Perfect Oils for Procreate 87 Brushes: A Comprehensive Review of the Remastered Set
Digital painting has evolved significantly, with artists increasingly seeking tools that replicate the tactile satisfaction of traditional media. Among the most sought-after digital mediums is oil painting, known for its rich texture, blendability, and depth. For iPad artists using Procreate, Perfect Oils for Procreate 87 Brushes represents a specialized solution designed to bridge the gap between physical canvas and digital screen. This article evaluates the updated Version 3.0 remastered set, exploring its features, practical applications, and suitability for various artistic workflows.
Understanding the Toolset
Perfect Oils for Procreate 87 Brushes is a comprehensive collection of digital brushes engineered specifically for the Procreate application on iPad and iPhone. The core objective of this set is to simulate the behavior of real oil paint, offering an impasto effect and a lively feeling of pigment both during the painting process and in the final result. Unlike generic brush packs that offer a wide variety of unrelated tools, this set focuses exclusively on oil painting techniques across all stages of creation.
The recent update to Version 3.0 marks a significant overhaul. The entire set has been completely redesigned and rebuilt to enhance performance and realism. Recognizing that many artists had established workflows with previous iterations, the developers have retained the Version 2.01 brushes within the package. This dual-inclusion strategy ensures that long-time users can transition smoothly while new users benefit from the enhanced capabilities of the remastered tools. Additionally, the package includes a file with hints and tips, which is periodically updated with new recommendations as they become available.
Key Features and Technical Considerations
When evaluating digital brush sets, understanding the technical constraints and capabilities is crucial for setting realistic expectations. Perfect Oils for Procreate 87 Brushes operates under specific design principles that influence how it should be used.
- Brush Tool Only: It is important to note that this set does not include a smudge tool. The blending and texture effects are achieved entirely through the Brush Tool. This design choice encourages artists to rely on brushstroke technique rather than digital smoothing, resulting in more authentic-looking paintings.
- Pressure Sensitivity: While the set is compatible with Procreate Pocket on iPhone, the full range of features is best disclosed using pressure sensitivity. This capability is native to the iPad and Apple Pencil, allowing for dynamic control over opacity, size, and texture intensity.
- Licensing Restrictions: The product is not released under the GPL or any of its variations. Users should be cautious of unauthorized distributions, as these do not reflect the official, supported version of the software.
Benefits for Digital Artists
The primary advantage of using Perfect Oils for Procreate 87 Brushes lies in its ability to mimic the physical properties of oil paint. Traditional oil painting is characterized by thick layers of paint, visible brushstrokes, and complex blending behaviors. This brush set captures these nuances, providing an impasto effect that adds three-dimensional depth to two-dimensional digital artworks.
For artists transitioning from traditional media, this familiarity can reduce the learning curve associated with digital tools. The brushes respond to stylus pressure in a way that feels intuitive, allowing for natural variation in stroke width and opacity. Furthermore, the inclusion of both the new Version 3.0 and the legacy Version 2.01 brushes offers flexibility. Artists can experiment with the improved dynamics of the new set while retaining access to the trusted tools they have previously mastered.
Ideal Use Cases
This brush set is particularly well-suited for specific types of artistic projects. Understanding where these tools excel can help artists determine if they align with their current goals.
Plein-Air and Nature Etudes
The responsive nature of the brushes makes them excellent for plein-air painting and from-nature etudes. Artists working quickly to capture light and atmosphere will appreciate the immediate feedback and realistic texture. The ability to lay down thick, expressive strokes allows for rapid composition and color blocking, essential skills for outdoor sketching.
Color Sketches and Studies
For preliminary color sketches, the set provides a robust platform for experimenting with palettes and values. The impasto effect helps visualize how light interacts with textured surfaces, offering a more accurate preview of the final piece compared to flat digital brushes.
Long-Term Artworks and Illustrations
Beyond quick sketches, Perfect Oils for Procreate 87 Brushes is designed for serious, long-term artworks. The variety of brushes included supports detailed rendering, glazing, and finishing touches. Illustrators seeking a painterly aesthetic for book covers, concept art, or fine art prints will find the tools capable of producing high-resolution, professional-grade results.
Tradeoffs and Limitations
While the set offers significant benefits, it is not without limitations. The absence of a dedicated smudge tool may be a drawback for artists who rely heavily on digital blending techniques. Those accustomed to softening edges with a smudge finger or tool will need to adapt their workflow to use brush-based blending methods. This shift requires practice and may initially slow down the painting process.
Additionally, the reliance on pressure sensitivity means that users without an iPad or Apple Pencil may not experience the full potential of the brushes. While Procreate Pocket on iPhone is supported, the smaller screen and lack of advanced pressure controls can limit the precision and expressiveness achievable with the set.
Comparing Alternatives
When considering Perfect Oils for Procreate 87 Brushes, it is helpful to compare it with other options in the market. Generic brush packs often provide a broader range of tools, including pencils, inks, and watercolors, which may be preferable for artists who work in multiple mediums. However, these generalist sets rarely achieve the same level of specialization in oil simulation.
Other specialized oil brush sets may offer different approaches to texture and blending. Some may include smudge tools or focus on specific styles, such as impressionism or realism. Artists should evaluate their specific stylistic needs and workflow preferences when making a selection. If the goal is a highly authentic oil painting experience with a focus on brushstroke integrity, Perfect Oils for Procreate 87 Brushes stands out as a strong contender.
Making the Decision
Choosing the right digital tools is a personal decision that depends on individual artistic goals. Perfect Oils for Procreate 87 Brushes is an ideal choice for artists who prioritize realism, texture, and traditional painting techniques in their digital work. It is particularly valuable for those who enjoy the tactile process of building up paint layers and who are willing to adapt to a brush-only blending workflow.
Conversely, artists who prefer smooth, blended finishes or who require a multi-medium toolkit may find other options more suitable. Additionally, users who primarily work on iPhone or without pressure-sensitive devices should consider whether the limitations align with their hardware capabilities.
Ultimately, the inclusion of both the remastered Version 3.0 and the legacy Version 2.01 brushes adds significant value, offering a comprehensive resource for both exploration and consistency. By understanding the strengths and constraints of this set, artists can make an informed decision about whether it enhances their creative process.
