Watercolor brushes are distinguished by what feature?

Watercolor brushes are primarily characterized by their short handles and soft natural or synthetic hairs. This design allows for greater control and precision when applying paint, facilitating the delicate techniques often used in watercolor painting, such as washes, glazing, and wet-on-wet applications. The softness of the bristles is essential as it enables artists to create a variety of textures and to absorb and release water and pigment smoothly, which is crucial for manipulating watercolors effectively.

Short handles provide better maneuverability for fine detail work or when blending colors. In contrast, long handles are more common in brushes designed for oil or acrylic painting, where a more sweeping stroke is often needed. Hard bristles are typically used for other mediums and would not be suitable for the fluidity and softness required in watercolor techniques. Therefore, the defining features of watercolor brushes resonate with the need for gentle touch and precise control inherent in watercolor painting.