i already have the neptune brushes and i want something a little more stiff but still soft and hold good amount of water. should i go for aqua elite, heritage, or velvetouch?
I've heard people say good things about both the Heritage and Velvetouch lines. Unfortunately, I don't have experience with them. But from my research (and experience with the few that I have), I think the *Aqua Elite* (synthetic Kolinsky sable) brushes have the qualities you mentioned - a little firmer than Neptune (synthetic squirrel) while still having a good water capacity. For those reasons, I plan to add a few more *Aqua Elites* to my collection. I've just now rewatched *The Mind of Watercolor* video linked above, and he also spoke of those qualities in relation to the *Aqua Elites*. It's an informative video that covers multiple brands - highly recommended if you have the time. Also, the watercolor brush page on Princeton's site is a handy reminder of the differences between their various lines: www.princetonbrush.com/brushes-princeton-brush-company-art-brushes/watercolor-princeton-brush-company-watercolor-brush/.
@@jo-yy7ni If you're still deliberating over brushes, I've just seen a helpful video - from last year - that demonstrates some Heritage and Aqua Elite brushes: th-cam.com/video/PHITqt6_Wd0/w-d-xo.html
Dunno if you are still looking or maybe someone else may see this but I'd go with the Heritage (more stiff) or the Aqua Elite (less stiff). The Velvetouch ones are really stiff, at least to me. It's not bad per se but if I'm painting anything with lots of water, it's noticeably rougher on my paper.
I think that dagger brush and I would have some fun together! Sneaking out after dark and then getting a tattoo to commemorate the memory. Oh the fun we'd have! Seriously, that dagger looks like fun! 💜 this channel!
I use the Master Brush soap also and like the smell... ;-) But I also found that it is not only kind to the hairs of my brushes, but it is the only soap that gets the stains out of my plastic palettes. I have tried all kind of solvents to clean my palettes - but only master's soap could do the job. And effortless at that. Thank you for the review. Happy painting.
"Azo If," LOL! You crack me up. I definitely liked all the brushes AFTER the Real Values ones. I really need to get myself a nice, wide flat brush some day here.
“Death by a 16 round Kolinsky” Ha! Except no artist, having paid for a size 16 Kolinsky sable brush would ever use it as a murder weapon! You might try the Heritage brushes if you enjoy the Snaps. They’ve still got a nice spring but hold more paint than the Snaps in my opinion. Though the Aqua Elite are slightly better still. I, too, love the handle feel of the Aqua Elite so I’m glad you mentioned it! Delighted to learn you’re also in the greater Seattle area! We are in Woodinville and the spring frogs were out en masse last night.
Ha! Good point about Kolinsky. I had planned to upgrade from Snap! to Heritage, but then Mike starting getting me the Neptunes. 😅 And I wasn't going to complain. LOL @ "the spring frogs were out en masse". I know that sound and there are times when it almost seems as if they're INSIDE the house!
When I was working for a national wine and spirits distributor in Florida, I used to talk to various people in our Puyallup warehouse as well as various people all over the state. I always wanted to visit western Washington.
@@eileenvalachovic9435 It sounds like you've been in some interesting fields of work. A good time to visit Puyallup would be September - that's when they hold the state fair for several weeks.
Can't seem to find the video about Pitt pen name. Drove me crazy. Finally contacted Faber Castell & now we know the answer. "The name "Pitt" is a pseudonym protected by Faber-Castell. It derives from the Italian word "pittore" (artist). The name is over 100 years old (Faber-Castell first used it in 1907). Pitt Monochrome and Pitt Pastels are the first products with the name…. Pitt artist pen came a long while after. "Pitt" refers to crayons, pencils and pens in the Art & Graphic range. It is a registered trademark of Faber-Castell. I will finally sleep tonight!
I really love the Princeton Aqua Elite and Neptune brushes! Someone just sent me some Elite brushes which was a totally unexpected bonus. I make plenty of mistakes during my videos too, sometimes giving out the wrong information...oops! 😂 You could use the finished pages for backgrounds and maybe draw over the top with ink, or do some art journal pages? Thanks for showing all the brushes!
You are awesome it was a pleasure listening to your soothing commentary, dramatic story telling and brush demo. I too.feel that the Princeton Neptune would be my first good brushes to buy. I like your humour too
Thanks, Lucky Charm! I've heard good things about some other, pricier brushes, but I don't see any reason to spend fifty bucks (or more!) on one brush. Especially when Princeton do such a good job. 😀
I also love the Princeton Snap Brushes! I brought a bunch of cheaper brushes thinking I was being frugal, but they are all terrible. When I found Princeton Snap at great prices, I thought... Wow! these are great for my watercolor do-over for this artist. Loved your brush review.
I’m current using the snap brushes since I’m new to watercolor but I’m excited to try the Neptune and heritage line. I do have a velvet touch fan brush for stippling bushes etc
I think the fan brushes come in handy when doing landscapes? Which reminds me that I should broaden my scope. Just having some interesting brush shapes on hand can motivate one to experiment. Hope you're having fun with watercolor. 😀
I just found you! What a great Christmas Eve find you are. Grateful for temp being above -2 tonight too. You’re fun. Merry all of the holidays this winter season. I agree with starting with Snaps. I still use them. I can’t wait for Emma Jane’s box set in January to try her brushes.
Thanks for another excellent video! I am very new to watercolor and I've been trying brushes to see what my preferences are. I purchased a size 8 silver black velvet brush, a 3/4 inch Neptune wash brush, and a set of prinveton snap brushes to try. The snap brushes are my favorite so far! I don't like how soft the black velvet brush is and I don't feel like my Neptune is thirsty enough *shrugs*
Yeah, those Snap brushes are a good choice, I think. I was warned that I might not like the Neptunes since they are much softer than the Snaps and lack that springiness. I find that these days I enjoy having different options: Snaps for when I want firm/tight, Neptune when I want soft/loose, and Aqua Elite when I want a bit of both. I've just been gifted an Escoda Versatil size 8 round and hope to share that soon.
I just got the real value set and intend to use them with more tight/controlled watercolours and gouache so I think they will be good with gouache really. But I’ll see.
When I first started using gouache, those were the brushes I used, and they worked for me. Since then, I've discovered I really like to use Princeton's SNAP! brushes with gouache, too. I've also added several Select series brushes. So, I should probably stop buying brushes. LOL. What I need is to practice getting my gouache consistencies right - it's an ongoing challenge. 😄 Are you new to painting or have you been doing it for a while?
Thank you for sharing info on your brushes. Wishing I could make it to a fine arts store but they are too far in nasty traffic. I want to get a larger round but want to see and handle it first. I LOVE Master's brush cleaner. Years ago, I was involved in a reblazing project for the my local Florida Trail Association. One day a week for months I was using a cheap $1.00 brush with acrylics. Master's kept it usable and in almost better condition than when I bought it. I recently bought the 24oz tub from Blick. Love it. It's pricey but cheaper per ounce. The wide size makes it SO easy to use. Your videos I enjoy listening to. Thank you.
I'm glad you shared your Masters experience - good to know it worked so well. I didn't realize it came in 24 oz size. Since the one I have now is .25 oz, I expect the 2.5 oz size will be just right for me.
I so enjoyed this video!!! I myself am a "Brushaholic", never met a brush I didn't want to try. LOL The demonstrations and your humor made this a channel I want to get to know. I've subbed to your site. TFS!!
That's great! As much as I enjoy the Neptunes, lately I find the Aqua Elites are my preference in most cases. Unless I'm doing a really loose piece - then I turn to the Neptune quill.
Hi Dmitrij! I really like the Aqua Elites and considering I don't have a Mop brush, I should probably add that to my wishlist. Do you find it very useful?
Hi. I've got the Aqua Elite mop in 9 size. The brush holds the form very well, allows for thin lines and pours over sizable areas. But I have the impression that with Archez Rough paper it lacks a bit in water absorption. I have a somewhat similar Escoda Barocco brush and I somehow like this one better. But that absolutely does not disqualify the Princeton.
@@DmitrijMiowanow I've heard good things about the Barocco series. I have an Escoda Versatil 6 round that was gifted to me and I really like it. I hope you'll get good use out of your new brush. Thanks for the info!
Love my Windsor and Newton brush at over $100, and my isabey but the Princeton heritage and elite have made it to my travel brush arsenal...they are underrated. Frankly I like them better than all but the best escodas....
I literally was about to have a heart attack. I paused. The video went to go get my Ativan and then after I calm down, I play the video again. This is what happened when she is trying all these brushes on this pad of paper I thought it was a cheap Pad of paper, but when she say FABRIANO ARTISTICO ! I nearly die who can relate ?
😅Yeah, I'm not sure what I was thinking. My Fabriano Artistico pad could've been put to better use. 100% cotton paper is NOT cheap. Sorry for stressing you out!
My Aqua Elite #8 round is the brush I reach for most frequently!!!! I think it's wonderful that you used the cotton paper - I find the better paper makes a big difference in how the brush meets the surface.
ONLY natural can work properly on watercolours. Synthetics are great for gouache and acrylics only. You need transparency with watercolours as also slow and smooth release. No mater how improved the new synthetics are or will ever be,they will never be as good as natural. Squirrel for mop and Kolinsky for rounds,is the way to go. The only type of brush,that I'd accept synthetic,is a rigger. Raphael 803 mop,8404 round and a Da Vinci Cosmotop spin rigger, are enough to paint anything. Since W&N 7 went downhill, Raphael is the King to rule! Escoda and Da Vinci, have great lines of both synth,and natural,but on natural hair,Raphael makes a bit better brushes.
Hello, Greek Veteran! 😀Very happy to see you here. Thanks for the information. It sounds like you have a lot of experience. You sharing it here is much appreciated. 👍
You aren't a brush expert! Because the first lot of brushes you start using, you aren't even loading them with water before dipping them into the paint!🤦🏼♀️ As for the snap brushes, you're getting that same dry brush effect, because again, you aren't loading them with enough water! For the love of god - load the brush with water! I can't see any difference with the brush strokes..... even with the third brushes being displayed! 🤷♀️
![[#2024MAMA] ROSÉ (로제), Bruno Mars - APT. | Mnet 241122 방송](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/dgGqD28J6aQ/mqdefault.jpg)
i already have the neptune brushes and i want something a little more stiff but still soft and hold good amount of water. should i go for aqua elite, heritage, or velvetouch?
I've heard people say good things about both the Heritage and Velvetouch lines. Unfortunately, I don't have experience with them. But from my research (and experience with the few that I have), I think the *Aqua Elite* (synthetic Kolinsky sable) brushes have the qualities you mentioned - a little firmer than Neptune (synthetic squirrel) while still having a good water capacity. For those reasons, I plan to add a few more *Aqua Elites* to my collection. I've just now rewatched *The Mind of Watercolor* video linked above, and he also spoke of those qualities in relation to the *Aqua Elites*. It's an informative video that covers multiple brands - highly recommended if you have the time. Also, the watercolor brush page on Princeton's site is a handy reminder of the differences between their various lines: www.princetonbrush.com/brushes-princeton-brush-company-art-brushes/watercolor-princeton-brush-company-watercolor-brush/.
@@INCWorks thank you so much for the helpful reply, appreciate it! i’ll check them out :D
@@jo-yy7ni If you're still deliberating over brushes, I've just seen a helpful video - from last year - that demonstrates some Heritage and Aqua Elite brushes: th-cam.com/video/PHITqt6_Wd0/w-d-xo.html
@@INCWorks thank you!! it’s really helpful, you’re so kind☺️
Dunno if you are still looking or maybe someone else may see this but I'd go with the Heritage (more stiff) or the Aqua Elite (less stiff). The Velvetouch ones are really stiff, at least to me. It's not bad per se but if I'm painting anything with lots of water, it's noticeably rougher on my paper.
I think you have the sweetest voice. You should go into reading audiobooks.
Thank you. 😊 It's great to see my voice isn't putting people off!
I think that dagger brush and I would have some fun together! Sneaking out after dark and then getting a tattoo to commemorate the memory. Oh the fun we'd have! Seriously, that dagger looks like fun! 💜 this channel!
Margot Hallac recommended the velvet touch set on Blick and I have liked them, but I’m still looking forward to theSnap and Grace Arts.
Cool! I like Margot, and she seems to know what she's talking about. So I'm sure I'd like them, too. 👍
Another watercolorist has recommended Grace Arts water brush set on Amazon. It’s 8.00. I’m waiting for mine to be delivered.
Hi, Teresa! Thanks for the info. Looks like an intriguing set for an affordable price.
I use the Master Brush soap also and like the smell... ;-) But I also found that it is not only kind to the hairs of my brushes, but it is the only soap that gets the stains out of my plastic palettes.
I have tried all kind of solvents to clean my palettes - but only master's soap could do the job. And effortless at that. Thank you for the review. Happy painting.
Hi goat! Happy to see you. And that's helpful info about Masters. Thanks. 😀
"Azo If," LOL! You crack me up. I definitely liked all the brushes AFTER the Real Values ones. I really need to get myself a nice, wide flat brush some day here.
Even with all of these brushes, it always seems like I'm missing a certain size or shape. 😄
“Death by a 16 round Kolinsky” Ha! Except no artist, having paid for a size 16 Kolinsky sable brush would ever use it as a murder weapon!
You might try the Heritage brushes if you enjoy the Snaps. They’ve still got a nice spring but hold more paint than the Snaps in my opinion. Though the Aqua Elite are slightly better still. I, too, love the handle feel of the Aqua Elite so I’m glad you mentioned it! Delighted to learn you’re also in the greater Seattle area! We are in Woodinville and the spring frogs were out en masse last night.
Ha! Good point about Kolinsky. I had planned to upgrade from Snap! to Heritage, but then Mike starting getting me the Neptunes. 😅 And I wasn't going to complain. LOL @ "the spring frogs were out en masse". I know that sound and there are times when it almost seems as if they're INSIDE the house!
Forgot to say... we're in Puyallup and don't often get up to Woodinville, but - when we do - we like to stop at Teddy's Bigger Burgers and Molbaks. 😎
@@INCWorks Good choices!
When I was working for a national wine and spirits distributor in Florida, I used to talk to various people in our Puyallup warehouse as well as various people all over the state. I always wanted to visit western Washington.
@@eileenvalachovic9435 It sounds like you've been in some interesting fields of work. A good time to visit Puyallup would be September - that's when they hold the state fair for several weeks.
Can't seem to find the video about Pitt pen name. Drove me crazy. Finally contacted Faber Castell & now we know the answer. "The name "Pitt" is a pseudonym protected by Faber-Castell. It derives from the Italian word "pittore" (artist). The name is over 100 years old (Faber-Castell first used it in 1907). Pitt Monochrome and Pitt Pastels are the first products with the name…. Pitt artist pen came a long while after.
"Pitt" refers to crayons, pencils and pens in the Art & Graphic range. It is a registered trademark of Faber-Castell.
I will finally sleep tonight!
Oh, wow - that's so cool. 😎 Good detective work, Beth! I'll be resting easier, as well.
I really love the Princeton Aqua Elite and Neptune brushes! Someone just sent me some Elite brushes which was a totally unexpected bonus. I make plenty of mistakes during my videos too, sometimes giving out the wrong information...oops! 😂 You could use the finished pages for backgrounds and maybe draw over the top with ink, or do some art journal pages? Thanks for showing all the brushes!
Thanks, Becky! Those are great creative ideas for making use of these sheets.
You are awesome it was a pleasure listening to your soothing commentary, dramatic story telling and brush demo.
I too.feel that the Princeton Neptune would be my first good brushes to buy. I like your humour too
Thanks, Lucky Charm! I've heard good things about some other, pricier brushes, but I don't see any reason to spend fifty bucks (or more!) on one brush. Especially when Princeton do such a good job. 😀
I also love the Princeton Snap Brushes! I brought a bunch of cheaper brushes thinking I was being frugal, but they are all terrible. When I found Princeton Snap at great prices, I thought... Wow! these are great for my watercolor do-over for this artist. Loved your brush review.
Thank you, Sandi! I don't hear much about the Snap line, so it almost feels like a secret. Hehe!
My first brushes were Silver brushes. I hated them.
I’m current using the snap brushes since I’m new to watercolor but I’m excited to try the Neptune and heritage line. I do have a velvet touch fan brush for stippling bushes etc
I think the fan brushes come in handy when doing landscapes? Which reminds me that I should broaden my scope. Just having some interesting brush shapes on hand can motivate one to experiment. Hope you're having fun with watercolor. 😀
I just found you! What a great Christmas Eve find you are. Grateful for temp being above -2 tonight too.
You’re fun. Merry all of the holidays this winter season.
I agree with starting with Snaps. I still use them. I can’t wait for Emma Jane’s box set in January to try her brushes.
Thanks, BeeJae! I hope you had a lovely holiday. I'm looking forward to seeing some videos covering Emma's boxes.
Thanks for another excellent video!
I am very new to watercolor and I've been trying brushes to see what my preferences are.
I purchased a size 8 silver black velvet brush, a 3/4 inch Neptune wash brush, and a set of prinveton snap brushes to try. The snap brushes are my favorite so far! I don't like how soft the black velvet brush is and I don't feel like my Neptune is thirsty enough *shrugs*
Yeah, those Snap brushes are a good choice, I think. I was warned that I might not like the Neptunes since they are much softer than the Snaps and lack that springiness. I find that these days I enjoy having different options: Snaps for when I want firm/tight, Neptune when I want soft/loose, and Aqua Elite when I want a bit of both. I've just been gifted an Escoda Versatil size 8 round and hope to share that soon.
@@INCWorks That’s what I have landed on depending on what technique.
And M Graham is my go to paint. I love everything about it.
I just got the real value set and intend to use them with more tight/controlled watercolours and gouache so I think they will be good with gouache really. But I’ll see.
When I first started using gouache, those were the brushes I used, and they worked for me. Since then, I've discovered I really like to use Princeton's SNAP! brushes with gouache, too. I've also added several Select series brushes. So, I should probably stop buying brushes. LOL. What I need is to practice getting my gouache consistencies right - it's an ongoing challenge. 😄 Are you new to painting or have you been doing it for a while?
Thank you for sharing info on your brushes. Wishing I could make it to a fine arts store but they are too far in nasty traffic. I want to get a larger round but want to see and handle it first.
I LOVE Master's brush cleaner. Years ago, I was involved in a reblazing project for the my local Florida Trail Association. One day a week for months I was using a cheap $1.00 brush with acrylics. Master's kept it usable and in almost better condition than when I bought it. I recently bought the 24oz tub from Blick. Love it. It's pricey but cheaper per ounce. The wide size makes it SO easy to use.
Your videos I enjoy listening to. Thank you.
I'm glad you shared your Masters experience - good to know it worked so well. I didn't realize it came in 24 oz size. Since the one I have now is .25 oz, I expect the 2.5 oz size will be just right for me.
I so enjoyed this video!!! I myself am a "Brushaholic", never met a brush I didn't want to try. LOL The demonstrations and your humor made this a channel I want to get to know. I've subbed to your site. TFS!!
Very happy to see you here, Alice. It's hard enough when paints are irresistable. Why must brushes be so collectible, too??
The Aqua Elite round brushes are my favorite! Neptune are great as well.
Yes! I agree. 😀
you are absolutely adorable i think i could listen to you talk forever, you've earned a new subscriber out of me !!
Such a sweet comment - thank you! 😊
Thanks for the good info & comparison! Love the humorous commentary LOL 😂💖
Omg so glad I found this channel, it is so informative and I love your dead pan humor. I bought the aqua elite.😊
That's great! As much as I enjoy the Neptunes, lately I find the Aqua Elites are my preference in most cases. Unless I'm doing a really loose piece - then I turn to the Neptune quill.
Thanks! It's a very useful video. I bought Princeton Aqua Elite mop.
Hi Dmitrij! I really like the Aqua Elites and considering I don't have a Mop brush, I should probably add that to my wishlist. Do you find it very useful?
@@INCWorks Hi, I'm waiting for the delivery. I'll answer you in a few days.
Hi. I've got the Aqua Elite mop in 9 size. The brush holds the form very well, allows for thin lines and pours over sizable areas. But I have the impression that with Archez Rough paper it lacks a bit in water absorption. I have a somewhat similar Escoda Barocco brush and I somehow like this one better. But that absolutely does not disqualify the Princeton.
@@DmitrijMiowanow I've heard good things about the Barocco series. I have an Escoda Versatil 6 round that was gifted to me and I really like it. I hope you'll get good use out of your new brush. Thanks for the info!
Love my Windsor and Newton brush at over $100, and my isabey but the Princeton heritage and elite have made it to my travel brush arsenal...they are underrated. Frankly I like them better than all but the best escodas....
I've heard good things about W&N brushes, but I'm unfamiliar with Isabey. If I ever receive a financial windfall, I would get some Escodas for sure. 🤩
@@INCWorks Nice Brushs,
Handling Leant,Water Colours 2/4
A
I literally was about to have a heart attack. I paused. The video went to go get my Ativan and then after I calm down, I play the video again. This is what happened when she is trying all these brushes on this pad of paper I thought it was a cheap Pad of paper, but when she say FABRIANO ARTISTICO ! I nearly die who can relate ?
😅Yeah, I'm not sure what I was thinking. My Fabriano Artistico pad could've been put to better use. 100% cotton paper is NOT cheap. Sorry for stressing you out!
@@INCWorks you’re awesome thank you so much next time write TRIGGER WARNING at the bottom of the video ❤️
👍@@roxym.3933
I want a AquaElite 20 round. They are like $65 here and hard to find.
The jacksons art synthetic watercolour brushes are great and cheap! Rumoured to be made by escoda 😉
Thanks for the info! I want to order some stuff from Jackson's, but the shipping costs have been holding me back. One of these days!
Awesome commentary and great detailed demonstration!
Thanks, Kaas. 😀 Glad you enjoyed it.
My Aqua Elite #8 round is the brush I reach for most frequently!!!!
I think it's wonderful that you used the cotton paper - I find the better paper makes a big difference in how the brush meets the surface.
Actually I have aqua.. velvet touch ..n Neptune.. among those I love most is Neptune one awesome for watercolor only 😀.
I have more Neptunes than any other kind of brush. I love how soft and thirsty they are. How do you like the Velvet Touch?
The Laurie Anderson of brush reviewers.
I'm 100% flattered. Thank you!
aqua elite > neptune... fight me on it
You won't get a fight from me - I think you're right. 😁
@@INCWorks hehehe ,😆
❤️🦋
ONLY natural can work properly on watercolours. Synthetics are great for gouache and acrylics only. You need transparency with watercolours as also slow and smooth release. No mater how improved the new synthetics are or will ever be,they will never be as good as natural. Squirrel for mop and Kolinsky for rounds,is the way to go. The only type of brush,that I'd accept synthetic,is a rigger. Raphael 803 mop,8404 round and a Da Vinci Cosmotop spin rigger, are enough to paint anything. Since W&N 7 went downhill, Raphael is the King to rule! Escoda and Da Vinci, have great lines of both synth,and natural,but on natural hair,Raphael makes a bit better brushes.
Hello, Greek Veteran! 😀Very happy to see you here. Thanks for the information. It sounds like you have a lot of experience. You sharing it here is much appreciated. 👍
You aren't a brush expert! Because the first lot of brushes you start using, you aren't even loading them with water before dipping them into the paint!🤦🏼♀️ As for the snap brushes, you're getting that same dry brush effect, because again, you aren't loading them with enough water!
For the love of god - load the brush with water! I can't see any difference with the brush strokes..... even with the third brushes being displayed! 🤷♀️
🤫🤗