Paintbrush

A handle, bristles, and paint at the tip characterize the tool.

Visual traits

• brush handle
• bristles
• paint-loaded tip

Expected changes

• A tool with bristles and handle becomes more likely
• A paint-application context becomes more likely

Definition

A paintbrush is a tool that holds paint in bristles or a fiber bundle and applies it to a support. It does not specify a paint, brushwork, calligraphy brush, or finished art style.

In more detail

A handle, ferrule, bristle bundle, and paint-loaded tip make a paintbrush recognizable. Size and shape vary for lines, areas, and detail.

Includes

• A brush used to apply paint

Excludes

• Pens
• pencils
• calligraphy brushes
• a particular paint or brushwork
• the act of painting itself

What this does not imply

• A particular paint, art style, artist, or written content

Variability

Bristle shape, size, and material vary by use.

Usage

• Specify as a tool; specify paint and style separately

Distinguish similar expressions

• Distinguish from pens and calligraphy brushes

Typical uses

• A tool held by a person while painting
• A prop in a paint-application workspace

Possible failure modes

• It becomes a pen or cosmetic brush
• It becomes a bare stick without bristles