My Brushes & Paints : Studio Notes

Pragati Gunasekar
Jul 2, 2025
2 min read

Hello everyone—after a little studio hiatus, I’ve dived back into painting. As I settle into my renewed rhythm, I wanted to share a few insights about the tools and materials that have transformed my practice.

I know these tools aren’t always easy to find in India (or can be pricey if you’re not painting professionally), but this post is all about expanding your knowledge and showing how natural‑hair brushes and richly pigmented paints can level up your work.

1. Brushes (Rosemary & Co)

Series 99 Pure Sable Rounds(mix of long and short handles): These are indispensable for fine details—whether it’s the glint in an eye or delicate detail in a textile pattern.
SER 278 Long Filbert: The tapered edge makes soft gradations effortless; I often switch between edge and flat face without missing a beat.
SER 279 Pure Sable Flats (mix of long and short handles): Their capacity for smooth, even washes is unmatched, perfect for blocking in broad shapes or establishing underpaintings.
Studio Tip: After each session, gently reshape your filbert on your thumb to preserve that crucial point and spring.

2. Paints & Pigments

Williamsburg Yellow Ochre (Domestic): My go‑to underpainting tone—its semi‑transparent finish lets subsequent glazes glow from beneath.
Gamblin Transparent Earth Red: Rich midtones that layer cleanly, without the muddiness common to lesser reds.
Rembrandt Turquoise Cobalt: A vibrant, lightfast shade that adds depth to shadows and harmonizes beautifully with warmer hues.
Old Holland Cremnitz White & Red Earth: Creamy whites and earth tones that balance opacity with luminosity and resist yellowing over time.
Why It Matters: Investing in professional pigments ensures your work retains its original vibrancy for decades.

3. My Layering Workflow

I always begin with a small “test spot” to assess brush feel and pigment strength.
Rinse brushes sparingly—excess water can thin paints and dull color intensity.
I build in transparent glazes, letting each layer dry slightly before adding the next; this creates that coveted depth and richness.

Enjoy experimenting with these tools and techniques in your own studio!

About the Artist

Pragati holds an MFA from the New York Academy of Art, where she was appointed Adjunct Faculty for Summer Residency Program, 2025.

She has also served as a Brand Educator for Winsor & Newton (2021–2022), and her work has been exhibited in New York, Chennai, Dubai, and internationally.

Website: https://pragatigunasekart.com Insta: @artbypragz