I think you will like this brush. It is very soft and very thirsty. Holds lots of water and at the same time holds a nice point. Enjoy! Happy New Year!
Great review! I’ve seen these kinds of brushes before but didn’t know they are called quill brushes. I have a Neptune flat brush and really like it. Putting this one on my list. Happy new year!
In the Quill style brush, I prefer the soft bristles of synthetic squirrel over the more stiff bristles of synthetic sable. I use the Quill for big washes and I find it easier to do this with a soft brush.
I have enjoyed your video's...I am not even a beginner...I did get a few supplies and I am searching paints, brands, pans, and brushes. I did purchase an A5 size watercolor journal so I can have it with me to sketch etc. I want to get travel brushes. I saw your video that mentioned buying 3 brushes. Both Princeton travel sets or singles do not have a Quill #6 in a travelers brush.. I am anxious to get started and it is not easy when I have never tried to paint before. To make things more difficult for me is that the brands do not have standardized sizing. I do not know if I can find an equivalent to Princeton size 6 quill when I really do not know what it is physically so I can try to duplicate it. am looking forward to buying a few brushes to get started. I do want good brushes. Travel brushes. Any help is greatly appreciated....Thank you
Hi. Thanks for asking your question here. You didn't mention any budget constraints, so I will point you to a dream brush set that might be a great fit. This Escoda Travel set is wonderful. amzn.to/3L1BYCy It includes a Ultimo series brush (round #16). While not specifically a Quill brush, it would be very similar. It is synthetic squirrel hair which is the same as the princeton neptune quill series. If you compare the dimensions in mm (or inches) you will see they are similar sized. All this size information is readily available on the manufacturer's websites. I hope this helps!! Have a great day!
You had said the escoda is not really a quill...perhaps i should think about keeping the quill. So many people that use the neptune size 6 quill are in very happy with it.
I love the quill and recommend it. In your previous comment you mentioned you wanted a travel brush. That's why I pointed you to the other set. The travel sets include the covers which are nice.
The Quill brushes have a much bigger belly and hold more water. Hey....with your questions you might be interested in watching my free online course -- "Getting Started in Watercolor" where I address all the questions about watercolor supplies and materials. I have one lesson on Brushes. Check it out at: studio.krisdebruine.com/getting-started-in-watercolor
Thanks -I think I’ve watched it but I’ll certainly watch it again. Just haven’t been able to compare quill size to a comparable round. Brush companies would make it SO much easier if there was a standard sizing across all brushes.
Yes. I agree. The number indexing of brushes is very inconsistent. However most manufacturers also have information on their websites that show the actual dimensions of the brush. This should help you get an idea of the size before purchasing.
Having used my natural Chinese brushes over 7 years, and started learning Western style and materials, some western artists..actually, most everyone I talked to said NEPTUNE. I have 2 rounds and 2 daggers..which was a whole new concept to me..but..no. Sorry, I just can NOT get used to them. The rounds didn’t come close to holding a thin point like my Chinese brushes. My late son spent 2 days with a brush maker..so please, no comments about animal cruelty. Chinese brushes made outside China? I wouldn’t trust, at all. Brushmaking in China is a 2000yr old “intangible culture”; as such, it has VERY tight oversight and the hairs are acquired in the spring from farmers, ranchers and other animal handlers who have permits. Their most well known, and even now used by some western watercolorist, are the goat, goat-sheep, goat-rabbit. The hairs come from young animals who basically get a hair trimming before the hot summer. It’s been a close reciprocal agreement for at least hundreds of years. Several years ago..actually I think it was 2019, a commercial brush factory was found to be…hurting critters. The factory was shut down and the owners fled to Vietnam, where they assumed they could get away with it. Never underestimate the power of social media, especially in China. A Vietnamese worker posted pictures of animals skinned alive and thrown out to die. Weibo, WeChat and Douyin (Chinese tiktok) went crazy. Vietnam happily extradited the family back to China where their weeklong trial was like a circus with thousands outside protesting. One of my sons friends was in Beijing, sending me pictures. (As an aside, western media got pictures of the protest and claimed it was against the Govt…until a few astute people let them know..the building says “provincial courthouse”, NOT CPC headquarters as they’d reported. A few weeks ago, thousands in Guanzhong were marching in the streets..as per usual, western media, hungry to get some of our Govt money for doing anti China stories (yes, they do and increased it this year to $550mil. On the other hand, do a positive story? Don’t expect any Govt spokespersons anytime soon🙄). The March in Guanzhong was to honor 2 firefighters killed in the line of duty. China certainly isn’t perfect, but don’t believe everything our media says about them), anyways, the heads of the family were found guilty..(kind of overwhelming evidence), they were given the death penalty. Had they faced the music, not fled and started it up again..(by going to another country they shamed China), they would have gotten stiff sentences..but the people wanted them literally skinned alive. I’m against the death penalty, but didn’t lose sleep a few weeks later when the deed was done. They found literally thousands of dead, mostly skinned animals between the original factory and Vietnam. Other members of the family who were actively involved got anywhere from 10yrs to life. Family members left in their village fled to Malaysia, penniless. The Govt gave the $millions seized to REAL artisan brush makers (who felt this company put a stain on their practices)..and apparently, some of the Vietnamese people who had reported them and very poor Chinese workers who’d been living in fear from the business owners threatening them..(they also testified about horrible worker abuse and the company had lied about their pay and benefits..they were basically modern day slaves)-they all got either money, or the Govt relocated workers afraid of public backlash and gave them homes and helped them find jobs. The machinery the company was using was from Japan. Real Chinese brushes are ALL made from hand. I believe they are allowing some companies to make synthetic brushes (ones that appear like the natural brushes, but have shorter bristles, primarily used in schools for regular calligraphy-which starts in kindergarten). As far as all the generic western brushes, claiming to be natural hair, made mostly in factories in China. All we DO know are the natural hairs are shipped in from other countries. While they SHOULD monitor the sources of this hair, a friend said with all the hair..and other products that are imported into China to make products, the Govt leaves it up to individual companies, as long as they aren’t claiming to be Chinese calligraphy/Traditional painting brushes; it’s just too much to monitor. It’s the “intangible culture” thing..when they put the new laws in place about 15yrs ago; heaven forbid you’re a company who embarrasses one of these arts. Ink sticks/ink, traditional paint chips, even Xuan paper makers..it’s almost all still done by hand, heavily regulated and closely monitored. I just wish YiDeGe would make as good a gold ink as Japan’s Kuratake..🤷🏼♀️🤫 😂 Sorry for the novella, just trying to address the many replies I usually get. One more thing, traditional Chinese brushes are VERY RARELY squirrel. There are one or two brush makers who occasionally get donated hair from already deceased Squirrels. (This is also how they get rat whiskers for the detail brushes..people are paid money for bringing them in..but, there are a LOT of nuisance rats in the country, in fact the goat farmers usually collect the whiskers all year, and sell them with the goat hair trimmings..or more commonly, many brush makers grow plants and veggies, which they exchange, at least partly, for the hairs). Back to Squirrels, those brushes are normally extremely expensive and hard to find. Most Chinese artists I know can’t understand their popularity in the west. I have to agree, although I only tried one that I borrowed from a friend. Now..the also expensive horse hair and mane hair trimmings? (My late son met the horse 🥰 That was how he originally got me into this..he showed an old ink painting of one of our horses from his childhood to an 85yr old former professor (30yrs here in the US), who retired back to China. When I made it 25yrs ago, I knew nothing about Chinese ink paintings.,I just did it with ink because Windy was a black horse. My ignorance about Chinese art, culture, history and language changed quite a bit during the 4+years that wonderful, grumpy lady was my main tutor. I still videochat with her and her family on holidays), my horse brush has become my go-to brush; not only because my precious son had it made for me; but this thing can do ANYTHING, washes, sharp point, holds water/ink-not as good as goat hair-but it also has that “spring-back” that I hear western artists talk about. If you have a chance to get a REAL horse brush (I just know 2 trusted suppliers in the US who sometimes carry them), AND can afford it; I highly recommend them!
I always encourage the students in my classes to buy local, if possible. But of course, these videos are being watched by a worldwide audience and many people have commented to me that they can't buy the supplies they need in their area. So I also provide online resources. Thanks for watching.
Thank you for your helpful review!
You're welcome! I'm glad you found it helpful.
Just received my #6 and #2 quill brushes. Your video was extremely helpful! Thank you.
I hope you LOVE them. Thanks for the feedback.
Wow, I was expecting the price to be much higher than that! Pretty affordable considering all that it can do. Great video!
Yes. It is currently on "sale" on Amazon -- 60% off!!
Thanks for watching
Thank you! Just ordered it.
I think you'll love it.
Looks awesome, I think I'll try it!
I think you will like this brush. It is very soft and very thirsty. Holds lots of water and at the same time holds a nice point. Enjoy! Happy New Year!
I really like your vidoes
I’ve been watching paintbrush and mostly Jenna Rainey and others but I sat down and listened to u and your awesome 👏
Wow! Thanks! That is super encouraging to hear. :-) Have a great day!
I have a Neptune quill in size 4 and I love it. Great video - concise and informative. 👍
Thanks for watching!
Thank you!!!
You're welcome!
I have several & love em ! Great review Kris . Sending Best wishes for the New Year :)
Thanks for watching and leaving feedback. Glad to hear you like these brushes. Happy New Year to you!
Excellent review! My older, student grade goat hair brushes no longer hold their point so I'm shopping for a few new brushes.
Glad it was helpful!
Great review! I’ve seen these kinds of brushes before but didn’t know they are called quill brushes. I have a Neptune flat brush and really like it. Putting this one on my list. Happy new year!
These have become my preferred big "mop" style brush. I hope you enjoy it too. Happy New Year.
I just watched your video on Aqua Elite brushes and wondered if you have tried the Elite quill and why you favor the Neptune.
TIA
In the Quill style brush, I prefer the soft bristles of synthetic squirrel over the more stiff bristles of synthetic sable. I use the Quill for big washes and I find it easier to do this with a soft brush.
I have enjoyed your video's...I am not even a beginner...I did get a few supplies and I am searching paints, brands, pans, and brushes.
I did purchase an A5 size watercolor journal so I can have it with me to sketch etc. I want to get travel brushes. I saw your video that mentioned buying 3 brushes. Both Princeton travel sets or singles do not have a Quill #6 in a travelers brush.. I am anxious to get started and it is not easy when I have never tried to paint before. To make things more difficult for me is that the brands do not have standardized sizing. I do not know if I can find an equivalent to Princeton size 6 quill when I really do not know what it is physically so I can try to duplicate it. am looking forward to buying a few brushes to get started. I do want good brushes. Travel brushes. Any help is greatly appreciated....Thank you
Hi. Thanks for asking your question here. You didn't mention any budget constraints, so I will point you to a dream brush set that might be a great fit. This Escoda Travel set is wonderful. amzn.to/3L1BYCy It includes a Ultimo series brush (round #16). While not specifically a Quill brush, it would be very similar. It is synthetic squirrel hair which is the same as the princeton neptune quill series. If you compare the dimensions in mm (or inches) you will see they are similar sized. All this size information is readily available on the manufacturer's websites. I hope this helps!! Have a great day!
@@KrisDeBruineStudio thank you.
I ordered the Neptune 6 ...if it's too late to cancel it...i will return it.
Thanks again
.
You had said the escoda is not really a quill...perhaps i should think about keeping the quill. So many people that use the neptune size 6 quill are in very happy with it.
I love the quill and recommend it. In your previous comment you mentioned you wanted a travel brush. That's why I pointed you to the other set. The travel sets include the covers which are nice.
Ah one more question - does the 6 quill compare to a size in a round brush and why wouldn’t you just use a round?
The Quill brushes have a much bigger belly and hold more water. Hey....with your questions you might be interested in watching my free online course -- "Getting Started in Watercolor" where I address all the questions about watercolor supplies and materials. I have one lesson on Brushes. Check it out at: studio.krisdebruine.com/getting-started-in-watercolor
Thanks -I think I’ve watched it but I’ll certainly watch it again. Just haven’t been able to compare quill size to a comparable round. Brush companies would make it SO much easier if there was a standard sizing across all brushes.
Yes. I agree. The number indexing of brushes is very inconsistent. However most manufacturers also have information on their websites that show the actual dimensions of the brush. This should help you get an idea of the size before purchasing.
Having used my natural Chinese brushes over 7 years, and started learning Western style and materials, some western artists..actually, most everyone I talked to said NEPTUNE. I have 2 rounds and 2 daggers..which was a whole new concept to me..but..no. Sorry, I just can NOT get used to them. The rounds didn’t come close to holding a thin point like my Chinese brushes. My late son spent 2 days with a brush maker..so please, no comments about animal cruelty. Chinese brushes made outside China? I wouldn’t trust, at all. Brushmaking in China is a 2000yr old “intangible culture”; as such, it has VERY tight oversight and the hairs are acquired in the spring from farmers, ranchers and other animal handlers who have permits. Their most well known, and even now used by some western watercolorist, are the goat, goat-sheep, goat-rabbit. The hairs come from young animals who basically get a hair trimming before the hot summer. It’s been a close reciprocal agreement for at least hundreds of years. Several years ago..actually I think it was 2019, a commercial brush factory was found to be…hurting critters. The factory was shut down and the owners fled to Vietnam, where they assumed they could get away with it. Never underestimate the power of social media, especially in China. A Vietnamese worker posted pictures of animals skinned alive and thrown out to die. Weibo, WeChat and Douyin (Chinese tiktok) went crazy. Vietnam happily extradited the family back to China where their weeklong trial was like a circus with thousands outside protesting. One of my sons friends was in Beijing, sending me pictures. (As an aside, western media got pictures of the protest and claimed it was against the Govt…until a few astute people let them know..the building says “provincial courthouse”, NOT CPC headquarters as they’d reported. A few weeks ago, thousands in Guanzhong were marching in the streets..as per usual, western media, hungry to get some of our Govt money for doing anti China stories (yes, they do and increased it this year to $550mil. On the other hand, do a positive story? Don’t expect any Govt spokespersons anytime soon🙄). The March in Guanzhong was to honor 2 firefighters killed in the line of duty. China certainly isn’t perfect, but don’t believe everything our media says about them), anyways, the heads of the family were found guilty..(kind of overwhelming evidence), they were given the death penalty. Had they faced the music, not fled and started it up again..(by going to another country they shamed China), they would have gotten stiff sentences..but the people wanted them literally skinned alive. I’m against the death penalty, but didn’t lose sleep a few weeks later when the deed was done. They found literally thousands of dead, mostly skinned animals between the original factory and Vietnam. Other members of the family who were actively involved got anywhere from 10yrs to life. Family members left in their village fled to Malaysia, penniless. The Govt gave the $millions seized to REAL artisan brush makers (who felt this company put a stain on their practices)..and apparently, some of the Vietnamese people who had reported them and very poor Chinese workers who’d been living in fear from the business owners threatening them..(they also testified about horrible worker abuse and the company had lied about their pay and benefits..they were basically modern day slaves)-they all got either money, or the Govt relocated workers afraid of public backlash and gave them homes and helped them find jobs. The machinery the company was using was from Japan. Real Chinese brushes are ALL made from hand. I believe they are allowing some companies to make synthetic brushes (ones that appear like the natural brushes, but have shorter bristles, primarily used in schools for regular calligraphy-which starts in kindergarten). As far as all the generic western brushes, claiming to be natural hair, made mostly in factories in China. All we DO know are the natural hairs are shipped in from other countries. While they SHOULD monitor the sources of this hair, a friend said with all the hair..and other products that are imported into China to make products, the Govt leaves it up to individual companies, as long as they aren’t claiming to be Chinese calligraphy/Traditional painting brushes; it’s just too much to monitor. It’s the “intangible culture” thing..when they put the new laws in place about 15yrs ago; heaven forbid you’re a company who embarrasses one of these arts. Ink sticks/ink, traditional paint chips, even Xuan paper makers..it’s almost all still done by hand, heavily regulated and closely monitored. I just wish YiDeGe would make as good a gold ink as Japan’s Kuratake..🤷🏼♀️🤫 😂
Sorry for the novella, just trying to address the many replies I usually get. One more thing, traditional Chinese brushes are VERY RARELY squirrel. There are one or two brush makers who occasionally get donated hair from already deceased Squirrels. (This is also how they get rat whiskers for the detail brushes..people are paid money for bringing them in..but, there are a LOT of nuisance rats in the country, in fact the goat farmers usually collect the whiskers all year, and sell them with the goat hair trimmings..or more commonly, many brush makers grow plants and veggies, which they exchange, at least partly, for the hairs). Back to Squirrels, those brushes are normally extremely expensive and hard to find. Most Chinese artists I know can’t understand their popularity in the west. I have to agree, although I only tried one that I borrowed from a friend. Now..the also expensive horse hair and mane hair trimmings? (My late son met the horse 🥰 That was how he originally got me into this..he showed an old ink painting of one of our horses from his childhood to an 85yr old former professor (30yrs here in the US), who retired back to China. When I made it 25yrs ago, I knew nothing about Chinese ink paintings.,I just did it with ink because Windy was a black horse. My ignorance about Chinese art, culture, history and language changed quite a bit during the 4+years that wonderful, grumpy lady was my main tutor. I still videochat with her and her family on holidays), my horse brush has become my go-to brush; not only because my precious son had it made for me; but this thing can do ANYTHING, washes, sharp point, holds water/ink-not as good as goat hair-but it also has that “spring-back” that I hear western artists talk about. If you have a chance to get a REAL horse brush (I just know 2 trusted suppliers in the US who sometimes carry them), AND can afford it; I highly recommend them!
Thank you for sharing your insights. Very interesting.
Keep on buying from online retailers and one day all the stores in your community will be gone. Not sermon, just a thought.
I always encourage the students in my classes to buy local, if possible. But of course, these videos are being watched by a worldwide audience and many people have commented to me that they can't buy the supplies they need in their area. So I also provide online resources. Thanks for watching.