2019 Topic 8: Put a Brush on it 2019 Topic 8 It's Keren, introducing an intriguing topic: Put A Brush On It! Initially you might be wondering where this topic will go? Possibly you'll be imagining the stunning altered paintbrushes that are loved by so many but there's much more of a picture to be painted, so let's brush away a few historical cobwebs to begin. The humble paintbrush in its earliest forms has been around for 1000's of years but it was calligraphers in the Qin Dynasty (approx 300BC) that we have to thank for popularising the tool. Paintbrushes are made from the synthetic or natural brushes and most of us have our favourites that get the best results. But what do you do with those brushes that have come to the end of their useful life? Here's a few ways to add some artistry to them. Let's start with this beautiful piece, showing how magically the humble brush can be transformed. Dawid Trzepizor One artist using brushes has taken much more of a fine art angle. The leftover paint and wear adds to the beauty and she whittles the brushes to the shape she needs. She wants us to look closely at the ordinary and discover the profound. Rebecca Szeto Adding body parts and faces makes these brushes initial identity almost disappear. They are morphing into something more beautiful and adding life to what may have otherwise be discarded. She's used a paper clay head and body joints, then Linda Cain has used some PaperArtsy Lynne Perrella stamps to add intricate detailing. Linda Cain This is one of my favourite transformations; the softness and natural colours are highlighted by the flowers. Even the cogs and sequins seem to lose a little of their hard edges. Marie Nicole Perhaps you appreciate projects that are going to become part of the art you have in your home? I thought this idea was both functional and stylish. I adore the glint of copper they've added to the base of each brush. A Crafty Mix Some artists have taken the space inhabited by the bristles and woven an entire scene in it. These miniature works of arts must be even more incredible in real life. Erik Henry Johnson Introducing different textures gives your artwork depth and interest. I was quite taken by the textured bricks this artist had incorporated into her handle. Caroline Duncan Here, they have used the very shape of the brush to echo the human proportions, and I think these are incredible pieces. Alexandra Dillon We should include more literal representations of this topic. I thought the next one was playful and certainly brightens the neutral exterior. Source When we're creating canvases, adding dimensional elements helps give the piece dimension, and adding these brushes gives a clever effect. Marion Smith This ingenious use of brushes draws the eye downwards to the painted image and helps tie the colours together too. Arman I'm always looking for new and inexpensive ways to update my home, and I like the quirky factor to these brush handles! Pretty Handy Girl The Ryder Projects is a contemporary art gallery in London and Ferran Gisbert uses a handmade brush at his height for some performance art onto a wall. Ferran Gisbert If you are fascinated by creating your own art installations, look no further than this piece created using paintbrushes with a step by step tutorial on how to make your very own! Amanda C I have to admit loving quirky, and this lovely lion makes me smile. The contrast of the different paints on the ends of the paintbrush and his winsome grin makes for a very satisfying print. Giclée We all have bad hair days from time to time, although I'm guessing that this altered brush rarely has the same problem! Modified Paintbrush With Human Hair This paintbrush has a gorgeous graduation of colour and notice the fibre strands echoing the lines of the brush hairs. Donna Downey This super-stylish brush art doll has moving joints and the design uses all available space to the max. She looks like she's about to take off! Kim Collister I'm finishing our examples for now with probably my favourite piece; so much life, character and little details in one transformed brush! Apparently this company will do commissions; if this little guy/gal wasn't sold already, I'd be sorely tempted! Cast Of Characters 23 These brush examples make me want to go and find all my obsolete brushes and breathe some new life into them. There are so many ways you can incorporate brushes or even just the handles into your projects. I'd love to see someone using the brush hairs encapsulated into pools of Fresco Finish Acrylic or finding new ways to use smaller brushes. I looked in vain for a lovely brush based frame or a mini teepee created with longer brushes. Whatever your style, do check out this Pinterest page for more ideas! You're going to love the projects we have coming up. We are not doing the linked challenge for 2019, so if you want to create along with us and this topic, please share on our social feeds so we can see what you get up to. The best places are Instagram @paperartsy or post in PaperArtsy People Group on Facebook too.