| Author | Message | ||
  Shyone |
I too have many brushes, some treasures, some useful for specific actions, some just hanging around because it's not in me to toss brushes, LOL My favorites are Winsor and Newton Sceptre Gold, the round, a #20. I bought my first one about 7 years ago for about 35 dollars, and immediately bought two more. Sure they cost more now, but it anything happened to them, I would replace them in a minute...The #20 is my main workhorse... Winsor and Newton for flats, have some series #295. I have also bought these as presents for a painting friend, they work so well. I have other favorites, too, a large big signpainter's 1' inch squirrel is great for laying in wet in wet backgrounds. I have also bought a lot of brushes that do very poorly for watercolors. Sometimes you just have to experiment... I have a W&N No. 7, size twelve, and indeed, it is very nice, and was very expensive, I use it alot, but I use just as much my Utrecht Kolinsky Vermeer, Watercolor brushes, that perform just as well at about 1/2 to 1/4 of the price...depending on the size. I have bought some wonderful Sabeline brushes made in Germany on the Internet, but these are not made any more, so be careful... it feels so great to fire up a new brush, to see how it works, and when you can happily add it to yourself, that's very NICE!! Happy Painting! | ||
Zoe |
F. Doran - that's a great sales pitch on the Dreamcatchers and I just might get one at the holidays to compare. I have an old old W&N 7 #6 which I love and had NO idea it was so expensive. I believe it was some gift from heaven. | ||
Anonymous |
Cheap Joe's DREAMCATCHER ROUNDS are the best overall round brushes I've had. I would honestly say this no matter what company hosted the site. Believe me, I have an enormous brush collection, including male Kolinsky-fiber round brushes of several brands. Several of my teachers have also recommended the Dreamcatcher rounds (they also usually say I have purchased way too many brushes). I have purchased these many kinds of brushes to in my personal search for the best. Windsor and Newton Series 7 rounds are indeed extremely good if you are rich enough to buy adequate sizes to paint other than minature pictures. However, not many of us, including me, can afford even a size #8 Series 7 (85.99 at Cheap Joes -- and you know it is hard to find cheaper prices elsewhere). The DREAMCATCHER rounds run larger than most brushes, maintain a fabulous point, last a very long time, and are useful for many techniques. For paintings 1 sheet or less, I believe the size #10 Dreamcatcher would be an excellent size to try. At $16.99 you cannot go wrong. Do yourself a favor and try one! F. Doran. | ||
John Smith |
Robert. Thanks for yor advice. I've placed an order with Rosemary and will give you my opinion when I try them. And I certainly understand and will honor you're disclaimer! | ||
Robert |
Disclaimer-- Everybody requires and likes different style brushes. Rosemary makes every conceivable kind of brush and all are at the top tier of quality. IF you want a sable brush then Kolinsky is by far the best. Regular sable is not even in the same universe. Rosmary makes a regular Kolinsky round and a "designer's" series round with a very nice point. This one is the series 22. I really can't recommend a particular brush to a particular artist. All I can say is what I've said above. | ||
Robert |
John-- The series 22 Kolinsky is by far the best. It holds an unbelievably precise point. I have to admit it is a far better brush than the Winsor Newton, series 7--the supposed gold standard. | ||
John Smith |
Robert- I've received Rosemary's catalog and the brushes sound great. Before I order-- do you use the red sable or the kolinsky? Have you tried any of the others? | ||
Robert |
Sorry--I meant the #14 Raphael is $114. You will need to get a 14 or 16 to equal an English #12 (Rosemary)becasue the Raphael, made in France, are smaller in the large sizes. This is called European sizing as opposed to English sizing. | ||
Robert |
Amy--While at Jerry's check out the raphael series 8404 Kolinsky rounds. They are as good as the Rosemary's IMHO and a #12 is about $114 right now at Jerry's. http://www.jerrysartarama.com/art-supply-stores/online/150 | ||
Amy Nowland |
Alright, well, going to Jerry's Artarama tomorrow. I'll probably wait to order from Rosemary until I see what I find at Jerry's. I'm very excited to look!!! | ||
Amy Nowland |
Thank you Robert, and you didn't even make fun of my silly question ;-) | ||
Robert |
Handprint: "The tuft in the #12 is 37mm long and 27mm in circumference at the ferrule, with a 9mm belly when wet." The picture on the website is actual size. The original price is in British pounds. Brush will be $87 plus shipping. (Sub. 17% from price becasue taxz is not charged) | ||
Amy Nowland |
one more question...what is the width of the Rosemary Series 22 #12?? | ||
Amy Nowland |
Not to seem really stupid, but I'll go ahead...on Rosemary's website, which type of currency are we converting to US dollars? There are a couple that look right. | ||
Amy Nowland |
Yes, that article was very helpful. Thanks Zoe. | ||
Amy Nowland |
You know, I really like flats too! I'm not sure if it's because I've never used a very good round, or if I just like flats. I prefer Arches 300 # cold press paper myself. | ||
Zoe |
Amy - I remembered I had read an article online about the size differences in brushes. Perhaps it will help http://www.watercolorpainting.com/brushes.htm | ||
Robert |
For a long time I used 1/2", 3/4". 1" grumbacher aquarelle brushes. They are sabeline, which is to say oxhair and produce great effects. I think I could get more effects out of those brushes than anything else. Actally I have lately been shifting to a slightly new style (for me) based upon use of the Rosemary series 22 #12. It's a more oriental alla prima--bold brushstroke style. Hoiwever, I really like using flats. I have a video of Robert Wade in which he paints whole paintings with just a 1 1/2" nylon flat. | ||
Sid |
On a slightly different note--I find myself using flat brushes--1/2", 3/4" and 1" for most of my painting. I use the chisel edge, corners, the flat side, etc. to get textures, fine lines, etc. Do the rest of you use primarily round brushes?? When I use a round, it usually is a No. 12 or 14 and occasionally a No. 8. I don't know why or how I got started using flats (It was years ago) but I guess I'm hooked. I also frequently use a hake brush for big washes. Also lately I've been using the ox hair "muslin" brush that Cheap Joe's sells. It holds a great deal of paint for large washes and it will make interesting textures. | ||
Robert |
Robert: My point is that there are all these diffrerent brushes out there for a reason. People like all sorts of things. Sid: Just wanted to emphasize how personal brush selection can be. Looks like we agree. | ||
Sid |
I didn't mean to imply your recommendations were wrong, Robert. Just wanted to emphasize how personal brush selection can be. I have seen artists using some of those brushes we would describe as terrible (for me that would be brushes that bend on the first stroke and stay that way!) and they are very happy with them. As the old saying goes (maybe particularly appropriate here!): "Different strokes for different folks." Now we could start discussing the "perfect watercolor paper"!!?? | ||
Robert |
Yea--you are right Sid--I was trying to make the same point that one man's great brush might be another's failure. I should have described the Jack Richeson bri=ushes instead of saying "don't get them." My description: They use much shorter hairs than the standard kolinsky brush and loose their point quite rapidly when compared with others. They function well for sloshing on paint and are inexpensive but if you are looking for a brush with the "traditional" kolinsky properties, you might want to look elsewhere. My point is that there are all these diffrerent brushes out there for a reason. People like all sorts of things. I have a whole box of reject brushes that show that we all come to our preferences through the expensive trial and error process. Any preferences or recommendations have been in the spirit of trying to keep others from that same expensive and frustrating process. In so doing I am bound to pan some one else's preferences. However, I'm sure any one reading will asume all of these things are mere opinions. | ||
Amy Nowland |
Thank you Sid, and I agree. I just needed some direction as where to begin looking. At this point I think I will buy a couple brushes from Rosemary. On Thursday, I will be near a Jerry's Artarama and may stop in to handle a few of the others mentioned. How exciting!! Thanks to everyone!! Amy | ||
Sid |
On the contrary, don't avoid anything just because someone else says to! What Robert doesn't like may be just what feels right for you. I have several Jack Richeson Kolinsky Sable brushes (series 6228) and, although perhaps not my favorites, I find them quite acceptable. They have nice long handles which suits me. I also use Richeson Series 7000 non-sable brushes, particularly flats. They are good "work-horses" for watercolor or acrylic. For items as expensive as Kolinsky sable brushes, a bit of advice is helpful, but don't accept it all as the ultimate truth! Try to find out for yourself. | ||
Robert |
Every brand varies considerably. The Rosemary catalog and site have actual size photos. Avoid Jack Richeson, BTW. | ||
Amy Nowland |
I guess while we're still talking brushes...I'm confused on the numbering system too. I have two #6 brushes, different brands, and they are totally different sizes. So, when ordering brushes how do I know what # to order?? | ||
Robert |
You know, when it's all said and done, it all depends upon your style--what effect you want--what sort of dynamic works for you. When I paint white water, for instance, the only brush i can use is the grumbacher sabeline 3/4" flat #6142. It holds very little water which is just right for a broken dry brush effect. I used to use robert simmons white sables and absolutely loved them. They just don't point. | ||
Zoe |
Robert - I drive a Beemer :) and hate those H-something cars. But I think I'll have to wait awhile before I buy another brush - and I'm really sad that handprint's recommendation went down the tubes. However, Craig at Dakota helped me with a good daVinci wash brush that I am very happy with so it's 1 for 1. And Amy, I suggest both of us try out the brushes before we make the investment. These are supposed to last and not be replaced so easily and quickly. Robert is not the only one who highly recommends the Rosemary's. Good luck! | ||
John Smith |
Robert. . . Thanks so much for Telling us about "Rosemary's Brushes" and sharing her web site. They sound great and I can't wait to try some. I'm looking for a brush with a big belly that holds a lot of paint. The synthetics just don't do it. And who needs all that "spring"? | ||
Sid |
Now that I think about it, I guess I feel the same way about watercolor paper!! Everybody has a favorite. I love some and can barely stand to work on others. | ||
Sid |
Of all the "tools" we watercolor artists use, I think the choice of a brush is perhaps the most personal. There is wide variation in paint/water holding capacity, stiffness, body, etc. I think you have to try several brands/series and just simply find the ones that "feel right" to you. It's as much an aesthetic choice as a technical one. I've tried many and I have just a few distinct favorites. The others just don't do it for me! | ||
Robert |
Zoe--Like you I once bought a #7 round that I didn't like. (A Daler-Rowney Diana #7) I sent it back!!! You should do the same. | ||
Robert |
FYI-- The rosemary is not *better* than the Winsor/ Newton (or Raphael or daniel smith 44-14 which are equal to the w/n) but less expensive and softer. Soft is not what a lot of people want--a lot of people expect their Kolinsky's to be quite springy--so bear that in mind. You really can't top the W&N or Raphael or Daniel Smith. The rosemary is softer (in the direction a squirrel's feel) than the others. | ||
Amy Nowland |
Thank you all VERY much for your help!!! I can't wait to check out Rosemary's brushes. I still haven't ordered any brushes yet because I just want to make the right decision. Of course, what works for some might not work for others. How disappointing, Zoe, to be so excited to get your brush and then not like it :-( Well, on I go to look at more brushes!!! Thanks again! Amy | ||
Robert |
The rosmary, to use an analogy, is a Rolls and the escoda a Hyundai. The rosemay series 22 has an unbelievable ability to retail a razor point. It is a very light on the paper brush (ie it doesn't have an excessive amount of springy pressure) but because of that the brush is extremely expressive, capturing each nuance of brushstroke. I am completely in love with my Rosemary series 22 #12. (It and a large flat wash brush are all I now need -- ALL). Its cost is about $100 which compared to winsor newton, is a steal (her prices are in pounds sterling but if you charge with a credit card it is charged in dollars. It is also 17% lower than posted to US customers becasue she drops the VA tax. She also has a link to a currency converter). Her shipping charges are actual postage, which is very chaep. But this is merely my preference and to tell the truth I've spent hundreds and hundreds sampling various art supplies until I found brands that work for me. I do feel that we must each find a paper, paint brand and brush that even in the nuances work for us rather than against us. Its different for each artist. Rosemary carries a wide array of all types of brushes and from now on I am buying exclusively from her. Along with the quality comes the idea that these brushes come directly from the woman who makes them, not through a chain of middle men. | ||
Zoe |
Robert - Have you used the Escoda to compare to Rosemary's? I just received her catalogue and was thinking of getting one from her a little later on. I am still disappointed with the Escoda, a few more paint strokes in, esp. compared to the old WN7. Thanks. | ||
Robert |
Handprint's technical info is quite good and helpful. I have found his personal recommendations on particular products to be way off what my favorites turn out to be. This has been true in terms of brushes, paper, and paint manufacturers. He recommends Escoda. I dislike escoda. I don't think they are made from wild russian male Kolinsky. Another terrible kolinsky brush is the Jack Richeson, BTW. The best in my opinion are the Rosemary series 22, winsor newton series 7, and the daniel smith kolinsky rounds. These are all made from the male tails taken from wild siberian sables. | ||
Robert |
Rosemary's brushes out of England are excellent. She handmakes them. I highly recommend the series 22 #12 --It could be your only brush. Comes to a fine, fine point. My favorite brush ever. Worth the money. | ||
Zoe |
Vjo I just got my Escoda and I'm not sure I really like it. Have you used other sables before your set? I compared my really really old burned out W&N& with my new Escoda today--just doodling on w/c paper--and frankly the W&N7 seemed to hold more paint than the Escoda. I am crushed! I just got it. Am I nutz? | ||
VJo |
I have a set of Kolinsky (Escoda) brushes that I love. They hold water and their shape well...very nice to use. | ||
sunflower4 |
handprint.com is a very thorough site!! Very helpful! Thank you!! Amy | ||
Robert |
FYI http://www.handprint.com/HP/WCL/brush1.html#bristle | ||
Amy Nowland |
Hi all, I'm ready to step UP to more than University brushes. BUT, I've looked and read and am more confused than before. There are SOOO many to choose from. I am willing to spend a little money to get some good flats, brights, filberts, and rounds that will last me awhile. So, having that said, do I want to look for Natural or Synthetic? And, what brands are good?? I've heard WN Series 7s are good, but I can't find the flats. Another question...is Kolinsky the same as Sable? If I'm going to spend the money, I want to KNOW what I'm buying and make wise choices. Thanks for your help!! Amy |
