Where the Magic Happens: My Go-To Brushes & Unexpected Painting Tools as a Midwest Landscape Artist
Every artist has their favorite tools—the ones that feel like an extension of their hand, the ones that have been worn in just right, and even the ones that look a little… unconventional.
In my studio, where I create original Midwest paintings, the tools I reach for daily aren’t just about precision; they’re about personality. Some of them have even earned their own names!
Today, I want to take you behind the scenes
and introduce you to my favorite brushes (and a few surprise tools) that help bring my Midwest landscapes, skyscapes, and farmscapes to life.
Rolling Hill Brushes (aka Filberts, or as we call them—Ferberts!)
If you’ve ever admired the rolling fields, sturdy barn walls, or soft flowing lines in my paintings, you have these brushes to thank.
Filbert brushes, with their rounded edges and versatile shape, are amazing for blending colors, filling in fields, and adding depth to landscapes.
But in my studio, they have a special name—Ferberts.
This little term of endearment comes from my daughter, who once giggled while shopping with me and said, “Mom, look at these Ferberts! Isn’t that a funny name?” And honestly? It stuck.
So, Ferberts they shall forever be!
Pickin’ Wildflowers by Jenna Lueck captures the rolling hills and valleys of the Mississippi River Valley, with a breathtaking view from Iowa into Wisconsin beneath a sky of soft popcorn clouds.
Big Sky Brushes
At first glance, you might mistake these for ordinary house-painting brushes,
but in my hands, they create the vast, dramatic Midwest skies that so many of my paintings are known for.
The secret? The more worn out, the better.
A smooth, brand-new brush has its place, but the well-loved ones—frayed edges and all—create the most beautiful cloud effects and sweeping sky movements. Years ago, I used them for big, flowing fields as well, but I’ve since moved on to different brushes for that. Now, these brushes are reserved for my skies, where they really shine.
Distant Trees & Texture Brushes
Have you seen the tree lines, the sturdy old oaks, or the textured foliage in my paintings? They were likely created using these well-worn, well-pounded brushes.
These Filbert-style brushes with stiff bristles take a beating in my studio—literally.
I use them in a way that would probably make a traditional art teacher cringe, pounding them onto the palette and canvas to build up texture and layers.
They lose bristles constantly, so I keep tweezers handy to pluck stray ones off the canvas before the paint dries. It’s all part of the process!
The Other Farm by Jenna Lueck showcases the rich autumn beauty of the Driftless Area, with rolling hills, golden cornfields ready for harvest, and vibrant fall foliage surrounding rustic farmsteads. A stunning acrylic landscape capturing the warmth of the season.
Tiny Detail Brushes
Sometimes, the smallest details make the biggest impact.
These little beauties—round brushes, liner brushes, and rigger brushes—bring the fine details of my landscapes to life. From delicate grass blades to wisps of wildflowers, from tiny birds to intricate stems, these brushes pack a punch despite their size.
If you’ve ever looked closely at one of my paintings and noticed the intricate, wispy details, these guys were hard at work.
As part of Jenna Lueck's Mini Skyscape Series, this vibrant painting captures a peaceful, dynamic scene, perfect for brightening any small space in your home.
The Wild Cards: Textured & “Chopped Up” Brushes
These brushes might look like they’ve been through a shredder, but they’re some of my favorite secret weapons!
Some of them have been carefully chopped up by me over the years to create unique effects—perfect for pine trees, rough textures, and even cornfields when the mood strikes.
More recently, I’ve added a few professionally made texture brushes into my lineup, and I’ve had fun experimenting to see what new effects they can bring to my work.
A commission painting by Jenna Lueck, featuring a stunning fall landscape with an Iowa heritage farm and a harvested cornfield dotted with cornstalk bales. This custom piece captures the beauty of autumn and the charm of rural life.
The Most Unexpected Tool: Rags
Would you have ever guessed that rags are just as essential to my process as my brushes?
They’re my perfect erasers, always soaked and ready because acrylic paint dries fast. They’re also fantastic for creating soft, blended effects in my skies.
One of my favorite tricks?
Wrapping a rag around my finger, dipping it in paint and water, and gently dabbing it onto the canvas for dreamy, atmospheric effects.
Touch of Heaven, a vibrant acrylic painting by Jenna Lueck, captures a breathtaking sky with flowing clouds and a hint of sunlight breaking through, lighting up the cloud edges in soft yellows and purples.
Final Thoughts
Each brush and tool in my studio has a story, a purpose, and a little bit of personality. Some are well-worn warriors that have shaped countless paintings, while others are new additions that I’m still getting to know. But all of them play a part in helping me capture the beauty of the Midwest—one brushstroke (or rag swipe) at a time.
Have a favorite painting of mine?
There’s a good chance you now know exactly which tools helped bring it to life!
If you love rural landscape paintings that bring a piece of the Midwest into your home, you’ll love exploring my full collection of original skyscape paintings here.