered one of Australia’s most significant Impressionist painters, imbued each oil painting with rich colours and bold brushstrokes. With a unique ability to capture the unique light and colours of the Australian landscape, his works often depicted rural scenes, mountains and coastal landscapes.

Streeton’s contributions to Australian art and his influence on Australian Impressionism has left a lasting legacy. His works are held in major art collections and museums, both in Australia and internationally.

Arthur Streeton Artist

7. Tom Roberts (1856-1931):

Tom Roberts, who was also a key figure in the Heidelberg School, primarily focused on depicting the Australian landscape and its people. He was known for his ability to capture the unique light, colour, and atmosphere of the Australian outdoors.

Robert’s paintings often featured rural scenes, bush landscapes, and the everyday lives of the Australian people, including shearers, farmers, and Indigenous Australians. One of his most famous paintings is “Shearing the Rams” (1890), which is considered an iconic representation of Australian pastoral life.

8. Margaret Preston (1875-1963):

Margaret Preston was a pioneering Australian artist known for her contributions to modernist art in Australia. Born in Adelaide, she attended Victoria Art School and trained in Munich, Paris and London. Greatly influenced by European Modernism and French Post-Impressionism, Preston emerged as a painter, printmaker, and influential art teacher who played a significant role in the development of Australian art during the early to mid-20th century.

Known for her innovative approach to art, incorporating Aboriginal, Pacific Islander and Asian art traditions into her work, she created a unique and distinctive style that combined elements of modernism with a distinctly Australian aesthetic.

Her Preston’s art often featured bold colours, simplified forms, and a focus on the native flora and fauna of Australia. A strong advocate for the use of Australian motifs and materials in art, she promoted a sense of National identity through artistic expression. Preston is remembered as one of Australia’s leading modernist artists and a trailblazer for her innovative and forward-thinking approach to art.

9. Fred Williams (1927-1982):

Fred Williams was a highly influential Australian painter known for his abstract paintings of distinctive landscapes, particularly depictions of the Australian bush.

After studying at the National Gallery School in Melbourne, he gained prominence in the 1960s for his innovative approach to modern painting. Williams’ unique style involved abstraction and the use of aerial perspectives, capturing the vastness and subtleties of the Australian landscape from an elevated perspective, emphasising intricate patterns and forms in nature.

Williams’ dedication to capturing the Australian landscape in a new and innovative way earned him critical acclaim both in Australia and internationally.

10. Brett Whiteley (1939-1992):

Contemporary Australian Brett Whitely gained early recognition for his talent, winning several art awards while still in his teens. He studied at the Julian Ashton Art School in Sydney and later travelled extensively, drawing inspiration from his experiences in Europe, the United States, and Asia.

Whiteley’s work spanned various mediums, including painting, sculpture, and printmaking. His style is often marked by a combination of abstraction and representation, vibrant colours, thick impasto, and a sense of spontaneity. Exploring themes such as the human form, landscapes, and still life. His art was deeply personal, reflecting his inner thoughts, struggles, and passions. Whiteley was also known for his self-portraits, which provided an intimate glimpse into his psyche.

Throughout his career, Whiteley received numerous awards and accolades, including the prestigious Archibald, Wynne, and Sulman Prizes multiple times. His artistic legacy continues to inspire and captivate audiences globally.

11. Jeffrey Smart (1921-2013):

Another of our most famous Australian artists, Jeffrey Smart’s works are celebrated for their unique perspective on contemporary life, capturing the solitude and isolation within urban settings.

Studying art in Adelaide and Sydney before moving to Europe in 1948, Smart spent several years living in Italy where he drew inspiration from the Italian urban environment and Renaissance. His paintings are recognised by their sharp lines, bold colours, and meticulous attention to architectural details.

Smart made a significant contribution to the Australian art scene as an art critic for a major Australian newspaper and as a drawing teacher at the National Art School. Awarded the Commonwealth Jubilee Art Prize in 1951, he is remembered as one of the country’s most iconic artists.

Australian Artist

12. Russell Drysdale (1912-1981):

Russell Drysdale was one of Australia’s most significant and respected artists of the 20th century. Known for his distinctive style of painting that depicted the Australian outback and its people, he captured the harshness and isolation of rural life.

Drysdale’s works often featured iconic Australian landscapes, along with figures from the outback, portraying the resilience and solitude of the individuals living in remote regions. His paintings are characterised by a sense of surrealism and poetic intensity and his use of light and shadow created a unique atmosphere in his artworks, adding an emotional depth to his compositions.

Drysdale had a unique way of capturing the essence of Australia’s arid landscapes and his paintings have become an iconic representation of the Australian outback.

13. Arthur Boyd (1920-1999):

Arthur Boyd was one of Australia’s most prominent and influential artists. He came from a family of artists and was a member of the renowned Boyd artistic dynasty.

Boyd’s work spanned various mediums, including painting, drawing, ceramics, and printmaking. Known for his powerful and emotive artworks, he often depicted the human condition, landscapes, and historical events. His paintings often explored themes of social injustice, war, and the complexities of human relationships. He was deeply inspired by the Australian landscape, particularly the landscapes of Victoria and the Shoalhaven region in New South Wales, where he lived for many years.

Boyd’s artistic contributions were widely recognised during his lifetime. He received numerous awards, including the prestigious Wynne Prize, Australia’s oldest art prize for landscape painting, several times throughout his career. In 1995, he was named Australian of the Year for his outstanding achievements in fine art.

14. Emily Kame Kngwarreye (1910-1996):

Emily Kame Kngwarreye from the Utopia community in the Northern Territory is considered one of the most prominent and influential figures in contemporary Aboriginal art. Though she began her artistic career relatively late in life, in her 70s, she quickly gained recognition for her unique and vibrant style, bold and expressive use of colour and ability to capture the essence of her cultural and spiritual beliefs in her paintings.

Kngwarreye’s art is deeply rooted in her Anmatyerre heritage, and her works often depict the Dreaming stories and the natural elements of her homeland, such as the desert landscape, plants, and animals.

During her short but prolific artistic career, Kngwarreye created a vast body of work, including paintings, drawings, and batiks. Her paintings feature intricate patterns, often depicting the interconnectedness of all living things in the natural world. Kngwarreye’s art has gained international acclaim and her paintings are highly sought after by collectors around the world.

15. John Henry Olsen (1928-Present):

Considered an Australian National treasure, John Henry Olsen grew up around the beauty of Bondi Beach and trained at a number of reputable Sydney art Schools including the Julian Ashton Art School. He returned to Australia in the 1960’s after several years travelling and studying around Europe which exposed him to Modern Art.

An abstract artist, Olsen depicted vivid, dynamic paintings of the Australian landscape in his unique style over a renowned seven-decade career. Olsen’s work often featured lush, abstract depictions of the natural world, capturing the essence of the Australian landscape, including its flora, fauna, and waterways.

One of Olsen’s most famous works is a mural-sized painting titled “Sydney Sun” (1965), which depicts the Sydney Harbour and its surroundings in a highly energetic and expressive manner. This painting is considered a landmark piece in Australian art history. Mosman Art Gallery in Sydney has showcased his artworks in various exhibitions over the years, celebrating his significant contributions to Australian art.

Australian Artist

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