| Author |
Message |
 
Zoe
| | Posted on Saturday, November 27, 2004 - 8:21 am: |  |
Thanks, Robert, for your FYI alert. I shall keep this issue of "soft" at the forefront of my purchasing mania! :) |
Robert
| | Posted on Friday, November 26, 2004 - 6:11 pm: | |
Zoe-- Avoid the Rosemary kolisnky brushes! You said you dislike soft brushes and these are very soft. FYI |
Zoe
| | Posted on Friday, November 26, 2004 - 12:17 pm: | |
You know I'm just getting accustomed to this and that brush but thus far I'd say the Escoda 1212 #6 and #8 are doing me fine and I love all Arnold's (Lowrey) suggestions: the skipper, rigger and Sceptre Gold flat (from Cheapjoes), and I'm favouring this new Filbert by Davinci. It is neither soft nor hard and feels good in my hand and does nice little flips on the paper.
None of these are "inexpensive" brushes and all suit my stroke. I am not going to buy a Rosemary now, but will perhaps consider one in the future. I also realize I do not like "soft" brushes and that is what troubled me with the Arches--it was too limp for my tastes. It may be the perfect brush for someone else. As a former oil/acrylic painter I think I just like them a little stiffer - although the Escoda is soft it does not bend in the wind like the Arches seem to do.
But Robert it is always a pleasure to share our choices! |
Robert
| | Posted on Friday, November 26, 2004 - 6:44 am: | |
I have dozens of brushes, each with a story. With each one I bought it becasue it was a bargain-less expensive yet still able to do the job of a Rosemary Kolinsky. However, in practice I use a # 12 Rosemary, a # 7 rosemary, a #2 rigger, a #2 script liner, and 1", and 3/4" flat aquarelle -- all Rosemary kolinsky. So I added up all the bargain brushes I don't use but bought on impulse to save money and I added up all of the Rosemary kolinskys, each of which it was a mental struggle to order to justify the cost.
As it turns out, the collection of bargain brushes that I don't use totaled significantly more than the Rosemary's I use. Moral--if I had been willing to buy the best brushes in the first place i would have saved a lot of money. Also, it works better to use less brushes. Even the list of brushes I gave above is what I have at hand while painting--I actually use mostly the #12 and #7 kolinsky and the 1" aquarelle flat. |
Zoe
| | Posted on Tuesday, November 23, 2004 - 10:03 pm: | |
I returned my ugly, lanky Arches and got a seemingly wonderful daVinci "cosmotop spin" - two nights running and I'd rate this way up there. Does anyone else use these? I bought #16; it was about 50% off. And yes, it's a filbert :)
I think I am pleased. |
Zoe
| | Posted on Tuesday, November 16, 2004 - 6:51 pm: | |
Just thought before I fall asleep, I'd give a filbert report. Never give up, I say, I bought an Arches at my local Art store. It is terrible, with the biggest T you can imagine. It's a filbert with a soft shell. It bends in the wind, doesn't want to do anything but limp along and ignore anything I ask it to do. So I called and breathed a big sigh of relief when the manager said they'd take it back, and tomorrow if health allows this filbert is going back to the nut factory (where she belongs).
Now of course I am still think about a sweet Rosemary - an herb by another name! |
Zoe
| | Posted on Thursday, October 28, 2004 - 6:20 am: | |
Thanks, Robert, for the recommendation on the #22. |
Robert
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 27, 2004 - 8:56 pm: | |
Zoe--
I highly recommed the series 22 #12--It has a very fine point that remains. It's a great brush. More expensive than the 33 and a bit narrower, but a longer, finer point that holds. |
Zoe
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 27, 2004 - 7:14 pm: | |
Eugene - thanks for the info. I believe Dake recommended the 33 series also. I just keep staring, on and off, at the catalogue. I really don't need a new brush but they are so intoxicating.
Yes, things sure are expensive aren't they :( |
Eugene
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 27, 2004 - 6:29 pm: | |
Zoe -- I bought a series 33 # 10 kolinsky from
Rosemary (about $40.) and think it's great.
Really wanted series 22 (longer hair and point)
which would be about $73. and that is a little
beyound my budget. However the series 33 is the
best I've ever owned. Also got a # 10 series 42
squirrel for only $8.00 which is wonderful for
washes and glazing.
When I was a student, 55 years ago, all brushes
were either sable or ox hair, and not nearly as
expensive. I dearly miss them. |
Zoe
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 27, 2004 - 9:59 am: | |
Eugene - wonder if you'd share which series you got from Rosemary. Thanks. |
Eugene
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 27, 2004 - 9:53 am: | |
Joanna. Just bought a #10 kolinsky round from
Rosemary and love it. Also bought some squirrels
which are very soft and floppy and hold tons of
paint but still hold a good point. Great for
glazing - they're so soft they don't disturb the
paint underneath. And very inexpensive |
Zoe
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 27, 2004 - 9:49 am: | |
Thanks again, Joanna - I'll see if a Sceptre is around here in my part of the world. It probably is a good idea to try out the shape before making the overseas investment. I do hear she takes returns but what a headache. |
jdaneman
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 27, 2004 - 9:25 am: | |
It's Joanna, and you can also try a Sceptre or other cheap brush to see if you like and go for the filbert. I'm still on the fence. I understand Rosemary accepts returns, and if I come into some more $ I plan to try a big ol' round from this lady. |
Zoe
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 27, 2004 - 8:45 am: | |
Thanks Jdaneman (that's Jane, right) and Robert, for your responses. I have the Rosemary catalogue here and she plugs these "almond filberts" with this description,
"this is a recent addition to my collection. designed and created by talking to several artists who fancied a brush capable of three main functions: having a tapering point, and a flat body, the "belly" falling in such a place to hold the liquid and flow on the paper like no other. Turned sideways will draw, pointed sharply for detail (a KEY) yet with pressure will wash and flood the paper.
So, I say to myself this sounds great. She makes these, her Series 11, in sizes 6-18. I am thinking 12. |
jdaneman
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 27, 2004 - 7:20 am: | |
I could see it for foliage. CJ sent me one in the watercolor freebie along with my last paper order. Haven't tried it yet. I have a hard time using anything but a round, though I try flats and riggers from time to time. |
Robert
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 27, 2004 - 6:28 am: | |
Dominic DeStafano uses them exclusively. In his book Dynamic Watercolors -- he says he likes the marks. Never heard of anyone else using them in w/c. |
Zoe
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 26, 2004 - 10:26 pm: | |
I was just looking at brushes, again :) and wondered if anyone uses a filbert. I seem to be a brush-a-holic and it sure looks like to would serve several purposes. |
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