Princeton Blog
Blog Categories

Aspen Short Handle Brushes for Oil and Acrylic Painting

Princeton's Aspen Series has expanded to include 15 new short-handle brushes, meticulously designed for artists who prioritize control and precision in oil and acrylic painting. These brushes are crafted to maintain their shape, ensuring optimal color placement and consistent paint release, allowing for smooth application. Suitable for use with acrylics, oils, and water-soluble oils, Aspen brushes are equipped with a non-glare ferrule, making them ideal for outdoor painting conditions.
Brush Characteristics
Made with synthetic bristles that feel just like natural ones, these brushes give you the control you need to nail those fine details on any surface. The high-quality synthetic bristles make them perfect for heavy paints like acrylic and oils.
Here are the characteristics of Aspen Short Handle Brushes that make them perfect for oil and acrylic painting:
- Next Gen Synthetic Bristles – Unique to Princeton Brushes
- Balanced handles for comfort and ease during long painting sessions
- Even release of color
- Bristles retain shape for best color placement
- Easy to clean ensuring longevity and consistent performance
- Non-glare ferrule for outdoor painting
Brush Shapes
The Aspen Short Handle Series includes a full range of traditional shapes. The following are the six shapes in the series:
- Angle Bright in size 4
- Bright in sizes 2, 4, and 6
- Filbert in sizes 4, 6, and 8
- Flat in sizes 6, 8, 10, and 12
- Round in sizes 2, 4, and 8
- Script Liner in a size 4

Long Handle vs. Short Handle Paintbrushes
When selecting paintbrushes for acrylic and oil painting, artists often face the decision between long handle and short handle brushes. Which one should you choose? Each type of handle serves a specific purpose and offers distinct advantages depending on the artist's style, the scale of their work, and their preferred painting techniques.
- Long Handle Paintbrushes: Long handle paint brushes are typically favored by artists who work on larger canvases or who prefer to stand while painting. The longer handle allows for greater distance between the artist and the canvas, enabling broader, sweeping strokes and a more dynamic range of motion. This type of brush is especially popular among oil painters who often work on easels and need to maintain a certain perspective while painting.
- Short Handle Paintbrushes: Short handle paint brushes, on the other hand, are generally preferred by artists who work on smaller canvases or who paint in a more controlled, detailed manner. The shorter handle allows for closer proximity to the canvas, offering the artist greater control over fine details and intricate designs. This type of brush is often used by acrylic painters who may work on a variety of surfaces, including paper, wood, and canvas, and who may paint in a seated position.
Acrylic vs. Oil Painting: Choosing the Right Brush
The choice between long and short handle brushes also depends on the medium being used. Oil painting, with its slower drying time and typically larger canvases, often pairs well with long handle brushes like our Aspen 6500 Series. The artist can stand back from the canvas, making adjustments as needed while maintaining an overview of the entire composition.
Acrylic painting, which dries faster and is often used in a more layered approach, may benefit from the precision of short handle brushes. However, acrylic painters working on large canvases or in an expressive style might also opt for long handle brushes.
When it comes to finding a versatile brush that excels in both acrylic and oil painting, the Princeton Aspen Series stands out as an exceptional choice. This series combines the benefits of both long and short handle brushes, making it suitable for a wide range of painting techniques and styles.

Choosing between long handle and short handle paint brushes ultimately comes down to the artist's personal style. Long handle brushes offer control and fluidity for large-scale oil paintings, while short handle brushes provide precision and comfort for detailed acrylic work.
For artists seeking a versatile brush that performs exceptionally well in both acrylic and oil painting, the Princeton Aspen Series is perfect for you. Its combination of high-quality synthetic bristles, balanced handles, and adaptability across mediums makes it a reliable and essential tool for any artist, whether they are working on large canvases or intricate details. If you try the new Short Handle Series let us know what you think!