Although oil painting requires the use of brushes, they are not essential to start painting. Experienced painter, Jonathan Marsico, indicates that instead, we can use spatulas, toothpicks or even mix colors with our own fingers.

However, Marsico suggests that for beginners in oil painting it is better to start with brushes in order to feel more comfortable and to improve their dexterity little by little.

Marsico claims that the brushes used can be round, oval or square. Also, these can be made of animal hair (such as squirrel or bristle) or with synthetic hair. Marsico recommends using brushes with animal hair for their comfort and flexibility.

"Of all of them, the most economical and that can be used to get started in oil painting are those with bristle hair. Synthetic hair brushes are even cheaper, although, due to the small price difference, animal hair brushes are preferable," says Marsico.

Depending on the work of art the painter wants to paint and its level of details, he can choose more or less fine brushes. Therefore, according to Marsico's articles on Medium, if you want to give a more expressionist air to your painting, thick brushes will work better. If you are going to paint something very detailed, the finest ones will be your ideal option.

Marsico suggests that to begin, only four different sizes are needed. With them you can practically start painting in an amateur way and evolve little by little. That is why Marsico recommends purchasing sizes 4, 8, 12 and 16 at the beginning.

Oil is slow drying. Therefore, if you are painting regularly, talented painter Jonathan Marsico suggests that you should not constantly clean the brushes.

Once the necessary brushes have been purchased, the material can be supplemented with a small spatula, which will be very useful for mixing oil paint colors.