Behind the Brand
PRO ARTE
One of the UK's most recognisable brushmakers
Based in Skipton in North Yorkshire, Pro Arte is one of the world's most recognisable brush makers, and it's responsible for important advances in the manufacture of synthetic alternatives to natural hair. The family-run company was founded by Roy Thompson in 1973 and is now run by his son Peter. Roy began to investigate synthetic alternatives to natural hair 40 years ago, and after years of research and innovation, Pro Arte developed a breakthrough using a polyester filament, creating a brush that could mimic the characteristics of pure sable with its wonderful spring and colour holding power.
PRO ARTE BRISTLENE
MASTERTOUCH
PRO ARTE RENAISSANCE
PRO ARTE TERRY HARRISON
PROLENE BRUSHES
After years of research, Pro Arte developed a quality synthetic alternative to the sable brush with the creation of the Prolene range. Each brush mimics the characteristics of pure sable with its wonderful spring and colour holding power.
ACRYLIX BRUSHES
The Acrylix range is made from Taklon, a synthetic hair that offers firm and flexible brushstrokes with a lovely silky working texture. These short handle brushes are ideal for painters who require precision detail with great pointing adaptability.
STERLING ACRYLIX
The long-handled Sterling Acrylix brushes have silky white synthetic filaments and silver lacquered handles. Originally designed for acrylic painters, they are also used by oil painters who benefit from their precision and versatility.
PROLENE PLUS
Prolene Plus are purely synthetic, but the fibres are softer than Prolene and exude a feel much closer to natural hair. The brushes have improved colour holding and pointing properties, and are widely used for watercolour, gouache, and other media.
MASTERTOUCH AQUAMARINE
Pro Arte Mastertouch Aquamarine Brushes have been specially designed for watercolour and gouache painting. The fine synthetic fibres have good colour holding and excellent spring and these economical sets come in a choice of round, flat, filbert brush shapes.
RON RANSON
Roy Ranson Hake brushes are made with goat hair and are styled after Japanese hake. These long-handled brushes are ideal for artists who wish to emulate the technique of Roy Ranson who paints in the ‘fast and loose’ manner.
Customer Reviews
"Brilliant spring, excellent water-holding, and a joy to use. I really don't see the point of sable any more. These brushes are perfect."
“Definitely the best synthetics I've tried - lovely brush to use - perfect for acrylic inks.”
"A brush that feels good and handles well."