WATERCOLOR BRUSH REVIEW 🖌️🎨 Escoda Reserva (real kolinsky sable) vs Escoda Versatil (synthetic)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 28 ก.ย. 2024
- #watercolor #brushreview #escoda
Would you like to know the practical difference between a real kolinsky sable and synthetic sable brush for watercolor painting? Join me as I guide you through a real painting comparison and review of the two amazing brushes: Escoda Reserva (real sable) and Escoda Versatil (synthetic Sable). This video will help answer some of your question about the relative performance of each watercolor brush, including water and pigment carrying capacity, pigment release and precision. Taking into account the difference in price, we'll pick a winner at around 14 minute mark. Enjoy!
🎨 WATERCOLOR BRUSHES I USED:
Escoda Reserva Kolinsky Sable Size #4 : amzn.to/2q3mnvm
Escoda Versatil Synthetic Sable Short Handle Travel Set of 3 brushes: amzn.to/2JVysJO
🎨 MY WATERCOLOR CLASSES:
Enjoy my watercolor classes on SkillShare (the link will give you 2 months of FREE access): skl.sh/2Glnufb
🎨 OTHER WATERCOLOR SUPPLIES I USED:
GLOVE: Protective Glove from Laughing Paw: amzn.to/2LLqcyC
PAPER: Arches Cold Pressed: amzn.to/2PTCian
COLORS: Will be posted as part of a full bird tutorial on November 9, 2019
LETS CONNECT:
► Portfolio: www.annabuccia...
► Instagram: / anna.m.bucciarelli
► Facebook: / annabucciarellistudio
Some of the links above may include affiliate links. If you click on them, I might receive a small commission. While this is at absolutely no additional cost to you, your support can help me to continue making videos for this channel. Thanks!
I’ve got several of both lines of these brushes. While I like the synthetic, and think it’s a great brush...nothing beats the joy of painting with the real sable. The biggest drawback with the synthetic is that the tip isn’t as nice, but then, I don’t have a Versatil in the smaller size. I think my smallest Versatil is a 4. My smallest Reserva is a 6, and the tip is so perfect that I really don’t have a need for a smaller size. It’s too bad, because I would love to exclusively use cruelty free brushes..I am just not willing to give up my sables. I take good care of them so they last for years and I don’t have to buy a lot of them. I don’t use them for mixing, and try not to use them to vigorously for picking up straight pigment. Still, if one feels really strongly about using synthetic brushes, the Versatil is great and you could certainly make them work for you.
Need help please! 🙏Can you do scrolling motion like tight curves? Can I write circles with it at 1 cm or less in diameter?
Escoda perla have a better point than the versatil
Thank you for putting together this video. You've sold me on the Versatil. I need precision but the travel configuration is great.
Mike Hendley I was literally about to message you about this 😊 I know you do plain air and the travel set is soooo good! The cases are gorgeous and you can fit 3 brushes in your pocket. 👌👌👌 love it!
Anna Bucciarelli sitting in my Amazon cart right now ;-)
I dont know if this video is sponsored. I bought versatil travel brush number 10 ans 2 after watch this video, very disappointed. The 10 doesnt hold much water as publicised and 2 is much worse, the point separates even with enough water , lines are not thin at all, accidenttally thickens when you change direction. Very bad experience. Am talking to jacksons art for returning the number 2 either defective or bad quality. They ask me for a video. I did. Now waiting for reply. My suggestion is just go for a more expensive davinci brush dont bother with escoda. It's the first and last time I buy this brand.
@@yuzhao2055 I bought size 6 and 2 versatile escoda and am disappointed. The brush has been damaged and does not make fine lines. I'll go for a natural hair brush
4:26 “a little less water but not noticeable”… And I saw the huge difference even through the screen!!!
I have both and decided to try them together to determine my favorite. I began with versatil and thought it was great. Then I switched to reserva and wow! There was no comparison. Reserva is just a joy to work with! I only have two but am determined to buy more before hubby retires this year and the money will be less. Thank you for the video. The clear winner to me is reserva!!
Completely agree! The Reserva line is a pleasure to work with always. I doubt there is any real impact on result as with enough practice even the cheapest brushes work fine but the experience is unparalleled, the lines are smooth and the water goes exactly where you intend 😊 I am now working with Chronos Escoda but that’s a sable - synthetic mix that’s a lot more affordable.
Thank you for this review!! I use Escoda Versaltil brush and it's really fantastic!! I think sinthetic brushes are easier to use for people that are starting to paint with watercolors like me
Imagina Designs thank you for your feedback!!! I am so excited to hear my thinking on this was on on point. I was always very skeptic all to recommend synthetic to my students but these new synthetics are truly impressive and it doesn’t break the bank which is awesome 😊 let me know if there are any other supplies that would be good to review for beginners - I am working on my topics for 2020 ❤️
@@AnnaBucciarelli all the reviews are useful for the ones we are leaning, specially if we are learning by our own. But there is something in my mind there days. I always paint with watercolor pans and I haven't used watercolor tubes yet. It would be nice to watch a comparison between these two! Which one is better or easier to mix colours, with one last longer, which one is easier to use... I'm going to assist to a workshop next February and the recommended materials include tubes instead of pans and I'm worried about that, specially because is my first face-to-face course!!
@@imaginadesigns Thats a fantastic Idea! Thank you so much - definitively putting it on my to do. I use both tubes and pans and there are advantages / disadvantages in both that I'll be excited to share 💖 Have a great day!
@@AnnaBucciarelli you are very welcome!! Can't wait to watch it!!
Need help please! 🙏Can you do scrolling motion like tight curves with any of these brushes? Can I write circles with it at 1 cm or less in diameter?
I was contemplating which brush to get then I came across this review! I just purchased them both and I can hardly wait to receive them!!! When I test them I'll let you know how it turns out.
Thank you Nathan! Enjoy and please let me know what you think of them ❤️❤️❤️
@@AnnaBucciarelli I finally got to testing out the brushes! I must say they are both beautiful brushes, I prefer the Versatil myself but they were both a great buy. This this the result I got with them instagram.com/p/B8SP03WnLfT/
Need help please! 🙏Can you do scrolling motion like tight curves with any of these brushes? Can I write circles with it at 1 cm or less in diameter?
Thank you for this review and demo. It is exactly what I was looking for in my search for finding new watercolor brushes.
So happy you enjoyed it! Thank you ❤️😊
Hi Anna, thanks for your videos I am an Italian artist who need always to find new tools and supplies for paintings and illustrations, I appreciate your tutorials also because I understand very well when you speak in english, and I don't use anymore subtitles!! this is a great plus for me! It's nice to hear you, thanks :)
Thank you 💕😊
I have the Versatil 6 set travel set and think they are some of the best brushes I've used. They hold a great amount of water and the point remains as new. I dislike the Sable brush line but that's just me. The Sable wears down faster than the synthetic brush line.
I would be happy if you make your own brand of watercolor palette for bothanicals and wildlife and brushes :D I would defenetly buy them :D. Your recomendations for pigment choice and brushes are just amazing and I totaly love them
Thanks for the comparison! It was very helpful. For my price point, I ordered the Escoda Versatil travel set of 6.
Fantastic! Thank you Vera 😊 Enjoy - you will love the 6 piece set 💜 Happy New year!
Thank you again for these comparison videos. I am going shopping!I am tired of my real sables loosing their tips so quickly and would like to go cruelty free. I love to paint details as well as washes so I think the versatil will work wonders... now to decide what sizes...
The synthetic brush reminds me of a marker pen, it gives you different capabilities, its good/nice to have both, each has its own benefits, depending on what you are trying to do.
Thank you for the very helpful video! My very favorite brush is Escoda Reserva size 8. I am very careful with it, and it has kept its beautiful very fine point for a long time. I also like Silver Black Velvet brushes, but they are a little too soft for very fine work.
Need help please! 🙏Can you do scrolling motion like tight curves with any of these brushes? Can I write circles with it at 1 cm or less in diameter?
What a wonderful soothing voice!
awww thank you Jerome! English is not my first language so it means a lot you don't find the accent too distracting and that it even sounds soothing! Thats great :) Happy holidays!
Great review! It looks like the synthetic brush is much better after all. The bird on the right has more intense colors, probably because the brush holds less water and leaves more pigment on the paper. This bird is much prettier than the more "washed out" bird painted with the real sable brush (of course both birds are fantastic, just the one on the right is a bit more awesome :D ). And synthetics are cheaper and last longer? I'm sold!
Czupasia thank you! 😊 This new synthetic is truly excellent and for your detailed work will work like magic 👌 Enjoy when you get to try it and let me know how you like it ❤️
I also like the "stronger" colors on the right... But sadly, synthetics don't last long, the ends get frayed/fuzzy, in my experience. The natural ones are pricier but the one I have is still good despite being 3 years old. Some have natural hairs lasting them 20 years (woah! #goals). But love the control that synthetics have, definitely better for beginners
@@onemig00 I've Kolinsky's that I've used for 30 years. I abuse them in 3 phases: Watercolor, while they still have a fine point; 2) Dock them down to a Water brush, when they begin to lose their point & bristles on the sides, (I rub them off?), then finally when they cannot be revived set in my hair conditioner anymore, I use them for scumbling.
Came for the review and now I want that coin 🤩 your work is BEAUTIFUL and your reviews have helped me make choices in the brushes I will be purchasing. I just subscribed, thank you!
my problem with synthetics is that sometimes water build up on the ferrule and drops water onto my painting.
I use synthetic for fill and solid lines and natural for passive texture with the slightly offset bristles.
thank you for making this review!! this has been my basis for choosing my first pro brushes and I must say I love them!! I bought both of them in different size according to how I would want to use them. I'm very happy with my purchase
I am so happy to hear that!!! 😄 Enjoy!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Need help please! 🙏Can you do scrolling motion like tight curves with any of these brushes? Can I write circles with it at 1 cm or less in diameter?
This was very informative. Sable is pricey but when I switched from synthetic to half/half I noticed a huge difference. Currently I’m being very conscious and buying products more ethnically so the Versatile is a real winner all around 😍 Thanks for sharing.
I am glad to hear you found the review useful! ❤️ No doubt sable is overall more effective. Synthetics can be hit or miss so it’s good to have a trusted source. I’ve been very happy with Versatil for Watercolors 😊for acrylic and gouache I switched completely to synthetics and - depending on the size - even cheaper ones work well. Thank you! ❤️
Need help please! 🙏Can you do scrolling motion like tight curves with any of these brushes? Can I write circles with it at 1 cm or less in diameter?
Like the bird on the left better so I'm sold on tat brush for detail which is my style. Thanks for the video
That was a wonderful review!
Thank you :)))))
Thank you, I'll get one! Off topic but it's really shocking to me how many watercolor artists also play piano, as do I!!!!!!!!!!
HI after watching a number of Anna's tutorials i treated myself to an escoda travel set. The brushes are beautiful quality and preform nicely, However i do not like the weight of the metal handle. I find after about 20 minutes of use they cause uncomfortable hand strain, i have tried using they without placing the metal end on the brush and then its too short and doesn't have the correct balance.perhaps with Anna's experience she is a faster painter, but for me any extended use, and i have hand fatigue. I find rarely use these, and have returned to my davinci and windsor newton series 7 brushes. thank you
I just tried a friend's Verstile last night. I loved it! Yes real Sable is amazing but there is also a learning curve to master them. I'll be buying some Versatiles. Thx Anne, hugs from Texas
I am so glad you like it! I agree regarding real sable learning curve 💜
Need help please! 🙏Can you do scrolling motion like tight curves with any of these brushes? Can I write circles with it at 1 cm or less in diameter?
Very, very nice thank you this was a great video review! I think my mom would love this...
Thank you John! I am sure she would enjoy either of these 💖 What type of subjects does she paint most? The larger size Versatils are pretty amazing too if she is into landscapes:)
Love it! ❤️ Need help please! 🙏Can you do scrolling motion like tight curves in Petrykivka? Can I write circles with it at 1 cm or less in diameter?
Yes definitely although soft brushes (like squirrel and natural sable) work better for super tight curves 😊
Thank you Anna great review . I am new to water colour painting ( well painting in general really ) I’ve been using cheap brushes to get started but now I’m in love with water colour I want to buy my first good brush . What size round or rounds Versatlil should I make my first buy as I’m going to gradually build a collection . Thanks again
Thank you Ryan - You will love Versatil! I would consider 2 options depending on what format you work with the most. So I am mostly about small-scale highly detailed painting so the same sizes as you would find in the travel set work for me: Its 2, 6 and 10 and you can find it here as a travel set: amzn.to/36PK7me If you like doing larger format like landscapes etc I would go with 6, 10 and 16 Here is a link to short handle non-travel version: amzn.to/2UdwQkR You can actually get up to size 22... But that's HUGE. I wouldn't invest in that size unless you KNOW for sure you only work on large format. Hope this helps:) Enjoy! ❤️
You are an amazing artist Anna. I wish you long and happy life so that you can keep inspiring new artists to enrich their talents. I personally haven't seen a watercolor artist at your level of talent. Wow!!
Thank you so much 🥰
I like this comparison and the voice also of the artist :D
Thank you so much and have a wonderful holiday season!
I'm happy to see that synthetic brushes are a good option (or even the best one).
Thank you Pere! For my style sometimes syntetics work better and it's especially helpful to have options now that they are hardly available in Canada:)
I have a month old No 2 Reserva and it doesn’t keep a point to my liking. Kinda defeats the purpose as it’s a detail brush. However, it puts down paint better than my synthetics even my Perlas (which keeps a great point)
I don’t have any Versatile to compare. I do have Reserva, Prado, and Perla.
I believe Europe has an export max to the US on sable brushes because we tend to over consume everything.
Great review. I am new to watercolor, so glad to view this video.
Thank you Tyna! Happy to hear it was helpful 😊 Enjoy your Watercolor journey ❤️ it’s the best ❤️
Excellent video. Have you compared the Princeton Aqua Elite Travel brushes against the Escoda Versatil? I would like to know how they compare. Also in my opinion the price could be a footnote. The price should not interfere as to which one is better. Price does not make it better or worse. It is subjective and left up to the buyer as to what they wish to spend. Thank you again for an excellent video. I am about to purchase a synthetic sable travel set. and I have not decided on which set. I hope you have an answer to my question....Thank you very much.
Thank you. You just saved me a lot of money.
Excellent brand, indeed. Do you know any cheaper brand that works well enough for learners with low incomes? I'm using a W&N Cotman brush, number 6 and 2 little brushes that came with the watercolour sets I bought (Cotman and Van Gogh)
I had the opportunity to try some Escoda and now I feel my brushes like toothbrushes.
For the paper, I'm using Baohong fine grain.
I like the real sable if money isn't a problem. But there are some really good synthetics like these out there for much cheaper. I use both
I Completely agree Robert! 😊 nothing beats real sable, and I use a mixture of real and synthetic as well! I typically “downgrade” my older sable brushes to gouache and acrylic work after they’ve “served their time” on Watercolor work 😊
I just realised, how many Kolinsky brushes I actually have. And I didn't pay a cent for them.
Turns out, that in Russia you get those brushes super cheap (cause those animals are native there), and my russian grandma has supplied me with them whenever I visited her in Moscow. I feel so lucky, cause the import regulations for Kolinsky hair worldwide and especially in the EU, where I live, made the brushes super expensive.
Your comment made me smile - I was born in Soviet Union (without giving way my age hehe
) And I still ask my parents and friends to bring me squirrel and sable brushes from Moscow because of course they are so much cheaper there! :))))) For the longest time I couldn't even find sable here in Canada!!!
Would love a review on the new Chronos vs Pure Sable.
Oh yesss I am actually doing that video right now 😊😊😊
@@AnnaBucciarelli Yay! I'm so excited! I've had them in my cart but afraid to take that leap without knowing more. My husband already thinks the amount of brushes I own is ridiculous 😒 lol 😆
Need help please! 🙏Can you do scrolling motion like tight curves with any of these brushes? Can I write circles with it at 1 cm or less in diameter?
love the bird painting!
😀💖
Thank you Anna for showing us the beauty of a versatil in action. Love from India, where Kolinsky brushes aren’t even sold (online or offline).
This is great, thank you!
Which size of synthetic brush I can purchase to cover almost all type of water color. Could you please suggest some escoda versatil flat, round, liner brushes size?
Great video, very helpful! 👍
Thank you 😊❤️
I actually like the bird on the right.
Thank you for putting this together! Have you tried to Escoda Perla by any chance? I am deciding between the Versatil and Perla travel sets and wondered which one may be better. Thanks :)
Absolutely - I’ve reviewed several perlas (see my travel set reviews) they are nice but - being an imitation of Squirrel - they are quite different from Versatils (which imitate sable). So if you are into softer squirrel brushes - go with Perla, excellent choice. But if you prefer to work with real sable then Versatil is a better choice. For me Perlas (and squirrel in general) is too soft but it’s a personal choice as I like more sable-like spring in my brush ❤️😊hope this helps!
Not a big fan of Escoda, I had some mops after using them for a year the hairs started falling.
I have been using my Winsor and Newton series 7's for so long it would be hard for me to change. You know what they say, "you can't teach an old dog new tricks. Well you can but then they whine a lot lol. Cheers!
I also use WN Series 7, particularly the archival length. They are great but ridiculously expensive in Canada at least.
Is the number 7 series real sable from England is it better than Escada or reserva??
Do you have a video like this that shows washes.
What do you mean by washes? Like a comparison of different techniques?
Oh my god! Instantly im your fan! Complete expected delight to find your video
Aww thank you so much Alissa! 💗💗💗 Means the world to me 😁
She starts painting with the synthetic:
Me: “ah yes that obviously holds less water”
Her: “it might hold less water but isn’t really noticeable”
Me: ”... you sure? I saw the difference easily”
In all seriousness though I have painted with inexpensive synthetic brushes for years and can make beautiful work with them. Hoping to upgrade slowly to some black velvet and possibly a few others over the next few years but don’t feel like you need expensive tools to make beautiful art.
Your comment made me laugh 😊 I think what meant was it wasn’t noticeable RELATIVE to other synthetics I worked with before. I was supper happy with this one - for the first time it felt like yeah ok I can paint with synthetic and not be annoyed 😊 I completely agree - expensive paints and brushes are NOT required to make beautiful work! I will say though - professional paper is a MUST for Watercolor. Thank you for your comment ❤️
maybe mention also where those hairs come from, some pictures of those animals that are “harvested”. thanks for the comparison!
Hi, Anna, I am looking online for the Escada Versatil travel set online, and the ones I've found reference a "Series 1252". I didnt hear you speak of a series number, do you think the one you are reviewing is the series 1252?
Hi Doreen - I just checked to make sure. You've got the right number - "Series 1252" is the Versatil travel set I've got:) Here is the link: www.jacksonsart.com/en-ca/escoda-watercolour-travel-brush-set-versatil-series-1252-set-of-3 Please note that Versatil brushes come in all shapes and sizes, I have several of them as part of other travel sets, which feature other Escoda brushes, but this is the one where all 3 brushes are Versatil and the case is black leather. Enjoy!
@@AnnaBucciarelli I finally got them! Took a long time to arrive in Appleon Wisconsin USA but worth the wait. They even come in a real leather case! I feel like a pro now!
doreen hedtke Doreen! I am so excited for you to try them 😄 Enjoy!!!
Should I get prado or versatil?
I prefer Versatil:)
The "right" brush for me will always be a synthetic, for ethical reasons.
Wow, you get all the virtue signal points, yippie! You must be a Saint!
@@baileybarrett1492 Nah, just more aware than most of the disgusting things we humans do to the animals & draw the line somewhere, on some things... (There's still plenty other things I wish I was stronger willed about, but just have to live with it..)
@@baileybarrett1492 🤦🏻♂️ If you won't contribute to make the world better, then just stay silent 😶.
@@MocEmma haha. My world is great, and guess what.... I use animal hair brushes! Lmfao.
@@baileybarrett1492 What a waste of time 🤦🏻♂️
I perfer isabey kolinsky.,mine keeps point for detail better than escoda...own 3 size 6 ..all are same
I like Isabel a lot! 👌❤️ Prefer then in archival length for gouache work 😊
Cool!
Thank you!
Hmmm..
On watching this video, did a bit of research. My innocent and naive self was looking for something not so horrific, but alas no such results. Squirrel in many places ( like Kazan) are farmed and harvested regularly. Its a reality many of us ( myself included) are ready to not think much about as we pursue our art for best results. Brushes from slaughter ( to get best fur and hair I believe the animals are harvested in ways that i dont want to discuss, but of course the information is available to all who want to know)..and those amazing water colour papers with animal gelatin sizing. I wish art as gentle as watercoor did not entail such violent back stories but i am so wrong...
Even the paint pigments themselves often have horrific histories. Indian yellow used to be from the urine of cows fed exclusively on mango leaves. There also used to be 'Mummy brown' which was exactly as described, made from ground up Egyptian mummies, yep we made paint out of human remains.
I had two encode reserva's both couldn't hold their tip after minimal use, water retention was not even very good. most disappointing brushes i've tried
if you're a vegan there is no contest really... nice to see it side by side like this though.
Makes sense :)
I bought a #10 Versatil travel brush, but the tip got a bend on it. I actually had it replaced, but the second one did the same thing.. thanks for the review. BTW we are not”guys”!
I have found that if you steam a bent brush with a teakettle, watching very often and carefully, they will straighten out. This will take a very short time, maybe 30 seconds to 1 minute, depending on the size of the brush. When they do straighten, form the bristles with your fingers and then use some soap to "glue" the bristles together. Let it dry. New straight bristles!
Thank you @SRFinSLO for the helpful tip! That's great to know. To answer Eileen's question, I've never had issues with Escoda regular sable which I've used for years, but the synthetic I can't comment on in terms of long-term use. What I do know is that for these higher end brushes a good preserver / cleaner is a must in order to keep the tip tight. I find that even my most expensive Winsor & Newton series 7 come apart and become useless without proper care. I should probably do a tutorial on the preserver because it really helps keeping the shape of the brushes intact, not to mention it does miracles when cleaning them. Happy holidays! ❤️
@@AnnaBucciarelli I would love that tutorial. I am so interested in how to take care of my brushes.
@@willowbranch5237 Oh, yeah; who wound NOT appreciate a video on how to clean and preserve their brushes, for, you know, The Cause...
Synthetic brushes DO wear out WAY faster. Kolinsky can last a lifetime,Casaneo tips curle after some use... others I had did the same. Kolinsky will keep the same point for a much longer time and will never bent as synthetics do. Synthetics no matter how much praise they get,they are only good for acrylics. Watercolour looks like gouach or acrylic when you use synthetics. No rensparency equals no watercolour at all in first place.
Do we talk about how “real” sable is harvested? 😥
BAD INFORMATION DESIGN: You place both labels, _“Real Sable”_ and _“Synthetic Sable,”_ under the bird on the left. In your mind, you believe you’re labeling the part of the video that’s happening at that moment (where you’re actually painting), and not the specific bird, or brush. It’s *very* disorienting to see the bird/brush on the left labeled _“Synthetic”_ one moment, and _“Real”_ the next. A better design solution would be to have two labels, present at all times, each placed above their corresponding bird. I can understand the thought process that lead to this oversight; primarily due to your familiarity with the content, and the erroneous assumption that viewers shared your familiarity.
However, white text on a white paper background? Really?!? That’s inexcusable. Even for the layperson, let alone someone visually inclined such as yourself.
Overall, great content, with just a tiny design flaw (that only an insane typographer would ever notice).
I hope one day we can stop hurting innocent animals for our own fun. 🌸 I won’t buy or recommend anything non synthetic.
That's fair Pippa. Thank you for your comment.
The problem I'm finding with my synthetic brushes (not Escoda) is after not much use they start to hook at the tip no matter how careful I am. Have you used the Escoda synthetic brush very long and if so have you found that the very tip starts to create a hook? Have you ever found a real sable brush to create a hook?
I like the synthetic Daler and Rowney Graduate, size 1 s lot! It's sturdy and it has a nice spring. I can really control fine lines with it. Only £4! It hasn't formed the fish hook. Seems robust.
I love the Escoda Versatil. I have several types of synthetic, was only using Versatil yesterday, and decided it's a favourite. I have small Winsor & Newton Kolinsky brushes which I have had for a very long time but now I am more informed and art without cruelty is the way forward for me.
Totally agree! Thank you Valerie ❤️
Need help please! 🙏Can you do scrolling motion like tight curves with any of these brushes? Can I write circles with it at 1 cm or less in diameter?
Fun fact : Dick Blick Master series is made by Escoda, have both Kolinsky & synthetic options, & have a lifetime warranty.
Hi!! Thank you so much for making this video! Now, I know which brush I need to go to! Both brushes are great but I paint very small illustrations so I'll go with the synthetic one. ❤
Bought three! Size 2, 6 and 12. Absolutely LOVE them! Picked up the versatil thinking it was my sable and was amazed! Definitely a keeper and will get one more size. Thank you for this video.
Need help please! 🙏Can you do scrolling motion like tight curves with any of these brushes? Can I write circles with it at 1 cm or less in diameter?
Thank you 😊 What lovely timing as I am just finalising a brush order and umming over some choices. I’m so glad I found your Skillshare classes 💖
I am so happy to hear that! Enjoy and let me know if you have any questions. I just uploaded a free tutorial here on TH-cam [it's on bird painting]. SkillShare classes take a long time to produce so I will be posting more and more free mini-tutorials here for you all to enjoy 💖 💖 💖
Anna Bucciarelli that’s lovely! I will be watching that soon. I love hearing about your colour choices.
You mean you only need the Reserva 4 for the left bird while the one on the right is painted with 3 different brush sizes of Versatil? So price point Reserva is worth 3 brushes in one?
Excellent question and the answer is no, Reserva is not worth 3 Synthetics for the following reason: one natural hear brush will wear out a lot faster than 3 synthetic brushes [because it's 3 brushes, and because synthetics last a lot longer]. So although it is capable of performing better / more flexible when limited to 1 size, its quite more expensive in the long run.Hope this makes sense.
Oh, my heart is broken! They won’t ship the synthetic sable brush to my location.
Questions: how old/new was each brush? What might be the result after breaking in if brand new? Wonderful work on both birds..for my eye the left bird very sublime natural look but almost dreamy like..the right bird punched out more with crisp edges/tones. Sooooo probably need both depending on the project and effect sought. Thank you.
This is the issue - time! I have the Versatil. It didn’t hold up well for the long term. Compared to my other Escoda sables, the point isn’t so great. Still usable, but not for fine detail. And just not as much fun to paint with. The Escoda Prado, also synthetic, is better, I think...but again, not a good point after a few weeks of use (and I’m easy on my brushes and take good care of them)
I do continue to search for good synthetics and have recently purchased a few of the quill style DaVinci Casaneo - and so far, they are awesome.
Need help please! 🙏Can you do scrolling motion like tight curves with any of these brushes? Can I write circles with it at 1 cm or less in diameter?
Wonderful....thanks a lot for sharing this video....just loved it😊
Thank you so much 😊 happy holidays 💜
Love how you chose to show the brushes qualities.
Please don't use any animal hair brushes, the animal cruelty is horrific
Great comparison video. I have both but use much more the Versàtil, Prado and Perla. My sable brushes are reserved just for precision work, like very detailed botanical illustration. I won't buy more sable brushes.
There are 2 types, different models of these reserva kolinsky brushes. Please, wihich one is this one, so highly praised.
Thank you
Hi there - Sorry I've missed your comment last week 💖 The one I have was the North American version in size 4. If you look at the link to @escoda website - it's the rounded version: www.escoda.com/brushes/fine_hair_and_white_hog_bristle_brushes/reserva/kolinsky_tajmyr_sable/20 Hope this helps! 💖
Also make a video of oil painting natural long hair flat brushes and share the link to buy brushes.
I don't use oils sorry!
Great review! Thanks!!!
Escoda brushes thank you for making great products - excellent quality for every budget ❤️
In your opinion is the Escoda Prado comprable to the Escoda Versitil? I just got the Prado and really love it. I was wondering after watching your vid if the versitil is even better. Thanks!!!
Willow! that's an excellent and super timely question I was wondering about ❤️ I haven't tried Prado until ~ 3 weeks ago when I got a chance to use a travel sized Prado (as part of a travel set). It was EXCELLENT and its actually hard to pinpoint a difference b/w Prado and Versatil (at least in size 6 I can't)- they are both super precise, work the same in my opinion as the real sable, just with a bit more spring. I just posted a video review of the set [ th-cam.com/video/xlagWuBQtQ0/w-d-xo.html ]
I am going to test another set next week - it contains a larger Prado so I will get a better idea if there are any significant differences :)
Anna Bucciarelli Thank you so much for all of that!!
I just started in water colors and the only brushes I bought are squirrel hair and Princeton Neptune, which turns out they are both for the same application, they cover large areas without the brush running dry.
Others have said that Princeton Neptune can cover larger areas with the same brush size than Escoda, but Escoda isn't for covering large areas. Escoda is for details.
Princeton Neptune is better for getting the paper wet, for wet on wet technique because it can get a larger area wet and usable before painting which is faster, speed is important when you don't want your paper to dry before you have had a chance to paint.
I have a question about the brush holder in your video. I’d like to purchase some, where could I find one?
I'm so glad you did this test so others can see how amazing Versatil brushes are.
I love them, also because they are not made of animals that have suffered in their short lives and have suffered a violent death.
I'm definitely not wearing fur either.
Thank you Britta! Definitely a remarkable improvement in the quality of synthetics and such a welcome alternative to the regular sable brushes. Happy holidays 💖💖💖
Has the Versatil held up as well as you expected it would? Has it started wearing out?
Can you please tell me where you get those cute red brush holders? Thanks.☺️
Amazon! Just search for Klik pen holders 😊
@@AnnaBucciarelli Thank you so much!
As a great illustrator artist your advice and test was very useful. Many thanks
Great comparison review! In my experience, synthetics don't keep a point as well as my natural hair brushes as long as you take care of your brushes. I still have natural brushes I got 20 years ago, but most of my synthetic or mixed brushes from that era have blunted tips (or as one commenter noted, some get a bend or "hook" on the tip) and that includes my da Vinci Cosmotop brushes. That said, I use a variety of brushes depending on what I'm working on because I like the different feel, spring or capacity of the brushes. My current favorite brushes are my Silver Black Velvet brushes because they hold a beautiful point for so long and are reasonable priced. I've been wanting to try the Escoda Versatil brushes for awhile and this is encouraging, thanks for sharing your experience!
Thank you for your thoughtful comments! Definitely agree on the natural sable [although I really work those tips to the ground because I paint a lot of details on rough paper]. Using a natural nsoap/preserver helps maintain the tips. Maybe I should do a video on how I clean and coat the brushes to keep the point longer....Thank you!
@@AnnaBucciarelli That sounds like a great video, look forward to it, thanks!
This is my experience too. I have two round Versatil brushes and even with minimal use, they didn’t keep their sharp points all that long. They are still usable, though. I also love the Black Velvet brushes, they are an awesome brush for the price.
Just ordered 4 Versatil Travel Brushes after watching your reviews. 4 brushes at Blick Art Materials - $96 :OOO, I ended up ordering from Jackson's Art, same brushes for $49! No brainer. I have some sable brushes and I must admit -I need the spring to the brush that only synthetic will give me.
That's awesome! You will love them and I am excited to check out your insta for new work We don't have Blick here in Canada [much better variety of stores in US and Europe!]. What a price difference though - crazy!
I bought versatil travel brush number 10 and 2 , very disappointed. The 10 doesnt hold much water as publicised and 2 is much worse, the point separates even with enough water , lines are not thin at all, accidenttally thickens when you change direction. Ruins the drawing. Very bad experience. Am talking to jacksons art for returning the number 2 either defective or bad quality. They ask me for a video. I did. Now waiting for reply. My suggestion is just go for a more expensive davinci brush dont bother with escoda. It's the first and last time I buy this brand.
Oh no, don’t give up on Escoda! I have a few DaVinci brushes too, but I always seem to reach for the Escoda brushes first. I think with these synthetic brushes, it’s probably more common to occasionally get a defective one, it’s just the nature of synthetic hairs...and they won’t work for everyone’s needs.
Nice video but the tip wears out quickly unfortunately. I have 4 Escoda Versátil size 8, my 10 has lasted the longest but my 8 s might get me through 10 or 12 medium paintings that is why I wanted to check out the Reserva but I do love the new points and their pigment release for the smaller brushes. Now could we compare to Isabey sable?:)
Thank you Jennie! That sounds about right - tip tends to wear out, but even faster for my real sables. At least that's been my experience - I do a lot of fine detailed work and I am guessing so do you. Also, if you work on rougher paper that can really wear out the tip. I ADORE Isabey and had them in a variety of sizes but alas they are not easily available in Canada. I mostly used [ and still use whatever is left] for gouache and acrylic work. If i am lucky. to get my hands on a new Isabey I will definitely do a review. Happy holidays!
Jesus freeeking cripes this is the best thing I have stumbled across on TH-cam..
Can you do that again?....
I can rewind....can't I.
Wow
You are so sweet - Thank you so so much - I am so glad you enjoyed it 💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖
Amazing comparison, extremely helpful! Thank you Anna
Thank you Ariana! 😊💕
Very interesting comparison- I have never used a sable brush, and cost is a factor, so this is definitely information I can use. Thanks for posting!
Thank you! I’ve switched since April of last year to Escoda Chronos completely. It’s super affordable and contains 10% real sable 90% synthetic - just enough to give you good water load, and maintain spring / precision 👌
Hi Anna, have you done a comparison on the Escoda Reversa and the cheaper sable travel set of Escoda Otimo Brushes ?
I don't have an Otimo in my collection :( Do you mean Ultimo? If so, yes, I did a review of the set that contains ultimo rigger: th-cam.com/video/LLy2HuYH3Ew/w-d-xo.html
It's my only rigger and I love it [there are lots of videos where I use it inlcuding the recent bunny one.
I actually stopped buying new brushes last year...just trying to save $$ and instead condition my old ones regularly. Just posted a video about that. In general I like and trust Escoda, they always make quality stuff and it's not overpriced [at least in Canada].
Hi i would like to ask if you would have only one but very expensive brush what size would you keep? 😁
I would go with a pointed round in a 6 or an 8.