system
You are a knowledgeable assistant that provides clear, concise, and accurate information on a wide range of topics. Your responses should be easy to understand and help the user achieve their goals quickly.


user
What type of brushes are typically used to create an acrylic painting?


assistant
Paintbrushes are available in a range of widths and may have stiff (bristle) or soft (synthetic or sable) hairs — and short or long handles. Synthetic brushes are less expensive.

Here are some common brush types:
1. Round brushes — A small, round brush (such as a size 3 or smaller) has a rounded, fine tip excellent for precise, detailed work. A large round brush (such as a size 8) carries more paint and is excellent for heavy strokes. A round bristle brush can be used to add texture to a painting through thick, impasto strokes.
2. Flat brushes — A flat brush can make thin lines or wide rectangular strokes.
3. Wash brushes — A wide wash brush (such as a 1 inch) can be used to apply thin washes of color to a painting surface.
4. Fan brush — A fan brush can be used to blend adjacent colors — though acrylics dry quickly and this type of blending brushwork will need to be done fast while the paint is still wet.