I’m in a very sad and depressing period of my life, but as always you, your art and your kind spirit, makes me calmer and I feel a bit comforted and inspired. Thank you.
I hope you realise what a lovely calming influence you are having on some people that are clearly struggling as well as providing wonderful tutorials for us budding watercolourists. Thank you
Just wanted to say I’m a new viewer and subscriber. I am trying watercoloring to combat severe depression especially here around the holidays. Your videos are so uplifting and I felt I needed to tell you that. Thank you!
Lovbeinamom Hi, I just wanted to tell you that I think you made a great choice using Watercolor as therapy, or a coping mechanism. This will be my first Holiday season without my Hero, my Daddy, my Mother, my Amazing Mom in Law of 23 years, and the best one every invented even, and just a few weeks ago my best friend, my sister. That’s only half of the list of people we lost in a very short period of time, but by far the ones that hurt the most. My doc tried to prescribe me meds, and some well meaning friends tried to talk me into mind numbing drugs, but I have always believed that you have to Feel grief and pain in order to heal from it. Thankfully, I discovered Watercolors, and this channel, from which I have learned so much. And I can honestly say that I am ok. I count my blessings every day, and I pick up my paint brush every single day, and I highly recommend it for anyone dealing with loss or adversity of any kind. I will be saying prayers for you and I hope other viewers will as well. However, if they don’t believe in praying, that’s ok too. They can just hum along. If you need to talk or vent or cry or laugh, I am here,/: well as many other beautiful souls in the art community. I wish you and yours many, many blessings from North Carolina, Stacy
muted spark Thank you so much, that is very kind of you to say. For me, death isn’t Good Bye, it’s See you Later. For almost ten years, I was a paranormal investigator, and I learned a lot. Thank you for your kind words. It means a lot. I wish you and yours all the best.
This makes me so happy because you rarely see people do tutorials/features on dagger brushes. I love them for landscapes, doing shorelines and ripples on water. Great video
I ended up with three of the Neptune 1/4" daggers (long story), and each is very different. One will cut very fine lines, the others are wonderful for "smooshing" to make curved or leaf shapes. Daggers are brushes that you might want to buy at a store so you can inspect them individually -- or just order online and see what you get. I can make cool leaf shapes with the larger size and my daughters think I'm some kind of magician. Fun brush and another wonderful video.
Just finished painting a palm tree on a beach using my dagger brush. I'm not a good artist but that dagger brush really did a great job on the leaves and the water. I was amazed.🙂
Reading a few of the comments below and knowing how difficult the holidays can be, I can't help but be reminded of the healing and most definitely the expressive qualities of watercolor. Steve, your spontaneous watercolors are always a highlight for me and really enjoyed watching you find new life to your beautiful painting with the dagger brush. Your channel is a safe place for so many to enjoy your mindful content and your kind and genuine spirit. May you be blessed as you bless others. Best wishes to you and your family this Thanksgiving.
I’m sure it is challenging to do but having your palette in frame conveys a ton of useful information to a beginner like me. Hope you will consider more videos on mixing and palette skills. Love the spontaneous painting you do.
Forty-five years ago a Loew-Cornell watercolor dagger sitting in a glass cabinet (yes they were super valuable back then) called to me and I fell in love during the first dance. They discontinued it sometime while I was working in other mediums so when I returned to watercolor I went on a search for a duplicate in another brand. Long story short: Creative Mark Beste I found at Jerry's is the closest I've found and have since locked my single LC dagger in a vault. LOL I abuse daggers by often using the long side straight down mashing it so I'm protecting my last LC one. I spent so much money over the years trying to find a replacement and found they differ so much from brand to brand and I don't care for swords/sabers at all... too long and usually not enough spring. I like more control than it affords. I wish someone would start up a gently used art supply store like they have for books. I pretty much use daggers exclusively and super long riggers when something finer/longer line is required. There is no way I can explain how I use the dagger but after learning what it will do which took time no other brush does it for me and I do use it for all subjects including portraits where double loading for a smooth blend is part of my style. I think the main thing is that, with the exception of a long rigger, it does everything and I only need one brush for the whole piece. For instance, in my view and in other mediums also there is nothing better for both short and long grasses when used on its side and flicked upward (on dry paper paper for WC) and the same way dryer and sideways for glistening water. When I learned to use it that way, I got it in other fibers/lengths for other mediums. Oh, I better stop... sorry... I love a good dagger brush.
Recently discovered daggers as well! They're great! Was getting frustrated with the uniform marks from rounds and the daggers made it a little easier to get more expressiveness. Also a lot easier to get a tapered line for tree trunks and branches.
I wondered why it took me so long to use my dagger, too. This summer I had some great effects with splatter and flinging paint with the dagger. Wonderful for foreground grasses!
I'm in love with all my daggers..Scroggy's Loose Goose is fantastic for dry brushing, and random mark making. The tighter bristled daggers I have are such a joy for leaves and unusual marks as well. Thanks for showing the dagger, as I think many would find these very useful and fun to own.
These brushes are right up my alley as my favorite brush (right now) is the angle brush. I can see by your video that these brushes are a MUST for me! Thank you!
I love daggers. If I had to use just one brush, it would probably be a dagger because it can emulate a rigger (using the point), a round (by pressing down and tilting at a slight angle) and the straight edge of a flat (by using just the knife edge to create thin straight lines). Also you can create a flat broad stroke like a flat does (by stroking sideways). And it's a lot of fun! Great to see how you use this for landscapes/foliage. Thanks for the upload. :)
Hi there, loved this video about dagger and sword brushes. I have 4 in different sizes two of which are the Neptune and Aqua Elite. I really enjoy using them. I also have a 1/2” on that has 2” long brush section! Talk about no control! But it holds so much water it is good for large washes also. Most fun in doing a tangled spiky field of flowers. I sort of learned but just messing around with them but they are some of my favorites. Thanks Steve for all we learn from you! To the ppl that are sad, I always say painting is my “happy place”. I put on Christian music and paint!!
Admire the vision you have while looking at a blank page. I struggle with layering, always start too dark as I can't imagine beyond the top layer. Beautiful result and that brush looked so versatile. Thanks for sharing your techniques.
I find the sword great for leaves,grasses,roses and like a rigger The smaller one , the dagger , is just as great but to do smaller flowers and leaves. I am not as good as I would like , but it is great fun making different patterns , I am surprised that you have not used them before .
Inspiring, educational, funny, so very enjoyable; I just wish you were a tutor over here, in the not so sunny UK! You are the best tutor I have found and you've inspired me to go back and try again with water colour. And you know what? I think I'm getting there......thanks to your inspiration
I’m really late to the party on this, but in my (limited) experience and from other artists I’ve watched, my favorite way of using a dagger brush is for buildings. You get this great loose, expressive stroke for windows or rooftops that are great for a dilapidated shed or something in a landscape and fantastic for cityscapes.
As always, I'm impressed with your level of skill, talent and just how you embrace this medium. I'm always inspired in getting better in watercolor and you are the best teacher I've found! Thank you so much. Love from Brazil!
Love your work ,the intro made me laugh with the sword brush fighting lol , great videos, I’ve never used a dagger brush ,I may have to invest in one now 😊
Hello Steve You Have A Fantastic Channel and Great Video of your Watercolor Painting Artwork Just Amazing Thank You and Take Care Have A Good weekend Just A Friend From Glasgow Scotland UK
I love my daggers. They hold so much paint and so so versatile depending on the way they are held. They are my go-to brush. Mine are Silver Black Velvet and Pro Arte that has softer bristles.
Highly enjoyable! I've a few full pages of nothing but attempted leaves using my Silver Brush Black Velvet dagger. I think I might have a better time with a synthetic but am not sure. I love your spontaneous landscapes so much. Thanks for this. The dagger/striper has been very challenging for me. "No more rhymes now. I mean it!" "Anybody want a peanut?" 💜 (P.S. Mammoth Cave is my most favorite childhood vacation spot!) 💕
I see what’s so great! 👍🏼 I bought a few daggers after watching Angela Fehr. They makes very unique marks. I am so happy to own them. I’m drawing with all my time now but I do look forward to painting with them again and I have enjoyed and been inspired by watching how you use it.
I love those brushes! I have a triangle Beste brush set you can get at Jerry's. it is supposed to be for calligraphy. It has that same long tip but makes a fatter mark. Dan Nelson does a video that comes with them. I love how they make marks. From what I can tell the dagger brushes have a round gradual shape like half of an arch. The sword brushes have that extended long tip. Thanks for posting!
I have recently started using Rosemary dagger brushes. ( learned of them from Liz Steel)They are a sable blend and not as long as others.. Just a suggestion for those who want to try various brands. Since then, I mainly use a dagger brush although I also use rounds. I have enjoyed the way you used this brush and your style in this free painting. Thanks.
Your first painting with the Dagger brush is fabulous. I bought bunch of Neptune brushes including a dagger when I started learning watercolor but never really used it. So it was buried in cups of other brushes until now. I dug it out and kinda doodled mindlessly tonight after watching your video. It was fun! Thank you for sharing your experience. BTW, I saw one artist using the dagger's flat side in initial wash - you may be able to do a whole painting with just daggers. Also try double-loading - it creates nice effect.
Love your spontaneous paintings! I got the Largest Neptune Sword last year and it was so floppy, drippy & unwieldy I don't use it. Now after watching you, I think I'll get a smaller size & try again. Thanks for the inspiration! ~ Happy Thanksgiving to you & your family. :)
I'm totally going to play with my dagger! I got one from Rosemary & Co., but I didn't really know what to do with it...until now. Thank you for the video.
I LOVE the Silver Black Velvet striper/dagger/whatever it's called. I have both sizes and they've become my go-to when I want to paint looser. Loose landscapes are my favorite thing to do with them, but I find them a bit more challenging for details. Really enjoyed seeing you use similar brushes in this video.
Great demo. I think the dagger would be great for water and seascapes actually. I’ll give it a go. I originally bought one to use for botanicals but haven’t given it as much use as i thought. With your demo landscape, i think i would be tempted to put a few ink marks in.....?
very enlightening, I have done lots od acrylics and a few oils, but this kind of art I like and look at all your pointers. Thank you John in NZ ..Kaiora
Loved your intro, you had me laughing out loud. Knowing you usually use rounds I was curious to see how this worked out for you. Amazing as always. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.
Jacksonart.com has the widest selection of daggers. Ships from UK but brushes are small so shipping isn’t too bad. For bigger expressive painting I got the Pro Art set of 3 suggested by Angela Fehr. Also Ken Bromley Art supplies has these listed as Prolene.
Need to clean the kitchen for Thursday...now all I want to do is paint!! Aaargh! The family will understand the spontaneous landscapes rather than a turkey dinner right?
I saw this video and watched because I'm intrigued by the dagger. I have a triangle brush on the way (if FedEx ever finds it), and wonder what the difference is between the triangle and the dagger. I love the colors in this painting - fall is my favorite season.
To be fair, you could go out the door and pick up a stick and a clump of grass and make a beautiful painting. Lol. I do like the daggers , have two and really like them.😃👍
I am guilty, I only seem to think of a dagger brush for leaves. This video using it in landscaping is giving me ideas, thanks Steve. One thing, I need a better brush, all I have is a old Masters Touch from Hobby Lobby. For its age it isn’t bad. I also have the MD Silver Ruby Satin 2515S triangle, it was a little stiff but it is softer with use. Now that you have shown these, I may have to talk to Santa again. 😊 Take care and Happy Thanksgiving!
I love your spontaneous landscapes and am learning so much by doing my own. I am planning a show (small local but still exciting) of mine. Thanks for the inspiration and exercise. I have a question about brand watermarks. I am annoyed by them and choose to oversize my paper and cut it down to avoid it in the picture plain, but someone just told me this lessens my chances of being seen as using quality materials by jurors. What do you think?
The Princeton Neptune brushes hold a bit too much onto pigment, so that it makes them harder to clean. And its daggers can be too long to be a main brush, as you mention. DaVinci makes a nicer synthetic line, called casaneo, meant to imitate Kazan squirrel.
LOVE THE COLOR BLENDS YOU GOT...STUNNING! AND ISN'T THE UNPREDICTABLE ASPECT OF THE DAGGER STROKE A MARVEL...IT'S HARD TO STOP, NO? BUT YOU DIDN'T OVERDO ONE SMIDGE (IMHO!) HAVE A LOVELY THANKSGIVING...
You might find it easier to use a triangular brush or wedge brush like the silver ruby satin 2515s triangle brush amazon has the medium. And extra small. I haven’t found large and regular small yet
So enjoyed your video. I use swords A lot. I do find you don't know what you are going to get sometimes. I recently purchased one called a stripper dagger. It is similiar to yours if you broke your handle off so that the handle is the same length as the brush. I was quite shocked when it arrived, somehow misread description or something. So haven't used it much it is really too small to hold onto especially with arthritus issues. The rest of the time I'm trying to find it. It fits inside my Oar's mini palette, which is where I'm storing it. Angela Fehr likes Cheap Joes scroggy daggers, been thinking of putting on my xmas list. Not sure yet. Love your painting today. Happy Thanksgiving to you. Thanks
I forgot, Mr. Mitchell, have a very Happy "Be Thankful Day" to you and your family!!! I doubt you'll post again until after you've been fattened and napped a few times.
Have you seen Kristy Rice's video on the Triangle Brush, which is similar to the dagger? The title is "The only brush you will ever need...." Thank you for your great videos. They are inspiring and instructive!
Do you have any videos on mixing graphite with water color? I am experimenting with using graphite for an under painting and water color to give it life.
Hi, I have followed you and just love your channel, I have subscribed to your wonderful channel. I have a question I am disabled and am not so steady on my hand anymore, is it a good brush, or is there better gear for my paintings. I have always painted through my imagination. Greetings from Sweden, Tess
Hiya! I thought I’d ask because you’re my favourite TH-camr and I can’t find a video like this anywhere - but for people who want to buy say 5 premium watercolour brushes, what would you recommend (size/shape/brand)? My boyfriend bought me some black velvets based on your recommendation but we struggled on which exact ones! I’m starting my collection of higher quality brushes & need a starting place before I expand. I ordered 8 round, 1/2 inch square and 4 rigger. Thank you so much for your videos, they inspire me & calm me 🌟
If you want something adventurous to try in water color try Beam Paints. I just bought them. Beampaints on instagram made by an indigenous woman in Canada as a individual entrepreneur. They work lovely and the way they are used is unique.
Help Please! I have been one of your Patreon Subscribers for a few months now. Although $10 was withdrawn for my subscription on December 2, I am not being allowed on your Patreon site. Nor can I access your Patreon site through today's email which you sent me. How can this be corrected? Thank you.
I don't know Ruthine. Unfortunately, I don't manage the website or have anything to do with tech issues, thats all done by Patreon. You would need to contact their support department to find the problem. So sorry for your trouble! support.patreon.com
Well, Steve, as of today I have received no response to my inquiry to them. At least you answered. Thank you. I have sent them a second inquiry. How disheartening! Thanks for responding, though.
My first inquiry to Patreon was made last week when I commented to you on this feed. My second inquiry to Patreon was made today. Just thought you should know. :-(
@@ruthinehennessy8705 What is the exact issue of why you can get access? What is happening exactly. Take me through it. Can't login? What error message are you seeing and on what devices are you trying to login? I have no reports from any of my 600+ other users about an issue like this so I'm inclined to think there is a unique problem on your end with a device setting or something. Not to minimize your issue at all, I'm sure it must be very frustrating. I found your profile on Patreon and I was going to at least offer to have your membership terminated so you wouldn't get charged anymore but I'm unable. I'll do more research to see if there is ANYTHING I can do from my end,
Steve: First of all, YOU are the one who taught me how to paint in watercolors and I want to thank you. My Silver Black Velvet dagger has turned out to be my favorite brush and is perfect for my personal painting style, so your video was especially wonderful. I like to paint diminutive (5x7) loose landscapes with only a dagger and an oval wash. I also find this brush invaluable for wet on dry feather studies. Perfect for those long thin lines along with a touch of wispiness that I have found can only be created with this brush.
I love this! I bought a set of Loose Goose daggers awhile back and haven’t used them, yet. I’m encouraged to try them out, now. (Btw, I always look forward to see what scripture you choose for the end of your videos.)
Steve, Great video. I like the dagger rush. you can load one color on the main part and on the tip use a different color for another interesting use of this brush. Have a very enjoyable week. Happy Thanksgiving too. Hugs!
Thank you, Steve, for reminding me how much fun a sword brush can be. Many years ago, I watched Terry Harrison's you tubes as he demonstrated his own brands of a sword brushes. He demonstrated his Golden sword brush. So, I bought one. The hairs are quite long and the handle is fairly short...about 5" from the farrel to the end of the handle. I believe it is squirrel, or a mixture of squirrel and sable. It holds a boatload of water. I'm going to try some spontaneous paintings and see what I come up with.
I bought a smaller dagger for the line and side sweep mostly to create simple sea oats but I've also used it for tiny branches, distant faint palms, grasses and rocks. I honestly don't reach for it often. Perhaps if I bought the larger size, I would. The brush requires some practice and I love the way you used your dagger when painting the larger tree shapes, allowing the tip to dance around. This is a beautiful landscape "experiment". Enjoyed your dueling 🗡 fights!
I’m in a very sad and depressing period of my life, but as always you, your art and your kind spirit, makes me calmer and I feel a bit comforted and inspired. Thank you.
My prayers go out for you today, Cecilia.
Sending some positive energy your way Cecilia. 💖
sincere (((hugs))).
Cecilia Löfgren he has that effect 😊
I want to say thank you to all of you that have noticed my comment and how I feel. I’m lonely and sad and I’m grateful for your kind comments. 🌷🌾
I hope you realise what a lovely calming influence you are having on some people that are clearly struggling as well as providing wonderful tutorials for us budding watercolourists. Thank you
Just wanted to say I’m a new viewer and subscriber. I am trying watercoloring to combat severe depression especially here around the holidays. Your videos are so uplifting and I felt I needed to tell you that. Thank you!
😢 ❤️🙏🏼
muted spark 😂
Lovbeinamom Hi, I just wanted to tell you that I think you made a great choice using Watercolor as therapy, or a coping mechanism. This will be my first Holiday season without my Hero, my Daddy, my Mother, my Amazing Mom in Law of 23 years, and the best one every invented even, and just a few weeks ago my best friend, my sister. That’s only half of the list of people we lost in a very short period of time, but by far the ones that hurt the most. My doc tried to prescribe me meds, and some well meaning friends tried to talk me into mind numbing drugs, but I have always believed that you have to Feel grief and pain in order to heal from it. Thankfully, I discovered Watercolors, and this channel, from which I have learned so much. And I can honestly say that I am ok. I count my blessings every day, and I pick up my paint brush every single day, and I highly recommend it for anyone dealing with loss or adversity of any kind. I will be saying prayers for you and I hope other viewers will as well. However, if they don’t believe in praying, that’s ok too. They can just hum along. If you need to talk or vent or cry or laugh, I am here,/: well as many other beautiful souls in the art community. I wish you and yours many, many blessings from North Carolina, Stacy
Picture TH-cam is a must see I really hope there are a lot of picture educators! Movie Theater Motto with Music
muted spark Thank you so much, that is very kind of you to say. For me, death isn’t Good Bye, it’s See you Later. For almost ten years, I was a paranormal investigator, and I learned a lot. Thank you for your kind words. It means a lot. I wish you and yours all the best.
Thank you for the “umbrella “ method. I really like your landscapes.
Would love to see more spontaneous seascape paintings with rocks and ocean
This makes me so happy because you rarely see people do tutorials/features on dagger brushes. I love them for landscapes, doing shorelines and ripples on water. Great video
I ended up with three of the Neptune 1/4" daggers (long story), and each is very different. One will cut very fine lines, the others are wonderful for "smooshing" to make curved or leaf shapes. Daggers are brushes that you might want to buy at a store so you can inspect them individually -- or just order online and see what you get.
I can make cool leaf shapes with the larger size and my daughters think I'm some kind of magician. Fun brush and another wonderful video.
Good input, thanks Tom!
I like that technical term smooshing!
@@joycemaureroriginal8563 My youngest daughter (9) gets the credit.
@@joycemaureroriginal8563 😄
Thanks Steve for you artful inspiration! Your running commentary of what your thinking while in the process of creating a painting helps so much!
Just finished painting a palm tree on a beach using my dagger brush. I'm not a good artist but that dagger brush really did a great job on the leaves and the water. I was amazed.🙂
Using a princess bride clip? 😍😍😍 you rock exponentially more now.
Reading a few of the comments below and knowing how difficult the holidays can be, I can't help but be reminded of the healing and most definitely the expressive qualities of watercolor. Steve, your spontaneous watercolors are always a highlight for me and really enjoyed watching you find new life to your beautiful painting with the dagger brush. Your channel is a safe place for so many to enjoy your mindful content and your kind and genuine spirit. May you be blessed as you bless others. Best wishes to you and your family this Thanksgiving.
I’m sure it is challenging to do but having your palette in frame conveys a ton of useful information to a beginner like me. Hope you will consider more videos on mixing and palette skills. Love the spontaneous painting you do.
Forty-five years ago a Loew-Cornell watercolor dagger sitting in a glass cabinet (yes they were super valuable back then) called to me and I fell in love during the first dance. They discontinued it sometime while I was working in other mediums so when I returned to watercolor I went on a search for a duplicate in another brand. Long story short: Creative Mark Beste I found at Jerry's is the closest I've found and have since locked my single LC dagger in a vault. LOL I abuse daggers by often using the long side straight down mashing it so I'm protecting my last LC one. I spent so much money over the years trying to find a replacement and found they differ so much from brand to brand and I don't care for swords/sabers at all... too long and usually not enough spring. I like more control than it affords. I wish someone would start up a gently used art supply store like they have for books. I pretty much use daggers exclusively and super long riggers when something finer/longer line is required. There is no way I can explain how I use the dagger but after learning what it will do which took time no other brush does it for me and I do use it for all subjects including portraits where double loading for a smooth blend is part of my style. I think the main thing is that, with the exception of a long rigger, it does everything and I only need one brush for the whole piece. For instance, in my view and in other mediums also there is nothing better for both short and long grasses when used on its side and flicked upward (on dry paper paper for WC) and the same way dryer and sideways for glistening water. When I learned to use it that way, I got it in other fibers/lengths for other mediums. Oh, I better stop... sorry... I love a good dagger brush.
Good input Pat, thanks!
awesome landscapes. very interesting...
Recently discovered daggers as well! They're great! Was getting frustrated with the uniform marks from rounds and the daggers made it a little easier to get more expressiveness. Also a lot easier to get a tapered line for tree trunks and branches.
I’ve been using my dagger brush for flowers and I love it, but you’ve given a whole new challenge . Thank you this has been exciting.
Love your use of the sword brush - had mine for years and never appreciated it so much. Thanks.
You inspired me to get out my dagger brush that I've had for years. I'm loving it. Thanks for the inspiration.
I wondered why it took me so long to use my dagger, too. This summer I had some great effects with splatter and flinging paint with the dagger. Wonderful for foreground grasses!
These are my favorite 😍😍😍
See you here. Nice to meet you.
Nice to meet you too 😊
I'm in love with all my daggers..Scroggy's Loose Goose is fantastic for dry brushing, and random mark making. The tighter bristled daggers I have are such a joy for leaves and unusual marks as well. Thanks for showing the dagger, as I think many would find these very useful and fun to own.
These brushes are right up my alley as my favorite brush (right now) is the angle brush. I can see by your video that these brushes are a MUST for me! Thank you!
I love daggers. If I had to use just one brush, it would probably be a dagger because it can emulate a rigger (using the point), a round (by pressing down and tilting at a slight angle) and the straight edge of a flat (by using just the knife edge to create thin straight lines). Also you can create a flat broad stroke like a flat does (by stroking sideways). And it's a lot of fun! Great to see how you use this for landscapes/foliage. Thanks for the upload. :)
I can see how these brushes can help to paint loosely Thanks, Steve
Hi there, loved this video about dagger and sword brushes. I have 4 in different sizes two of which are the Neptune and Aqua Elite. I really enjoy using them. I also have a 1/2” on that has 2” long brush section! Talk about no control! But it holds so much water it is good for large washes also. Most fun in doing a tangled spiky field of flowers. I sort of learned but just messing around with them but they are some of my favorites. Thanks Steve for all we learn from you! To the ppl that are sad, I always say painting is my “happy place”. I put on Christian music and paint!!
Fate! I’ve just gotten two daggers. Of different sizes!! How amazing and inspiring this video is!! Thank you!
I have 2 dagger/sword brushes. I love to use them for whiskers on animals, hair, leaves and flowers. I will experiment more after watching this.
So fun and helpful. Like the results.🖌🖌🖌🖌
Admire the vision you have while looking at a blank page. I struggle with layering, always start too dark as I can't imagine beyond the top layer.
Beautiful result and that brush looked so versatile. Thanks for sharing your techniques.
I find the sword great for leaves,grasses,roses and like a rigger The smaller one , the dagger , is just as great but to do smaller flowers and leaves. I am not as good as I would like , but it is great fun making different patterns , I am surprised that you have not used them before .
Inspiring, educational, funny, so very enjoyable; I just wish you were a tutor over here, in the not so sunny UK! You are the best tutor I have found and you've inspired me to go back and try again with water colour. And you know what? I think I'm getting there......thanks to your inspiration
Have a blessed holiday Steve and thank you again for a great lesson.
I’m really late to the party on this, but in my (limited) experience and from other artists I’ve watched, my favorite way of using a dagger brush is for buildings. You get this great loose, expressive stroke for windows or rooftops that are great for a dilapidated shed or something in a landscape and fantastic for cityscapes.
As always, I'm impressed with your level of skill, talent and just how you embrace this medium. I'm always inspired in getting better in watercolor and you are the best teacher I've found! Thank you so much. Love from Brazil!
You had me at 'fatal blow'! 😀
I have a black velvet dagger. Its my favorite brush I've ever owned.
wonderful, instructive and fun. Love your work
The first 7 second is the best part of the video.
Love your work ,the intro made me laugh with the sword brush fighting lol , great videos, I’ve never used a dagger brush ,I may have to invest in one now 😊
Thank you so much! Bought a set of 3 daggers of good quality and now I feel I'll know better how to use them.
Hello Steve You Have A Fantastic Channel and Great Video of your Watercolor Painting Artwork Just Amazing Thank You and Take Care Have A Good weekend Just A Friend From Glasgow Scotland UK
I love my daggers. They hold so much paint and so so versatile depending on the way they are held. They are my go-to brush. Mine are Silver Black Velvet and Pro Arte that has softer bristles.
Highly enjoyable! I've a few full pages of nothing but attempted leaves using my Silver Brush Black Velvet dagger. I think I might have a better time with a synthetic but am not sure. I love your spontaneous landscapes so much. Thanks for this. The dagger/striper has been very challenging for me.
"No more rhymes now. I mean it!"
"Anybody want a peanut?" 💜
(P.S. Mammoth Cave is my most favorite childhood vacation spot!) 💕
Been to MC twice. Once as a teen and then not again until this year. Caves are so mysterious. You can't do much better than Mammoth.
@@mindofwatercolor I'd love to visit again as an adult. The mint green of the water there, amongst so much more, is fascinating.
I love my daggers! 🙏🏼
I see what’s so great! 👍🏼 I bought a few daggers after watching Angela Fehr. They makes very unique marks. I am so happy to own them. I’m drawing with all my time now but I do look forward to painting with them again and I have enjoyed and been inspired by watching how you use it.
I love those brushes! I have a triangle Beste brush set you can get at Jerry's. it is supposed to be for calligraphy. It has that same long tip but makes a fatter mark. Dan Nelson does a video that comes with them. I love how they make marks. From what I can tell the dagger brushes have a round gradual shape like half of an arch. The sword brushes have that extended long tip. Thanks for posting!
I have recently started using Rosemary dagger brushes. ( learned of them from Liz Steel)They are a sable blend and not as long as others.. Just a suggestion for those who want to try various brands.
Since then, I mainly use a dagger brush although I also use rounds. I have enjoyed the way you used this brush and your style in this free painting. Thanks.
Great video, informative and inspiring 😀
Your first painting with the Dagger brush is fabulous. I bought bunch of Neptune brushes including a dagger when I started learning watercolor but never really used it. So it was buried in cups of other brushes until now. I dug it out and kinda doodled mindlessly tonight after watching your video. It was fun! Thank you for sharing your experience. BTW, I saw one artist using the dagger's flat side in initial wash - you may be able to do a whole painting with just daggers. Also try double-loading - it creates nice effect.
Gorgeous!
Love your spontaneous paintings! I got the Largest Neptune Sword last year and it was so floppy, drippy & unwieldy I don't use it. Now after watching you, I think I'll get a smaller size & try again. Thanks for the inspiration! ~ Happy Thanksgiving to you & your family. :)
I'm totally going to play with my dagger! I got one from Rosemary & Co., but I didn't really know what to do with it...until now. Thank you for the video.
I have found that a chinese brush makes the greatest variety of marks - partly because of the way it is traditionally held (like a chopstick).
I LOVE the Silver Black Velvet striper/dagger/whatever it's called. I have both sizes and they've become my go-to when I want to paint looser. Loose landscapes are my favorite thing to do with them, but I find them a bit more challenging for details. Really enjoyed seeing you use similar brushes in this video.
Great demo. I think the dagger would be great for water and seascapes actually. I’ll give it a go. I originally bought one to use for botanicals but haven’t given it as much use as i thought. With your demo landscape, i think i would be tempted to put a few ink marks in.....?
It is. Works very well for angular wave and water reflection shapes.
Muchas gracias!!! es una maravilla!
Interesting lesson. I'd like to get this brush.
I wish I could add a thumbs up for every time I rewatch your videos, Steve. I always learn something new. Thanks so much for making these available.
very enlightening, I have done lots od acrylics and a few oils, but this kind of art I like and look at all your pointers. Thank you John in NZ ..Kaiora
Loved your intro, you had me laughing out loud. Knowing you usually use rounds I was curious to see how this worked out for you. Amazing as always. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.
And to you also!
It looks so cool
Jacksonart.com has the widest selection of daggers. Ships from UK but brushes are small so shipping isn’t too bad. For bigger expressive painting I got the Pro Art set of 3 suggested by Angela Fehr. Also Ken Bromley Art supplies has these listed as Prolene.
Need to clean the kitchen for Thursday...now all I want to do is paint!! Aaargh! The family will understand the spontaneous landscapes rather than a turkey dinner right?
I just bought a 3/8 neptune dagger and i feel like the bristles is too heavy for the straight handle :/ or maybe its just me?
That’s awesome! I bet you could paint with a toothpick!
I saw this video and watched because I'm intrigued by the dagger. I have a triangle brush on the way (if FedEx ever finds it), and wonder what the difference is between the triangle and the dagger. I love the colors in this painting - fall is my favorite season.
To be fair, you could go out the door and pick up a stick and a clump of grass and make a beautiful painting. Lol. I do like the daggers , have two and really like them.😃👍
Hey, there's an idea! Next video? 😂
I'll have to find my dagger and sword!!!!
I am guilty, I only seem to think of a dagger brush for leaves. This video using it in landscaping is giving me ideas, thanks Steve. One thing, I need a better brush, all I have is a old Masters Touch from Hobby Lobby. For its age it isn’t bad. I also have the MD Silver Ruby Satin 2515S triangle, it was a little stiff but it is softer with use. Now that you have shown these, I may have to talk to Santa again. 😊 Take care and Happy Thanksgiving!
Happy Thanksgiving Essie!
Thanks!
Thank you Lisa!
I love your spontaneous landscapes and am learning so much by doing my own. I am planning a show (small local but still exciting) of mine. Thanks for the inspiration and exercise. I have a question about brand watermarks. I am annoyed by them and choose to oversize my paper and cut it down to avoid it in the picture plain, but someone just told me this lessens my chances of being seen as using quality materials by jurors. What do you think?
I don't think jurors pay much attention either way. They look at the quality of the work.
“Idk what’s wrong with my stop asking” that is actually me
The Princeton Neptune brushes hold a bit too much onto pigment, so that it makes them harder to clean. And its daggers can be too long to be a main brush, as you mention. DaVinci makes a nicer synthetic line, called casaneo, meant to imitate Kazan squirrel.
I love you!
LOVE THE COLOR BLENDS YOU GOT...STUNNING! AND ISN'T THE UNPREDICTABLE ASPECT OF THE DAGGER STROKE A MARVEL...IT'S HARD TO STOP, NO? BUT YOU DIDN'T OVERDO ONE SMIDGE (IMHO!) HAVE A LOVELY THANKSGIVING...
You might find it easier to use a triangular brush or wedge brush like the silver ruby satin 2515s triangle brush amazon has the medium. And extra small. I haven’t found large and regular small yet
I've been drooling at those triangle brushes. 😊
Barbra Loveless they are definitely worth it.
So enjoyed your video. I use swords A lot. I do find you don't know what you are going to get sometimes. I recently purchased one called a stripper dagger. It is similiar to yours if you broke your handle off so that the handle is the same length as the brush. I was quite shocked when it arrived, somehow misread description or something. So haven't used it much it is really too small to hold onto especially with arthritus issues. The rest of the time I'm trying to find it. It fits inside my Oar's mini palette, which is where I'm storing it. Angela Fehr likes Cheap Joes scroggy daggers, been thinking of putting on my xmas list. Not sure yet. Love your painting today. Happy Thanksgiving to you. Thanks
I forgot, Mr. Mitchell, have a very Happy "Be Thankful Day" to you and your family!!! I doubt you'll post again until after you've been fattened and napped a few times.
Yep, you're right about that. Happy Thanksgiving!
Have you seen Kristy Rice's video on the Triangle Brush, which is similar to the dagger? The title is "The only brush you will ever need...." Thank you for your great videos. They are inspiring and instructive!
Thanks, I'll look it up!
Do you have any videos on mixing graphite with water color? I am experimenting with using graphite for an under painting and water color to give it life.
Hi, I have followed you and just love your channel, I have subscribed to your wonderful channel. I have a question I am disabled and am not so steady on my hand anymore, is it a good brush, or is there better gear for my paintings. I have always painted through my imagination. Greetings from Sweden, Tess
I would go with a more standard brush than a dagger if your hand is unsteady. This brush is very springy. Unless you're going for a very loose style.
@@mindofwatercolor Thank you so much, I will look after new brushes ,, tess
Hiya! I thought I’d ask because you’re my favourite TH-camr and I can’t find a video like this anywhere - but for people who want to buy say 5 premium watercolour brushes, what would you recommend (size/shape/brand)? My boyfriend bought me some black velvets based on your recommendation but we struggled on which exact ones! I’m starting my collection of higher quality brushes & need a starting place before I expand. I ordered 8 round, 1/2 inch square and 4 rigger. Thank you so much for your videos, they inspire me & calm me 🌟
Picture TH-cam is a must see I really hope there are a lot of picture educators! Movie Theater Motto with Music
ME ENCANTAN TUS VIDEOS. CUANDO HABLAS NO ENTIENDO NADA, SOLO ADIVINO...PERO LO QUE MAS ME AGRADA QUE AL FI NALIZAR PONES UN VERSICULO DE LA BIBLIA.
You are just amazing. Do you sell your paintings?
Look at the random waves you could do on a lake or coastal scene.
Yes, I've seen that too. Lovely!
On your patreon, do you show how you sketch out your drawings first? Or do you already have it drawn?
I do a bit of both same as on TH-cam.
what size are the daggers?
What is the name of the watercolour spiral bound book that you’re using please?
Winsor & Newton Pro 5x7.
@@mindofwatercolor thank you. Would you consider this to be a good quality watercolour paper?
Beautiful !! Have u tried Dr Ph Martin's Hydrus watercolors ? Happy Thanksgiving :)
Yes. I like them for dip pens.
If you want something adventurous to try in water color try Beam Paints. I just bought them. Beampaints on instagram made by an indigenous woman in Canada as a individual entrepreneur. They work lovely and the way they are used is unique.
I find your style realistic...but many artists insist loose style....I saw your video on this...but could not conclude what exactly .
Its a spider at 13 min. Lol
Help Please! I have been one of your Patreon Subscribers for a few months now. Although $10 was withdrawn for my subscription on December 2, I am not being allowed on your Patreon site. Nor can I access your Patreon site through today's email which you sent me. How can this be corrected? Thank you.
I don't know Ruthine. Unfortunately, I don't manage the website or have anything to do with tech issues, thats all done by Patreon. You would need to contact their support department to find the problem. So sorry for your trouble! support.patreon.com
Well, Steve, as of today I have received no response to my inquiry to them. At least you answered. Thank you. I have sent them a second inquiry. How disheartening! Thanks for responding, though.
My first inquiry to Patreon was made last week when I commented to you on this feed. My second inquiry to Patreon was made today. Just thought you should know. :-(
@@ruthinehennessy8705 What is the exact issue of why you can get access? What is happening exactly. Take me through it. Can't login? What error message are you seeing and on what devices are you trying to login? I have no reports from any of my 600+ other users about an issue like this so I'm inclined to think there is a unique problem on your end with a device setting or something. Not to minimize your issue at all, I'm sure it must be very frustrating. I found your profile on Patreon and I was going to at least offer to have your membership terminated so you wouldn't get charged anymore but I'm unable. I'll do more research to see if there is ANYTHING I can do from my end,
@@ruthinehennessy8705 Have you looked at this page to see if anything matches up to your issue?
Steve: First of all, YOU are the one who taught me how to paint in watercolors and I want to thank you. My Silver Black Velvet dagger has turned out to be my favorite brush and is perfect for my personal painting style, so your video was especially wonderful. I like to paint diminutive (5x7) loose landscapes with only a dagger and an oval wash. I also find this brush invaluable for wet on dry feather studies. Perfect for those long thin lines along with a touch of wispiness that I have found can only be created with this brush.
I love this! I bought a set of Loose Goose daggers awhile back and haven’t used them, yet. I’m encouraged to try them out, now. (Btw, I always look forward to see what scripture you choose for the end of your videos.)
As always, I love your experience -sharing vids! It’s like looking over your shoulder ~ thanks so much, Steve!
Steve, Great video. I like the dagger rush. you can load one color on the main part and on the tip use a different color for another interesting use of this brush. Have a very enjoyable week. Happy Thanksgiving too. Hugs!
Yes, very true. Dual loading is something I need to play with also. Thanks for the input Connie!
What a great idea. Thanks
Values are always a challenge for me. I love what you did with “enhancing “.
Thank you, Steve, for reminding me how much fun a sword brush can be. Many years ago, I watched Terry Harrison's you tubes as he demonstrated his own brands of a sword brushes. He demonstrated his Golden sword brush. So, I bought one. The hairs are quite long and the handle is fairly short...about 5" from the farrel to the end of the handle. I believe it is squirrel, or a mixture of squirrel and sable. It holds a boatload of water. I'm going to try some spontaneous paintings and see what I come up with.
I bought a smaller dagger for the line and side sweep mostly to create simple sea oats but I've also used it for tiny branches, distant faint palms, grasses and rocks. I honestly don't reach for it often. Perhaps if I bought the larger size, I would. The brush requires some practice and I love the way you used your dagger when painting the larger tree shapes, allowing the tip to dance around. This is a beautiful landscape "experiment". Enjoyed your dueling 🗡 fights!
Good input, thanks Cassie!