brushes

Brushes

Daler-Rowney Petit Gris

Made from the finest Kazan squirrel hair, these brushes have a large capacity and hold a fine point. Great for broad strokes and fine lines. In fact I often paint a whole picture using just one brush. Review by Jane.

Daler-Rowney series 57 Ringcat

Made from ringcat hair these brushes have a good spring point and are more durable than that of squirrel. Review by Jane.

Pro Arte series 40 craft sable round

Created with a prolene/sable mix, these have a good belly and are less expensive than pure sable, however these brushes are not as durable and mine do not longer hold a point. Review by Jane.

Royal Taklon & Fine Sable

I bought sets of these brushes at very reasonable prices and cannot remember the manufactures name on either brushes. They have been described as kids brushes, but I found them very good and hardwearing though they do not have good bellies. Review by Jane.

Winsor & Newton Cotman Range

These brushes are made from blending a variety of thickness of synthetic fibres. Available in a wide range of shape and sizes, they combine high quality at a reasonable price. Review by Jane.

Winsor & Newton Sceptre Gold Range

Blends sable hair with synthetic fibres to create a brush which comes closer to a pure sable brush, but is cheaper. Review by Jane.

Winsor & Newton Series 7

For those that can afford them, series 7 is a pure sable water colour brush. Rendering of course the better performance. Review by Jane.

Humbrol

Humbrol brushes are more likely to be found in modelling shops than ones supplying artist materials. They are designed to be used with their enamel paints. But I find them really useful for very small detail in watercolour. They are available in sizes right down to 00000. Review by Jane.

Eagle Creative Request Gold Nylon range

Whilst I would not normally recommend low price brushes, these are an exception. Available from 'The Works' book stores, and yes that price is just £2.99 for four. These nylon brushes will not hold water in the bellies as will sables but they are very hardwearing and hold good points. I have some of these brushes from the beginning of my paintings and use them frequently, still all in good condition. Excellent choice for those working to a tight budget. Review by Jane.

Crimson and Blake

The free plastic palette supplied with this set is very useful. I will not say that these brushes do not have their uses, but for your paints they are a complete menace. I use them to apply masking fluid and then throw them away after only one use, or cut them down to make interesting shapes for stippling. Applying glue in craft projects, dusting in awkward corners, touching up paintwork around the house, shortly anything but my water colours. Review by Jane.

I have recently been asked to review three brushes from Rosemary and Co. You will find a link to her site under suppliers. Rosemary has been making brushes by hand for over twenty years and her skills show in the remarkable quality of her products.

The first is a 1/2" flat synthetic brush Comber series 2250 current price £4.00.

I admit that I have little use for this brush with my own style. As a synthetic brush it holds little water in the belly which is to be expected. As you can see from the image the tips of the bristles are finely separated making this a good tool for dry-brush work, invaluable for making the marks to represent fine grasses, fur and feathers.

The other brushes I have used continuously over the past few weeks. Both are Kolinsky sable.

Size 4 series 22 is currently priced at £5.95

and size 8 series 33 is £9.75

Both of these brushes are of superb quality, holding plenty of wash in the belly and retaining a good fine point. The number 8 point stayed so fine that I frequently finished paintings with this one brush, without the need to find a smaller one for the fine details.

The next time you are in the market for buying more brushes give this company some serious consideration. The money spent will be a good investment for quality tools that will last years if cared for properly.

Please contact me if you are a supplier and would like me to review your products.