Vegan Brushes for Fine Art

Vegan Brushes For Fine Art

Even if in 2022 no official Vegan label is yet imposed in the Art World, some manufacturers of Fine Arts materials have become precursors on this important theme in the eyes of many artists and creatives (and I am one of them!).

This is the case of the French brush manufacturer Léonard. Therefore, I had to encourage this movement, especially with regard to other manufacturers, and to highlight this dynamic on my blog.

Natural Hair, that was before!

Almost a century ago in artists’ studios, animal hairs such as mongoose, badger, grey squirrel, but also pony, horse, goat, sheep, or pig hair (the list is rather long) were seen as noble materials, reserved for the high-end brush, as opposed to the synthetic hairs despised by purists. Natural bristles are made of keratin and have scales that prevent pigment-laden water from slipping off. That’s their secret.

For those interested, the first synthetic brushes arrived after the creation of nylon and polyamide fibres in 1938.

Picture by the fine artist Amylee Paris

Good to know: The Rolls Royce of brushes remains Kolinsky sable hair because of its flexibility and strength, which gives the artist’s hand great control and precision. But hang on, the price of this hair, with its exceptional qualities, can exceed the price of gold.

What is a Good Brush?

The brush is an extension of the hand, so the artist is always demanding in the search for this precious tool which must not hinder his gesture and his drawing.

Here are the 5 essential points for a quality brush:

1. An extremely fine flower;
2. a curved hair coupled with an extremely supple and sensitive tip;
3. full capillarity to distribute the colour evenly (retaining water and pigments in their belly);
4. a light and robust handle of sufficient length
5. a ferrule that does not rust or fall off when wet

An Awareness

Natural hair is losing more and more ground among painters because ecological awareness is leading to a different vision. The use of natural hair is becoming outrageous these days. The Fine Arts material brands are therefore interested in alternative solutions. They are focusing on ecological labels, recycling of materials, circular economy, manufacture that prevent excessive waste.

Recycled or vegetable-based materials are becoming a guarantee of quality and eco-responsibility. And it is becoming more and more common to see brands or artists such as Alexandra Dillon recycle materials (e.g. used brushes to give them a second life).

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Picture by Amylee Paris

Vegan Tools for Art Studio

Created in 1944 by Donald Watson, Vegan is a word that rejects all animal exploitation and all production based on flesh, fur, leather, wool, feathers, hair, wax, animal fat or eggs. The Vegan label excludes all products tested on animals. Humans must not be the source of suffering or cruelty in the manufacture of food, clothing, cleaning products or cosmetics.

For some years now, the “Vegan Label” has been flourishing on the shelves of our favourite art suppliers. The materials labelled Vegan are ethical, in search of naturalness, respect for life and a lesser impact on the environment.

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LEONARD Talaoutki Brushes – Picture by Amylee Paris

Good Habits From Artists

Artists are becoming more environmentally aware. To avoid using brushes of animal origin, it is tempting to turn to synthetic materials such as polyester, nylon, acrylic, in short all materials derived from petroleum. However, their chemical and polluting production, which is not very biodegradable, is still harmful to health.

So how do we go about it?

Together, artist friends, let’s adopt good habits.

• Let’s not throw away brushes that are still useful. I would like to use this article to send a message to brands of brushes and artists’ materials. Think about creating more brushes from recycled, reclaimed synthetic fibers, to create new from used materials. Nature will thank you!
• Store our paints in a dry, temperate place, they can be kept for several months or even years.
• Acrylic or oil paints are a toxic risk for environment. Your paints can end up in the rubbish if the can is empty or dry, but to respect the environment, do not, under any circumstances, throw the remains of fresh paint in the sink or the toilet. Regardless of the size of the can or tube, it is imperative that you take them to a waste disposal center or to dedicated areas.
• Let’s do the right thing every day. By individually reducing our shop waste, avoiding waste, or preferring recycling, we collectively preserve our natural resources. And our planet is worth it!

Leonardo’s Bamboo Brushes

Do you know the range of bamboo brushes offered by French brush manufacturer Léonard ?

These brushes have a bamboo handle (without ferrule), a larger or smaller flower, and a different sensativity.

According to the needs of the artist, 3 ranges are available.

• Talaoutki (small grey imitation fibres) ;
• Fauve (imitation pig silk fibres) ;
• Aquarellys (Similhair floral fibres Samy grise).

These bamboo ranges are environmentally friendly. They preserve the ecological balance and no watering or pesticides are added during operation. Unlike trees, bamboos grow fast (1m per day), produce a lot of oxygen and store more CO2. In addition, the root system of bamboo is remarkable because it reduces erosion and allows the reclamation of marginalized areas, especially on steep slopes.

LEONARD Talaoutki Brushes – Picture by Amylee Paris

Leonard’s FSC certified vegan bamboo brush is perfect for watercolour, gouache, acrylic and other diluted techniques and washes. It facilitates rough supports, uniform paintings (landscapes), gradations (backgrounds) or polychrome flat tints. The tips range from very supple (Aquarellys) to very nervous (Fauve). The hair retains the paint right down to the root.

LEONARD Aquarellys Brushes – Picture by Amylee Paris

Bamboo Hahnemühle Paper – Picture by Amylee.fr

Good to know: To these bamboo brushes, I recommend you to paint on the blocks of Hahnemühle multi-technique bamboo paper. Paper made of 90% bamboo and 10% cotton fibres. A unique surface and a really surprising feel!

LEONARD Fauve Brush – Picture by Amylee Paris

The FSC Certified Vegan Label

The Forest Stewardship Council is a label indicating that all the fibre used comes from FSC® certified forests. The FSC guarantees consumers that wood and paper products come from sustainably managed forests. The FSC principles include respect for international treaties, the rights of indigenous peoples, forest workers, and local communities.

Respect for biological diversity, ecosystems and the environment in general is also central, including the restoration and conservation of natural forests.

To respect the principles of sustainable development, for example, it is advisable to replant trees responsibly as they are felled. The FSC label requires regular monitoring to assess the condition of the forest, the yields of forest products, the timber chain, management operations and their social and environmental impacts. The label was created by the NGO FSC

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Content provided by Amylee Paris

The passion of Amylee, fine artist and author is to share her paintings between galleries, art collectors and her community. Amylee is also recognized as one of the most influential French artist-entrepreneurs. Since 2009 she has mentored thousands of visual artists guiding them to thriving their art career.

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You can visit her colourful portfolio,follow her on Facebook and Instagram, or find all Amylee’s posts published in GreatArt online Magazineby clicking here!