PHLEGMATIC BRUSH

The element of water is cold and moist and related to the brain, lungs and, of course, phlegm. It represents the calm tranquillity of old age where time and experiences, like paint and colours, can be mingled and contentedly merged. This wintry squirrel mop that is tempered through time blends in a peaceful circular motion much like blush melts into cheeks. Build up layers slowly and mindfully and achieve wisdom and serenity. 
 
These brushes are designed with oils in mind yet we don’t make the distinction between mediums; they work equally well with water and ink. As long as you keep your brushes each separate according to medium they will last you a good long while. We don’t make the tiniest brushes for oils since we believe that you don’t need so many brushes, only the best: you can repurpose your elemental watercolour or miniature ones for oils once their point has faded. The Rocks, Clouds and Water brushes, once they have faithfully served you with their sharp points for fine miniature lines, can have a second life as a companion in oils with their now-gently softened tips to create the soothing, mellow transitions used in classical oil painting. Although this semi-permeable membrane doesn’t work the other way round - you cannot easily use your oil brushes for water-based mediums once they’ve crossed the border and been dipped in oils - we present this series as a partner set to the original elemental series when they have been thoroughly used and loved.
Never chuck a brush!
 
Shown here with borage clear oil on marble.
This video was made possible with the assistance of Mr Caspian Prazmari.
 
Please note that because oils are a harsh environment for delicate squirrel, if you are unlikely to be able to wash your brush immediately after then we advise against using it with oils. Instead it performs equally beautifully in watercolours which are of a gentler nature. Due to the shape and traditional housing mechanism of this brush a very tiny amount of hairs may fall out; this is known as 'shedding'. You will hone the brush to your hand and requirements. It should not happen on a large scale or on a regular basis; if you find that this is the case please refrain from using it for oils.