Replacement

Do you have a favorite paintbrush that's been around for a long time? Mine is fairly short, not too thin, comfortable to hold. It's a hard-working one that I've had for.... a very long time.... 20 or 25 years. I've looked after it well and it's been good to me but some things don't last forever.

After I moved my studio to a new place and unpacked everything, I didn't get back to artwork for quite a while. The first small projects didn't require paint so I didn't realize that most of my brushes weren't around any more. The longtime, dependable favorite was there, thankfully.













On spending more time creating art, the shortcomings of my only brush became noticeable for the first time. Odd, how when you lose the many, the flaws of the few become more visible. Sadly, I need something better. It's natural hair bristles are nowhere near as long as they used to be and the paint on the handle is cracking and flaking off. I hate the thought of tossing it away.... I've had it for such a long time but truthfully, I don't know how much longer it will last.












I've casually looked at one that might be an adequate replacement but have only been 'considering' so far. Nice natural bristles, it's longer and looks gorgeous! You have to hold it a little differently so it seems strange and would take getting used to. As with all possible new things in my life, whether it's a new ottoman for the living room or a coat in my favorite clothing store, I 'visit' it a few times before I decide. As nice as this new one is, it isn't perfect, so is the cost worth it? What if isn't quite what I want or need? By the time I decide it will probably be gone.

For now, I'll look for replacements for what I lost: a new liner brush (my second 'best friend' in the studio), a 'bright' and a 'filbert'. The name – filbert – sounds like fun, a brush you'd use to create something wonderful – a playful, happy little piece of art. And who wouldn't want anything called 'bright'.

It's difficult, though. The same as buying new shoes; first you have to like them, then they have to fit.



Today's horoscope:
Gemini (May 21 – June 20)
The world works in threes. Stories tell
of three wishes, three magic words or
three tests to attain a major reward. Be
vigilant and don't leap at the first option
that comes your way. Weigh all choices
carefully.