Here at Opus, we have sourced an array of products that we have produced under our name. Our goal is to provide artist-grade paints, tools, surfaces, frames, and more, with an excellent balance of performance and value. 

We want your Opus Watercolour Brushes to be the ones you reach for first, the brushes you choose to work on important pieces.

Our Opus Watercolour Brushes consist of the Allegro and Galiano brush lines. Both lines are available in Round and Flat brush shapes. The Galiano line includes a Quill brush option as well.

Both of our watercolour brush lines are made with synthetic, animal-free fibres. The Allegro is designed to match a sable bristle, whereas the Galiano is designed to match squirrel.

Read on for our friendly starting suggestions. Adapt your tool selection as you gain experience and expand your art practice. Before you know it, you'll have built your very own specialized custom brush set!

How do you assemble a set of Opus watercolour brushes? 

We asked our staff for some guidance, and they brought us what they would choose for a set. Starting out, anywhere between 2-5 brushes would give you a great foundation for the majority of watercolour painting.

Also, consider what format of painting you're going to be doing. You'll probably have a better time working in a watercolour sketchbook with smaller brushes. 

If you have some brushes already, try filling in the gaps for what you don't have yet. For example, if it takes you too long to get the coverage you need, try a larger flat brush.

Opus Staff Watercolour Brush Picks from Cat

• Opus Allegro Round 18
• Opus Galiano Flat 1"
• Opus Galiano Quill 4
• Opus Allegro Round 6

Opus Staff Cat chose 4 Opus Watercolour Brushes, two each of Allegro & Galiano. 

These brushes will be great for some slightly larger paintings, but retains some precision.

The Allegro Round 18 is a great option for working a bit bigger. It still holds a fine tip, so it can be used for some detail. 

The Galiano Flat 1" is a nice, wide brush which can hold plenty of water for juicy wash layers.

The Galiano Quill 4 is overall just a pretty brush!! The soft bristles can create some great soft textures.

Lastly, the Allegro Round 6 brush is great for some finer work, with its precise tip and nice shape retention. 

Opus Staff Watercolour Brush Picks from Kris

• Opus Bravura Script 2/0
• Opus Bravura Angle 1/2"
• Opus Galiano Flat 1/4"
• Opus Allegro Round 6
• Opus Galiano Quill 2

Opus Staff Kris chose 5 brushes from our Bravura, Galiano, and Allegro lines.

Kris likes to work a little smaller, so this set would be a great starting point for smaller-scale work with intricate and fine detail.

First, the Bravura Script 2/0 - a long brush great for fine lines and effects. You won't find the script shape in our other brush lines, so pick up a Bravura if you're looking for Script Brushes.

The second brush is another Bravura, this time a Bravura Angle 1/2" brush. It's a useful wider brush for washes, and offers some extra versatility with the angle in terms of creating fine marks by turning it on it's edge.

The Galiano Flat 1/4" is Kris' favourite of the lot. It's a small, precise brush with short bristles. You'll get a lot of control out of this brush for nice line work.

The Allegro Round 6 brush shows up again. This is the workhorse, all-rounder of the set. Allegro Brushes are sturdy brushes that will last you a while, and are pleasantly snappy.

The Galiano Quill 2 brush adds some nice water carrying capacity to this set. It's a juicy brush that compliments the smaller, fine brushes in this set.

We hope our guide has helped you in choosing your next Opus Watercolour Brushes. If you haven't already considered it, try mixing and matching! Pick brushes from the two lines to create your own customized watercolour brush set.

Looking for brushes for other mediums?

If you're ready to go beyond our Opus Watercolour Brushes, check out our guide to Opus Acrylic Brushes. 
For natural hair oil brushes, have a look at the Opus Fortissimo.

Please get in touch with us online or speak to the team at your local Opus Art Supplies if you have specific questions!