I have weak arthritic fingers and most water brushes are too firm for me to handle comfortably. Those brushes have straight sides , some are long rectangles, some are long tubes, and some have buttons. One exception is the chubby water brushes from pentel. The plastic is softer than other styles, I have several of them and have no difficulty holding them and lightly squeezing those chubby curved sides.
@@artonthecreekOops! I meant a 4 brush Derwent set. I just got back in to watercolors. I was a hardcore Windsor&Newton fan, but I just bought my first large Schmincke set and I'm in love...
Excellent paint choice, Todd🤠 So happy to hear you’re getting back into watercolors; as you know it’s a wonderful medium! I am intrigued by the Derwent water brushes & tend to enjoy most Derwent things I buy (I even have a Derwent playlist!) since you like their push-button water brushes I may have to try! Thanks!👩🏻🎨
I have the Derwent push buttons set of four & the c’aran D’arche also one kerutake zig & a pen tel. The pen tel & zig I am currently using for activation purposes. I was wondering what to do with the red c’aran d’arche and now I know. I have never come across the tomboy variety in Australia as it takes a while to get anything here even for Amazon. Thanks for your water brush review❤❤❤
Nice review! Your faves are also mine at the moment. The Tombow came with the small marker set and the one Zig I have was an emergency purchase while out and about. It happened to be the least expensive water brush on the rack. 😊 I don't generally use a water brush...but when I do ... I'm very happy with those 2 brands.
Excellent I’m happy you enjoyed this! It’s been quite awhile since I’ve published this review, and I’ve come across other water brushes since. My assessment remains unchanged! Zig & Tombow are still winners for me as well. Happy painting!
Kuritaki Zig waterbrushes are my favs too. I fill them from the tap without removing the small disk. I can get extremely fine lines with all of the rounds, much finer than the lines you showed. I thought I hated waterbrushes after using the Aquwash brush. The Aquwash dripped all over and formed huge wet puddles. Not a fan. 5 years later, a friend insisted I try her Zigs and I was an immediate convert. Thanks for taking the time to demo all the brushes you tested. It was interesting to see your results.
I use the Caran d"Ache brushes every day. I especially love the felt tipped. Btw, you don't have to push in the buttons when filling the pens. I can do it one handed. I did encounter a problem with one brush. It had a stopper over the fill hole, and being half blind, I though it just didn't get the hole drilled. It took my daughter to flip off the stopper so I could fill the pen. I also bought water pens from Temu, and they turned backwards. I destroyed one of them before my daughter told me to try turning the water barrels the wrong way. Duh! Boy did I feel stupid.
Thank you for your comments! The brush you mention is one that I am not familiar with. I will have to go on a hunt for that one! Kuretake is one of my favorite brands…they have yet to disappoint! Have a happy artsy week🤠💜
Perfect timing! I was just starting to shop for new water brushes for my mini travel kit! I bought a Faber Castell water brush about a month ago, but I feel like the bristles are already worn out. It is much like the Caran D’Ache water brushes.
My Pentel waterbrush costs $5.50. It isn’t expensive. The point is quite sharp and responsive. And it doesn’t seem to output too much water unless I squeeze it too much.
Thanks I will give that a try. I still think they are cumbersome to use. If they are your favorite, honestly that’s great! I’m happy you have one that you like!🩷 My favorites are still the Zig, but I will be testing the Derwent Water Brushes in June!
Maybe they use this one as well. I have several of them-my guess is that they are “generic” and many companies include these with their palettes, or that they can easily be purchased in bulk. But don’t quote me on that either!😂
@artonthecreek Well, from what I've gathered, when it comes to Sakura Koi, people either love them or hate them. xD People that have moved onto Professional grade watercolors, like Daniel Smith's for example, will likely dislike them. I've only ever had like…ONE half-decent watercolor set in my life (Aqua Brique by Cretacolor), with all the other sets being the hot cheap garbage you get at the local supermarket and what not so, personally, I'm very happy with my Sakura set for the time being. Plus, a tube of Daniel Smith's starts at 14€ around here so, thanks but no thanks. That's way more than I'm willing to spend and can even afford. One thing I'd probably have to point out about Sakura watercolors however, is that it's extremely hard to get the pan refills or even the tubes in my country. Don't think even Amazon carries them. :( So, once I run out of paint, I will likely switch to Van Gogh’s for the refills. Which, by the way, I'm all good and up for since, from what I undestood, they're under the same company brand but, most importantly, they are in a quality/price category that I can afford. 🥰
@izzyg8316 that’s what I’ve heard about the Sakura Koi as well-a love them or hate them relationship! As a teacher, I’ve found there are really great watercolors out there that don’t have to break the bank. Here in the US, paying $10-$25 for a 15ml tube of professional watercolor isn’t unheard of; and simply not everyone can do that. I typically recommend Paul Rubens or Winsor & Newton Cotman to my beginner students, but now Rósa Gallery is very affordable through Amazon and it is a professional paint. I have a few tubes of Van Gogh that I’ve paletted and they are adequate. The pigments aren’t as vibrant to my eye, but that may be a personal preference. They are wonderfully affordable, at only around $3.50 per 10ml tube, easily available and have a good color range. I also recommend to my students if they are serious about watercolor, to replace any used up student grade paint with whatever professional one they like. That, too, isn’t for everyone…whatever works for you is the best solution! I did not know Rembrandt and Sakura were the same company. I had heard that Koi watercolors were made by Micador in AU. I haven’t really researched it…perhaps it’s time😅 Anyway, thanks for your take on the Sakura Koi. I see they have a nice travel palette, and I was curious about that for a review. I may pick one up and test it out. Many thanks for your input-I really appreciate it!
Hi Sharon! I don’t see why not! What a great idea-I would suggest using either a hydrus watercolor or a fountain pen ink so the brush doesn’t clog up. I would also recommend thoroughly rinsing it out afterwards❤️ You’ve given me the push to experiment with it! Thank you!
I always found ink has a very strong pigment. Also it could be a super fast way to sketch and draw! With thoroughly cleaning them after, would you leave them in a tub of hot water?
I love working with ink! I’m so glad you so, too🤠 I would try cleaning the brush pen by emptying the pigment, then thoroughly rinsing both the reservoir and the brush tip under running tap water. Fill the brush reservoir with water, reassemble it, then paint on a paper towel or rag until clean water comes out. Just keep repeating that until it’s clean. I’ve never tried it but I see no reason why it shouldn’t work! Let me know how it goes!😍
Yes aha that makes sense! Ok am going to try that. Thank you so much for all your help. I loved watching your video, its very beautiful and calming to watch as well as educational! I love the part where you stared to make lavender stems! 💜
I have weak arthritic fingers and most water brushes are too firm for me to handle comfortably. Those brushes have straight sides , some are long rectangles, some are long tubes, and some have buttons. One exception is the chubby water brushes from pentel. The plastic is softer than other styles, I have several of them and have no difficulty holding them and lightly squeezing those chubby curved sides.
I’m so happy you’ve found a brand that accommodates your needs! That’s important!💕
Best water brush review I have found in TH-cam. Thank you
You’re very welcome!
I just bought a 3 brush set of Derwent push button water brushes - they have a larger water reservoir and are super easy to fill.
Hi Todd! Good to know! Thanks for sharing🤠 Enjoy painting this week!
@@artonthecreekOops! I meant a 4 brush Derwent set. I just got back in to watercolors. I was a hardcore Windsor&Newton fan, but I just bought my first large Schmincke set and I'm in love...
Excellent paint choice, Todd🤠 So happy to hear you’re getting back into watercolors; as you know it’s a wonderful medium! I am intrigued by the Derwent water brushes & tend to enjoy most Derwent things I buy (I even have a Derwent playlist!) since you like their push-button water brushes I may have to try! Thanks!👩🏻🎨
@@artonthecreek I got them on Amazon - about $21 for the set.
I have the Derwent push buttons set of four & the c’aran D’arche also one kerutake zig & a pen tel. The pen tel & zig I am currently using for activation purposes. I was wondering what to do with the red c’aran d’arche and now I know. I have never come across the tomboy variety in Australia as it takes a while to get anything here even for Amazon. Thanks for your water brush review❤❤❤
Nice review! Your faves are also mine at the moment. The Tombow came with the small marker set and the one Zig I have was an emergency purchase while out and about. It happened to be the least expensive water brush on the rack. 😊 I don't generally use a water brush...but when I do ... I'm very happy with those 2 brands.
Excellent I’m happy you enjoyed this! It’s been quite awhile since I’ve published this review, and I’ve come across other water brushes since. My assessment remains unchanged! Zig & Tombow are still winners for me as well. Happy painting!
Very helpful. I have a syringe on hand, even in my small travel kit, easily refill brush pen
Excellent idea! Thanks for sharing 👩🏻🎨
Kuritaki Zig waterbrushes are my favs too. I fill them from the tap without removing the small disk. I can get extremely fine lines with all of the rounds, much finer than the lines you showed. I thought I hated waterbrushes after using the Aquwash brush. The Aquwash dripped all over and formed huge wet puddles. Not a fan. 5 years later, a friend insisted I try her Zigs and I was an immediate convert.
Thanks for taking the time to demo all the brushes you tested. It was interesting to see your results.
Hi Jeka! Glad you enjoy the Zig water brushes as well. Thanks so much for watching & commenting and have fun painting this week!👩🏻🎨❤️
Yes, best review I saw on TH-cam. Nice presentation.
Thank you so much! I’m very happy you enjoyed this 🎨 🖌️ 😁
I’ve heard that leaving water in the brushes for an extended time without use risks developing mold in the barrel.
If you live in a humid climate that might be something to consider-especially if the water brush is stored in the palette. Thanks for sharing!
I use the Caran d"Ache brushes every day. I especially love the felt tipped. Btw, you don't have to push in the buttons when filling the pens. I can do it one handed. I did encounter a problem with one brush. It had a stopper over the fill hole, and being half blind, I though it just didn't get the hole drilled. It took my daughter to flip off the stopper so I could fill the pen. I also bought water pens from Temu, and they turned backwards. I destroyed one of them before my daughter told me to try turning the water barrels the wrong way. Duh! Boy did I feel stupid.
They all seem to have their idiosyncrasies! I’m happy to hear you’ve found the Caran d’Ache to work well for you!
Thanks so much for this review! Noticed you didn't mention the large Kuretake with the flat brush that twists for use when wanting texture.
Thank you for your comments! The brush you mention is one that I am not familiar with. I will have to go on a hunt for that one! Kuretake is one of my favorite brands…they have yet to disappoint! Have a happy artsy week🤠💜
Perfect timing! I was just starting to shop for new water brushes for my mini travel kit! I bought a Faber Castell water brush about a month ago, but I feel like the bristles are already worn out. It is much like the Caran D’Ache water brushes.
Hi Ashley! Hooray! I’m so happy this video was helpful to you😊 Cheers and happy painting!!
Could you please review derwent water brushes in a future video?
Hi Peter! I can add it to the list of review requests 😊👩🏻🎨
Thank you for sharing!!! It's nice to get someone else's take on them before I buy some.
You bet! Hope this helped you make a decision💗
@@artonthecreek It totally did. I'm going with the Zig. ♡
Hope you like them as much as I do!💖💖
My Pentel waterbrush costs $5.50. It isn’t expensive. The point is quite sharp and responsive. And it doesn’t seem to output too much water unless I squeeze it too much.
That’s great! I’m glad it works for you!😁
Interesting. I guess it’s a personal preference. Pentel work great for me and check all my boxes. 😊
Absolutely! I’m glad you’ve found a brand you like💜
Caran D'Ache, you don't need to squeeze the sides when filling, just draw up the water.
Thanks I will give that a try. I still think they are cumbersome to use. If they are your favorite, honestly that’s great! I’m happy you have one that you like!🩷 My favorites are still the Zig, but I will be testing the Derwent Water Brushes in June!
@@artonthecreek I don't have a favourite, just letting you know about filling the Caran D'Ache 😊
The last one sounds like it could be a Sakura Koi waterbrush...I think. Don't quote me on that though. 🙃
Maybe they use this one as well. I have several of them-my guess is that they are “generic” and many companies include these with their palettes, or that they can easily be purchased in bulk. But don’t quote me on that either!😂
@artonthecreek Fair enough, haha! 😆
😂😂 how do you like the Sakura Koi paints? I’ve been very intrigued…
@artonthecreek Well, from what I've gathered, when it comes to Sakura Koi, people either love them or hate them. xD People that have moved onto Professional grade watercolors, like Daniel Smith's for example, will likely dislike them. I've only ever had like…ONE half-decent watercolor set in my life (Aqua Brique by Cretacolor), with all the other sets being the hot cheap garbage you get at the local supermarket and what not so, personally, I'm very happy with my Sakura set for the time being. Plus, a tube of Daniel Smith's starts at 14€ around here so, thanks but no thanks. That's way more than I'm willing to spend and can even afford.
One thing I'd probably have to point out about Sakura watercolors however, is that it's extremely hard to get the pan refills or even the tubes in my country. Don't think even Amazon carries them. :( So, once I run out of paint, I will likely switch to Van Gogh’s for the refills. Which, by the way, I'm all good and up for since, from what I undestood, they're under the same company brand but, most importantly, they are in a quality/price category that I can afford. 🥰
@izzyg8316 that’s what I’ve heard about the Sakura Koi as well-a love them or hate them relationship!
As a teacher, I’ve found there are really great watercolors out there that don’t have to break the bank. Here in the US, paying $10-$25 for a 15ml tube of professional watercolor isn’t unheard of; and simply not everyone can do that. I typically recommend Paul Rubens or Winsor & Newton Cotman to my beginner students, but now Rósa Gallery is very affordable through Amazon and it is a professional paint.
I have a few tubes of Van Gogh that I’ve paletted and they are adequate. The pigments aren’t as vibrant to my eye, but that may be a personal preference. They are wonderfully affordable, at only around $3.50 per 10ml tube, easily available and have a good color range.
I also recommend to my students if they are serious about watercolor, to replace any used up student grade paint with whatever professional one they like. That, too, isn’t for everyone…whatever works for you is the best solution!
I did not know Rembrandt and Sakura were the same company. I had heard that Koi watercolors were made by Micador in AU. I haven’t really researched it…perhaps it’s time😅
Anyway, thanks for your take on the Sakura Koi. I see they have a nice travel palette, and I was curious about that for a review. I may pick one up and test it out.
Many thanks for your input-I really appreciate it!
Do you think you can add ink into the brushes barrel instead of water?
Hi Sharon! I don’t see why not! What a great idea-I would suggest using either a hydrus watercolor or a fountain pen ink so the brush doesn’t clog up. I would also recommend thoroughly rinsing it out afterwards❤️ You’ve given me the push to experiment with it! Thank you!
I always found ink has a very strong pigment. Also it could be a super fast way to sketch and draw!
With thoroughly cleaning them after, would you leave them in a tub of hot water?
I love working with ink! I’m so glad you so, too🤠 I would try cleaning the brush pen by emptying the pigment, then thoroughly rinsing both the reservoir and the brush tip under running tap water. Fill the brush reservoir with water, reassemble it, then paint on a paper towel or rag until clean water comes out. Just keep repeating that until it’s clean. I’ve never tried it but I see no reason why it shouldn’t work! Let me know how it goes!😍
Yes aha that makes sense! Ok am going to try that. Thank you so much for all your help. I loved watching your video, its very beautiful and calming to watch as well as educational! I love the part where you stared to make lavender stems! 💜
💜💜💜thank you! I hope you discover & enjoy a new way to use your water brushes! (Def. Experiment on some less expensive ones first😉)