I just can’t resist the allure of new supplies. Perhaps that’s why I buy things I don’t need? Need is such an ugly four-letter word, don’t you think? Hand Made Modern’s Brush Library from Target caught my eye in the craft aisle, offering a wide variety of synthetic bristle paintbrushes in a convenient roll-up canvas case—all for a budget-friendly price. But are these paintbrushes good for mixed media artists, like me?
In this video, I share my thoughts on this set of paintbrushes, from first impressions to hands-on testing with different mediums. (I’m looking at the brushes from the perspective of a mixed media artist, so your take may be different if you’re a different kind of artist and use different mediums.)
Here are the basics:
What’s Inside the Brush Library?
This set boasts a range of synthetic brushes, each labeled with its type and intended use, making it ideal for beginners or anyone uncertain about which brush to choose.
The brushes also come with a roll-up case to keep organized. One criticism: while the case is functional, it could benefit from a bit more fabric length to roll up comfortably.
Exploring Different Mediums
As a mixed media artist, I use a wide variety of liquid and wet mediums, so I experimented with some of my favorites:
- Heavy Body Acrylics: The softness of the brush made it challenging to achieve the texture and control I prefer when using heavy body paints. However, adding water to the paint helped immensely, making the brushes easier to handle.
- Fluid Acrylics: Reasonably okay. But the brushes are very soft, so not ideal.
- Ink: The fine-tipped brushes worked beautifully for detailed line work.
- Watercolor: The brushes held water and pigment effectively, making them great for washes and detailed strokes.
- Liquid Watercolor: Another win—the brushes held color and delivered smooth, even application.
- Acrylic Inks: Soft brushes like these are perfect for splattering techniques, creating beautiful paint splats with ease.
Final Verdict
Pros:
- Excellent for thin, watery mediums.
- Great for splattering and delicate details.
- Budget friendly.
- Come with a case.
- Large range of brushes (and clearly labeled).
Cons:
- Not ideal for heavy body acrylics or techniques requiring stiff bristles.
- Case could be better.
- Quality is student-grade. But then again, so is the price (so maybe it’s not a con).
If you’re at Target and you’re a mixed media beginner or a more experienced mixed media artist looking to expand your brush collection on a budget, I think that this set of paintbrushes is worth a try!
Have you tried these brushes? What do you think?
P.S. For the record, these are my absolute favorite go-to brushes. And now they come in short handled!
My Other Hand Made Modern Product Reviews:
I don’t own them but they look like a nice addition since they tell you what the brush was intended for (which I need). I bet it won’t be long before you paint the canvas holder.
These brushes are great. I would love to buy them! Where?
I thought the same about the brush canvas case. It could use a little “Julie.”
Appreciate the review.
They’re from Target. 🙂
Always on the lookout for great brushes!!! Where can I buy this set?????
I bought the five brush set at Target a couple of months ago, and within two weeks went back for the big set. I’m really happy with them.
Julie I haven’t used these brushes before but I have used items in the handmade modern collection!
It’s by a very talented guy who is an artist, designer, and many other titles I could list! His name is Todd Oldham and I met him when I was in high school and he was doing fashion, making, in an old warehouse in Texas! One of my friends knew him! I have dollowed his career over the last 25 years and I am so happy for him! He’s a very talented guy!!! Now I need these brushes! lol
ok, i am convinced, I am going to try these brushes. Thanks so much for the review.
thanks so much for showing these brushes. Probably the only supply that causes me any problem, is brushes. When I am faced with the hundreds of brushes on display at a hobby store, I just cannot figure out what I need. Your demo helped a lot. Please do more videos explaining supplies. Thank you
I was hesitant to try these, but now it is time to head to target with my giftcard!
I do now! Incidentally, there is a wonderful paper bargain at Tar-jay–Kids Made Modern Heavyweight Mixed paper. All the calligraphers around here are snagging it for practice sheets and student use.
Julie, the link to your favorite paintbrushes isn’t working for me. Can you post it again? Thanks.
Good to know!
Definitely going to try them. Thanks for the review! Wish I could attend your upcoming Ink Pad or Australian classes. Come closer to Indiana!! Before you go I hope you post a new podcast. Regards to your awesome Mom, & Have fun in Australia! (Maybe some podcasts from on the road?)