I started with a set of Pro Arte 'Academy' brushes, student quality at £5 for a set of 4 rounds in different sizes. Some four or five years later, I return to that same set all the time. They have retained their points and are my absolute favourites 😊
I like the Princeton Velvet Touch Series 3950 long brushes, and I also like the Silver Black Velvet brushes. The latter is a combo squirrel and synthetic while the 3950 is a pure synthetic. The Princeton Heritage is also pure synthetic and a great brush!
Thank you. I also had the same troubles with a fairly expensive round Kolinsky sable brush I purchased -though even far worse-comes nowhere close to a point and splays out enormously. I still have not found a use for this brush, sadly. I prefer the synthetic rounds as well it seems.
Thanks for a very informative look at a range of brushes/prices. I am still a newbie -- not quite six months doing watercolor and a new go at art in general. I have a few of the Princeton brushes that we can get at a Michaels craft store here in America. I also bought an artist brand called Silver Black Velvet that I have seen TH-cam watercolorists boast about. You are probably not surprised to hear me say (maybe because I'm new to watercolor) that while I appreciate my more expensive artists' level brushes, I do better with the firmer, cheaper Princeton brand because they are springier and give me better control for fine detail. I am thinking it is just because I haven't yet developed that artist's professional control yet, but I do think seeing your video helped me to see that maybe it is also because those synthetics actually work best for controlling slimmer, more detailed strokes. I always start out with my Silver Black Velvets (which may also be part synthetic not quite sure), but reach for the firmer more general brush that is labeled as being a watercolor brush but also good for gouache and acrylics? Anyway, I would be interested to see you review the Silver Black Velvet and the Princeton Elite and Neptune brushes. Also, what are those beautiful fine point brushes you use in your flower videos? I have been wanting to buy detail brushes but not sure which to get or where to get them? Thanks again -- a loyal fan of your flower tutorials!
My favorites as well! I spent a lot of time in the shop choosing between Casaneo and Cosmotop-Spin and I am so happy that, in the end, I bought from each series! Such a joy to use them! But neither comes to such a fine point in size 4, I think. Nota a downside for me, I prefer to use a smaller brush for the details.
I REALLY enjoyed this video~ And love how you put the text below so that we can read what type of tools you use~ In fact… I am TOTALLY enjoying ALL of your videos ~ So glad that I stumbled upon you~ I never did like water painting, cuz it always looked so childish~ I am more of a realistic painter, and more into oils~ But getting introduced to water painting the way you do it, is fascinating and is REALLY teaching me a lot~ Thank you sooo much~ 👍🏼
I’ve tried so many brushes and I like the synthetic brushes the best. Although I have some Princeton synthetic brushes mimicking squirrel and they are so soft I have no success with them at all. Thank you for this review!
Thank you Harriet, this is really informative. I should have watched this brush review before the one I've seen today as I've made points you already covered here. I missed the notification for this one somehow! I think I need a couple of springy synthetics to go with my softer brushes. :)
Hi Harriet, just found your wonderful channel and subscribed, and wanted to thank you for your all great tutorials. This one has been so helpful, really thorough and informative. I love painting flowers and am trying hard to emulate your beautiful dainty style. I will definitely get the pro arte masterstroke brushes as they seem to have all the qualities needed. Best wishes, from sunny Essex U.K. 🥰
I'm definitely a fan of either a synthetic or mixed brush, I use either Black Velvet Silver Brushes, Princeton Neptune or Jackson's Art's own Icon range.
I’ve really liked my Princeton Aqua Elite brushes, but have found after moderate use the tips have worn. I bought the DaVinci Cosmotop because it said it holds the most water, but it doesn’t do detail the way I’d like. It makes a funny cone tip at the end! Some of my favorite synthetics have been the cheap store brand sets I bought at Michael’s. I can definitely see that I won’t be buying the W&N Series 7! I’m going to check out your book, and I’ve just subscribed to your channel. Thanks for a very informative video. Oh, the Cosmotop is actually pretty good for lifting!
What a interesting video this one! It’s so true that you show in here! I have the aquafine Daler Rowney brushes. I’m still looking for the ProArt brand brushes that you recommend, but hier in The Nederland is really difficult to find. I could order them on april bij Amazon but they don’t send them yet. I have the ProArt miniature and they are so good! I love your videos! Have a nice week!
@@deWintonPaperCo thank you very much for your time to answer. I’ve just check both websites and cass art has the PRO ARTE MASTERSTROKE PROLON ROUND on stock but sending international is currently unavailable 😔 It seems I have to wait until this pandemic time is over. Have a great evening!
Thank you! I was considering the W&N brush and now know it's not the one for me. Still looking for that *perfect* brush. I am so very much looking forward to when you do this kind of review of North American Brushes. I am curious to see if you find one you like as well as your Pro Arte.
@@deWintonPaperCo Try the Princeton Snap. As their name implies. They have a great snap back. Another popular brand (but pricy) is the Silver Black Velvet (squirrel and synthetic). Hope that helps!
Absolutely fascinating, thank you. There's something very satisfying about clean, dry, re-pointed brushes ready for the next session......or am I a bit weird?!? x
Fascinating detail about the brushes' performances. My question is about the size brushes below 2. When you talk about a two-tenth brush, do you mean a size 2 or something below that size? When you spoke about a five tenths brush, I'm not finding these sizes anywhere on either English art supply stores and certainly not American! If you get a chance would you elaborate about how I can go about finding the sizes you are using? The brushes I'm seeing in American stores below a 2 are all tiny but don't seem to hold their shape (Princeton brand is usually good here but not in those tiny sizes). Thank you!
Hi, so a ‘three tenths’ reads as 3/0 or 000 and is smaller than size 0. The higher the number : 10/0 the smaller the brush. I find these sizes with the pro arte brushes. They seem to be a bit tricky to get outside the Uk but try Jackson’s art or cass art online
Thank you this is so useful and a kind of eye-opener! I loved your explanation about puddling. I have a brush which behaves weirdly when I make a tapered line: although it is full of paint, on the first pass on the paper it barely deposits enough paint (the result looks as if the brush was too dry), but then when I go back there is way too much and it puddles. Have you experienced this? What could be causing this? I am a beginner so of course it can be me but I manage much better with other brushes. The one I am talking about is synthetic and quill type. Thanks
Harriet, this is a very useful and informative video. I have been looking here in the US for the Pro Arte bushes and not having any luck....do you perhaps have a link for a seller in the UK that will ship over the pond? It may be an issue of looking ONLY at the watercolor brushes. I will look at the mixed media brushes and see how I get on. Thanks so much for the wonderful lesson!
@@deWintonPaperCo oh good! I saw them when I went looking. It’s much appreciated to have your recommendation! Also, thank you so very much for graciously sharing your thoughtful instructions with all of us. I’m so glad I found you🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
I started with a set of Pro Arte 'Academy' brushes, student quality at £5 for a set of 4 rounds in different sizes. Some four or five years later, I return to that same set all the time. They have retained their points and are my absolute favourites 😊
They’re a great brand
Beautifully done and incredibly helpful....thank you so much!!
Glad it was helpful!
I have tried a lot of brushes over the years and I always return to a synthetic. Thank you for making this great video 🥰
You are so welcome!
I like the Princeton Velvet Touch Series 3950 long brushes, and I also like the Silver Black Velvet brushes. The latter is a combo squirrel and synthetic while the 3950 is a pure synthetic. The Princeton Heritage is also pure synthetic and a great brush!
Ah nice!
Thank you. I also had the same troubles with a fairly expensive round Kolinsky sable brush I purchased -though even far worse-comes nowhere close to a point and splays out enormously. I still have not found a use for this brush, sadly. I prefer the synthetic rounds as well it seems.
I agree!
Very interesting information, it was good to see how the brushes all performed differently.
Thanks Wendy!
Thanks for a very informative look at a range of brushes/prices. I am still a newbie -- not quite six months doing watercolor and a new go at art in general. I have a few of the Princeton brushes that we can get at a Michaels craft store here in America. I also bought an artist brand called Silver Black Velvet that I have seen TH-cam watercolorists boast about. You are probably not surprised to hear me say (maybe because I'm new to watercolor) that while I appreciate my more expensive artists' level brushes, I do better with the firmer, cheaper Princeton brand because they are springier and give me better control for fine detail. I am thinking it is just because I haven't yet developed that artist's professional control yet, but I do think seeing your video helped me to see that maybe it is also because those synthetics actually work best for controlling slimmer, more detailed strokes. I always start out with my Silver Black Velvets (which may also be part synthetic not quite sure), but reach for the firmer more general brush that is labeled as being a watercolor brush but also good for gouache and acrylics? Anyway, I would be interested to see you review the Silver Black Velvet and the Princeton Elite and Neptune brushes. Also, what are those beautiful fine point brushes you use in your flower videos? I have been wanting to buy detail brushes but not sure which to get or where to get them? Thanks again -- a loyal fan of your flower tutorials!
Ah thank you so much for your insight Jean. How wonderful that we have so much choice! I am so glad you're enjoying painting!
Anna mason’s rosemary detail brushes are quite affordable, although if your in the US then not sure if it’s as affordable as Princeton.
I love the synthetic brushes from da Vinci ❤️ especially the casaneo and spin synthetics ❤️ thanks for the video
Thanks for your comment!
My favorites as well! I spent a lot of time in the shop choosing between Casaneo and Cosmotop-Spin and I am so happy that, in the end, I bought from each series! Such a joy to use them! But neither comes to such a fine point in size 4, I think. Nota a downside for me, I prefer to use a smaller brush for the details.
Thank you Harriet for the demo I now know my brushes a little better x
Wonderful thanks Amanda!
Actually testing of paint brushes aside, this is a really good warm up or tutorial for just practicing brush strokes.
Have a look at my playlists: watercolour painting for beginners and watercolour quick fixes and you’ll find lots there
Thank you, that was really helpful, as I've always wondered what the difference is between the more affordable and expensive brushes.
Great!
magnificent demonstration! Thanks!
You are welcome!
Great information. I wish the ProArt was available in the US.
I think you can get some if you go to Jackson’s art, they ship all over the world
@@deWintonPaperCo thank you, I just placed an order.
I REALLY enjoyed this video~ And love how you put the text below so that we can read what type of tools you use~
In fact… I am TOTALLY enjoying ALL of your videos ~ So glad that I stumbled upon you~ I never did like water painting, cuz it always looked so childish~ I am more of a realistic painter, and more into oils~ But getting introduced to water painting the way you do it, is fascinating and is REALLY teaching me a lot~ Thank you sooo much~ 👍🏼
Ah Phyllis that’s wonderful news! Welcome!
As for Kolinski brushes the DaVinci Maestro 35. Have a wonderfully nice belly and a very long and exact point.
Thanks for sharing!
I’ve tried so many brushes and I like the synthetic brushes the best. Although I have some Princeton synthetic brushes mimicking squirrel and they are so soft I have no success with them at all. Thank you for this review!
Thanks so much Teri! It’s useful to get different opinions!
Thank you Harriet, this is really informative. I should have watched this brush review before the one I've seen today as I've made points you already covered here. I missed the notification for this one somehow! I think I need a couple of springy synthetics to go with my softer brushes. :)
Glad it was helpful!
Hi Harriet, just found your wonderful channel and subscribed, and wanted to thank you for your all great tutorials. This one has been so helpful, really thorough and informative. I love painting flowers and am trying hard to emulate your beautiful dainty style. I will definitely get the pro arte masterstroke brushes as they seem to have all the qualities needed. Best wishes, from sunny Essex U.K. 🥰
Thanks for subbing!
I'm definitely a fan of either a synthetic or mixed brush, I use either Black Velvet Silver Brushes, Princeton Neptune or Jackson's Art's own Icon range.
Nice work!
I’ve really liked my Princeton Aqua Elite brushes, but have found after moderate use the tips have worn. I bought the DaVinci Cosmotop because it said it holds the most water, but it doesn’t do detail the way I’d like. It makes a funny cone tip at the end! Some of my favorite synthetics have been the cheap store brand sets I bought at Michael’s. I can definitely see that I won’t be buying the W&N Series 7! I’m going to check out your book, and I’ve just subscribed to your channel. Thanks for a very informative video. Oh, the Cosmotop is actually pretty good for lifting!
Thanks so much! Really interesting points!
What a interesting video this one! It’s so true that you show in here! I have the aquafine Daler Rowney brushes.
I’m still looking for the ProArt brand brushes that you recommend, but hier in The Nederland is really difficult to find.
I could order them on april bij Amazon but they don’t send them yet.
I have the ProArt miniature and they are so good!
I love your videos!
Have a nice week!
Pro arte seems to be a bit tricky to get outside the UK but I believe Jackson’s art and cass art ship internationally
@@deWintonPaperCo thank you very much for your time to answer.
I’ve just check both websites and cass art has the PRO ARTE MASTERSTROKE PROLON ROUND on stock but sending international is currently unavailable 😔
It seems I have to wait until this pandemic time is over.
Have a great evening!
Thank you! I was considering the W&N brush and now know it's not the one for me. Still looking for that *perfect* brush. I am so very much looking forward to when you do this kind of review of North American Brushes. I am curious to see if you find one you like as well as your Pro Arte.
Thanks! I will need a few recommendations of US brushes to do this. I’ve got some Princeton ones but I find them a bit soft
@@deWintonPaperCo Try the Princeton Snap. As their name implies. They have a great snap back. Another popular brand (but pricy) is the Silver Black Velvet (squirrel and synthetic). Hope that helps!
Absolutely fascinating, thank you. There's something very satisfying about clean, dry, re-pointed brushes ready for the next session......or am I a bit weird?!? x
No not weird at all! I totally get it!
Enjoyed this great info
Thanks Barbara
Fascinating detail about the brushes' performances. My question is about the size brushes below 2. When you talk about a two-tenth brush, do you mean a size 2 or something below that size? When you spoke about a five tenths brush, I'm not finding these sizes anywhere on either English art supply stores and certainly not American! If you get a chance would you elaborate about how I can go about finding the sizes you are using? The brushes I'm seeing in American stores below a 2 are all tiny but don't seem to hold their shape (Princeton brand is usually good here but not in those tiny sizes). Thank you!
Hi, so a ‘three tenths’ reads as 3/0 or 000 and is smaller than size 0. The higher the number : 10/0 the smaller the brush. I find these sizes with the pro arte brushes. They seem to be a bit tricky to get outside the Uk but try Jackson’s art or cass art online
Thank you this is so useful and a kind of eye-opener! I loved your explanation about puddling. I have a brush which behaves weirdly when I make a tapered line: although it is full of paint, on the first pass on the paper it barely deposits enough paint (the result looks as if the brush was too dry), but then when I go back there is way too much and it puddles. Have you experienced this? What could be causing this? I am a beginner so of course it can be me but I manage much better with other brushes. The one I am talking about is synthetic and quill type. Thanks
Hmm that is strange. I would recommend experimenting with it; speed of stroke, pressure, water and paint and see what gives the best results
Harriet, this is a very useful and informative video. I have been looking here in the US for the Pro Arte bushes and not having any luck....do you perhaps have a link for a seller in the UK that will ship over the pond? It may be an issue of looking ONLY at the watercolor brushes. I will look at the mixed media brushes and see how I get on. Thanks so much for the wonderful lesson!
Hi Trina, try Jackson’s art or Cass Art as they ship globally
@@waymire01 thank you!
@@deWintonPaperCo thank you!
How can I get the pro arte master stroke here in the US? Do you have a link for me?
Hi Shawna, try Jacksons Art online
@@deWintonPaperCo oh good! I saw them when I went looking. It’s much appreciated to have your recommendation! Also, thank you so very much for graciously sharing your thoughtful instructions with all of us. I’m so glad I found you🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Hello Jenny! Its again a great learning video. Can i ask...is it cold pressed or hot pressed paper?
Have a great monday! ❤❤🍀
THis has been done on cold pressed paper
@@deWintonPaperCo Oh! Thank you very much! ❤❤❤