Watercolor brushes

[Gloria]

Dennis, I like the performance of your watercolor brushes so can you give me the details, the sizes and make. I would like to buy some quality brushes so I want to have an idea of what to buy. Sorry if this has been discussed already but I couldnt find a post. Thank you so much.

[dennis]

Gloria, now you are asking me a very difficult question 

Some of those brushes were bought many years ago and the printing on most of them disappeared from handling. What I can say, however, they are not the very expensive type as in those days money was tight. Even if I could afford them now I would still go for the medium priced brushes. Cheap brushes give one too many hastles.

Most of my brushes are Daler Series and a few Golden Taklon as well as some Cotman Series I bought many years ago.       
  "Look after the brushes and they will look after you"

I also have some mops and Chinese brushes. I will use the Chinese brushes a bit later on in the Lessons.

[Gloria]

Thanks Dennis. My brushes are not the best so looking for something better. I particularly like the long pointed tip that you use.

[Tousabella]

Hi Gloria;
When I started this course, I bought a whole bunch of different brushes, and the only ones I use are Daler*Rowney  #8 and #6. All the others, including some expensive kolinsky brushes, are either too soft and won't hold the point or they are cheap and too stiff.  My rigger brush is the only other one I use!  I'm looking for some more Daler Rowney....they hold their point and their shape. You'll like them, I think.

[Gloria]

Thanks Bella, I will check them out. Leaving tomorrow for Boston for a few days, I'll see if I can find them there if I have time, else when I come back. I dont have very good brushes right now.

[polliwag]

Gloria, I have several different brushes too; and I haven't been painting too long, but for whatever it's worth, I love my Robert Simmons Sapphire (blue handle) brushes.  I have 3 of the round ones and a couple of riggers.  The are very smooth and hold the paint well.  They are, I would say, moderately priced.  I have one koinsky, and I actually prefer the Robert Simmons over it.  I'm sure there are other kolinsky brushes that are superior if you can afford them.
Happy

[dennis]

Robert Simmons are a good make. I have used their brushes with success.

[Gitana1001]

Hello there,
I noticed that the number on the brush differs between brands somehow, so in a lesson if we are supposed to use certain brush number how can I decide if it's the right one?
Also I found some brushes that are not round or flat but flat with a slant ... what are they used for?

Cheers,
Amy

[musika]

The slanted brush is known to me as an Angle Shader. It may have different names. Here's a quick guide to brushes and their uses:

http://www.rexart.com/brushguide.html

You are never "supposed" to use a certain brush size, it is a recommendation, not an order.
The rule of thumb I know for brush size is:

Use the largest brush that will allow you to do what you want.
Small brushes should only be used for detail work, preferably at the end.

You really don't need to worry about brush sizes.


As an aside re. Robert Simmons

RS brushes are owned by Daler Rowney and are the US trade name for their brushes (after acquiring the company). Their brushes are all made in the Dominican Republic.

[C.Bodine]

Not sure if I have welcomed you, Amy. Just in case,  ! This is such a great place to learn!

Great explanation, Musika!

[Val]

Brushes can be a bit confusing. I have some brushes which aren't listed on that site. Shame all the manufacturers can't standardize the names for different brushes.   

[pnewcomer1]

My question for waterclolor brushes are do you use sable or synthetic or a mixture?

Penny

[Val]

All of my w/c brushes are Escoda Kolinsky Tajmyr Sable. A gift from my mum when she found out I was starting to paint again. Thanks mum .... and Paintbasket.

The ones I had(have) for oil are a mix. Some are natural hair, some are synthetic, and some are a blend. I think most of them are Grumbacher, a gift from Lloyd on our first christmas.     He knew the way to my heart! 

The acrylic brushes I have are all Daler Rowney System3 (some of which I have used for w/c also). Very affordable, nice brushes. I like them...good thing, its all I could get in Grenada!   

[Gitana1001]

Thank you Ray for your explanation.
Thanks to everybody that responded to my questions ... You are all great buddies

Love,
Amy