David Smeadon takes a painting trip down memory lane…

I first started painting way back when I was in primary school. I was interested in the birds I saw in the parks and garden and began drawing and painting them. I remember my teacher said I captured the shapes perfectly. 

Art has been constantly with me, more so now since moving from London to Lavenham in Suffolk. These days my art involves architecture and landscapes. My favourite brushes are Rosemary and Co. They are very well made and very good value for money. I particularly like the way the catalogue is produced I can study the brushes at my leisure at home with no pressure as in a shop.

Showing the brushes actual size is a tremendous help. My favourite at the moment is the 1″ Pure Sable Filbert (series 7350) I use for my loose work. I did in the past and still do produce a lot of detailed pen work with washes of watercolour but
recently started loosening up in drawing and using the 1″ filbert for the washes. This brush also is very good if I want to create thin lines such as telegraph wires etc. It’s a great all round brush for me.

When finished, I take care of my brushes by gently washing them under lukewarm water and a tiny amount of household soap, shaking off excess water and gently wipe on a tissue to a point. I do not store the brushes immediately in my brush pots but lay them down on tissue to dry then store them in the pots.

I have found when storing in pots when still damp the water can run back down the handle and decay the wood over time. I might add that I have never treated my Rosemary brushes in that way. I will continue to use Rosemary brushes for my paintings and continue experimenting with the various types.

Images courtesy of David Smeadon.