It all started in 2010 at a demo, when artist Peter John Reid handed me a unique, crazy extra long rigger brush, that he though would lend well to what I was painting at the time. It was obvious I had way too much fun painting with this brush, and with a gentle smile, Peter so generously gifted it to me. From there on in, this special brush has become an exceptional tool in my work.

I call it THE DANCING BRUSH.

Almost every artist I demonstrate this brush to has wanted it and asked for the source. Back then, I had saved a link for the original one, but since the brand is now obsolete * sorry!* the good news I have found that DaVinci makes a very, very similar brush! The biggest differences are the tiny handle and more bulk from the belly to the tip (which has more of a point), yet the bristle length is the same (55mm long) made of synthetic filament (imitation Squirrel hair) and has results that are similar enough to make me * squee * with joy while using it!

DaVinci Short Stroke Brush, pointed tip | Series 706

This brush allows me to 'let go'. You can of course us it to effortlessly create perfect, pin-stripe lines - but with jiggles and wiggles (think, a jazzy groove!), it adds playful abstraction with unpredictable variegated lines and peculiar, out of the blue dashes!

It is available on Amazon.ca - although not cheap (DaVinci is a high end brand), it is worth every penny if you keep it in your usual brush kit, reach for it often, and take care of it.

Here are some examples/inspiration for you, or works that benefited from The Dancing Brush!

Enjoy xo

The dancing brush was used to create impression of foliage 'scribbles'

The Dancing Brush was used with the Interference Gold accents in the background.

The Dancing Brush is THE BEST for pin stripes!

Many elements of this mixed media piece were created using The Dancing Brush, from gestural scribbles, to dots!

Using The Dancing Brush with Interference Turquoise, this piece came alive!