Silver Brush Black Velvet are my favorite brushes as well. I am new in watercolor and have spent much on other brushes looking for what will help me get the result I desire, and these are the best ones I have come across. 😍 I have the round 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 & 14. They hold water beautifully. I will be adding to my collection very soon.
It would be helpful for a beginner to know the numbers of the brushes. You mentioned getting small, medium and large round brushes but what are the numbers for those? Thanks, I'm enjoying your posts.
The numbers are not consistent between brands (which is why I didn’t mention them). and not as important as what you’re painting and how big. Pick the largest brush you can still control the area with. As a general guide a #8 would be a
The information I just needed, thank you!Do you know if the animals have to be killed or injuried in the process of making brushes.It is not worth if my insignificant art is related to animal suffering.Have a happy Thanksgiving!
muhlenstedt I'm afraid it's the same case as with natural fur coats. Unless the squirrel part is synthetic imitation as well, it's just the same.. Except the fur is not attached to skin any more. Look up one of the "how brush is made" videos like Davinci company etc... Nothing graphic of course, but they are buying skins of appropriate animals and then separate the hair for their use. Unless silver velvet keeps combing their squirrels and picking up the loose hair... I'm afraid they won't fit your requirements of "harm free"...
I know this is true of Kolinsky Sable (buying skins). From what I understand this is mainly an animal that is exterminated for other reasons in Russia. I read somewhere that squirrel hair is harvested from live animals but don't know that for sure. Probably some of both. Regardless, there are plenty of very good synthetic brushes available that you need not ever by something with natural hair if you don't want.
The Mind of Watercolor I'm personally sticking to my dirt cheap local synthetics cause neither my skill not my wallet reached the need to upgrade yet. But needed to share my two cents as there are people for which its important factor in deciding... And since silver velvets aren't cheap, it could be potentially painful realization later on. But everyone to their preferences, I don't think either approach is wrong, unless going too extreme. :)
everart okelli well, not everyone lives in USA and makes the same money there are :) I'm from middle Europe and besides the dollar conversy, shipping over the ocean is not cheap either (usually). Ikea brushes you mention were my first when I had no idea if I'll stick to wc, still (ab)use them and they hold up excellent given the price. No Daiso for me due to mentioned above (no access to it from Europe), but up to 3 dollars is my pricing range (for my biggest inch flat synthetic) for synthetics too (brand AMI). Of course I fully agree that quality isn't cheap, but I'm not about to buy myself a Ferarri when I barely have idea how to drive it :) paints and paper are imho more important (provided the brushes doesn't shed and hold decent point) One day, though... That's why these sort of videos are useful and very informative :)
Silver Brush Black Velvet are my favorite brushes, too! I first heard about them years ago from artist Soon Y. Warren, and they really are the best in spring, water control, points, lovely mix of natural and synthetic hair. Thanks for sharing, Steve. :)
Nice broad overview Steve. Going into an art supply store is like a candy store for me. I am always looking at brushes. Have you had any experience with the Escoda Versatil line?
Brushes are like crack for watercolor artists. VERY addictive, and a huge money pit. I would strongly suggest you start with only 3 rounds and not permit yourself to buy any more for six months. Use them a lot and really get to know them. Then buy THREE more and go another three months. I am a bit OCD and one of the ways that shows up in my life is a compulsion to buy entire product lines of brushes I can't just buy a 3 and an 8, I have to buy all 99 sizes, even if there is no functional difference between the size 4 and the size 5. So, know thyself. I am the art supply store's PERFECT sucker customer.
Another thank you. Started using Silver Brush Black Velvets and like them a lot. In the video about caring for and cleaning brushes, you had as an option for shaping/reshaping a CVS hair product. I realized I had this big tube of stuff for holding hair that I never use, a gel. I tried it on a few of my older brushes. Works great. Brilliant tip. The videos I’m watching may be six and seven years old - going through them all in order - but the information does get old.
I still use and love these brushes, but have been searching for a cruelty free option....The Escoda line has a WC brush called Versatil. Synthetic but you would never know it, at least not in the smaller sizes (6 and under) which are what I have.
I use some somewhat small Sumi-e brushes for my painting. They're what I'm familiar with, and they really do a good job holding water because even a cheap sumi brush is almost always a natural hair. Picked up three Sumi brushes at my local Hobby Lobby for 9 bucks, and all three of them are pure sable.
Dear Steve, I generally use a cheap mop brush from Hobby Lobby to do my washes, and its performance is a meh :-)) I want to invest in a good wash brush for an 11x14 size paper to do background, skies etc, but honestly I don't know which. The two options I am thinking of is the Princeton Aqua Elite No. 20 (their biggest in that line) and the 1-1/4" short-handed wash brush (looks like painter's brush) that I am leaning towards. The third option is a mop brush they offer in the same Aqua Elite line. I couldn't find any video from you to discuss about this, so I need to ask you because these guys are a bit on the expensive side. I hope you're doing well. Take care.
@@windsurfingphd they are all fine choices though. It comes down to preference. My fav for backgrounds is usually a large oval wash. Or flat if I don’t need a point. But large rounds work fine too. Don’t overthink it.
Fun video. I've been test flying many of the same brushes. Was interesting to see where my experience diverged from yours (which wasn't very often). I think they're all good, but I find I like the Princeton handles a bit better than the Black Velvet and Cosmotop handles. It's a bizarre, unexplainable personal preference, but especially in the smaller rounds, the Cosmotop handles seem too long and too fat. Because I found myself with too much time on my hands, I performed a wholly unscientific test of water-holding capacity. I ultimately declared the Black Velvets the champs, followed closely by the Neptunes. The Elites were also quite good -- ahead of the synthetics like the Creative Mark Mimiks and Blick's Golden Taklons. I think the Black Velvets also come to a finer point than the others. In fact, everything tells me I should simply embrace the Black Velvets, but for some perverse reason I just can't love them. (I suppose that's why more than one brush manufacturer exists.) I've sorta settled on using the smooth-as-water Neptunes *most* of the time, falling back on the Elite when I want something stiffer. (It's not a big factor, but it's also hard to beat the prices of the Princeton brushes.) One thing to watch for with the Elites; I bought a couple rounds when they first hit the market. After some use, the very end of the tips of all them started hooking over on me. I assumed they were doing something to the very tips (perhaps abrading them). My local dealer contacted Princeton, who sent me several of an "improved" model. Problem solved. That was some time ago, and I assume everything you buy today is the newer version. I think discussing favorite brushes is a lot like trying to get everyone in the room to agree on a favorite color. Fortunately, most of these synthetic brushes are cheap enough that you can buy one or two brushes from a new line and see how they run. That's a lot harder to do when a single brush costs $75+ -- like so many good sable brushes. Once again, thanks for a fun, informative video.
Thanks Tom. I agree with most of your assessment. Good observations all. I did notice at least one of my Elites hooking. I used some brush stiffener to reform and see if it will go away. It probably won't. Mine is not hooking enough yet to hamper the painting of fine lines. Black Velvets continue to be my favorite although I differ with you on points. For such an expensive brush I wish the bigger rounds had points as good as a Kolinsky Sable or for that matter even the Princeton Elites or Silver Brush Golden Naturals. Mine don't, though usually a sufficient point for my needs. Thanks for watching and for your input.
It's a little disconcerting to hear your Elite (s) are hooking too. I wondered if altitude had something to do with it (I live in the mountains of northern California), but now I'd guess not. I have to add I was impressed by your stack of Black Velvet brushes. Silver should give you some kind of Lifetime Achievement award. Happy Thanksgiving and thanks again for all the work!
I was so excited today to go to Dick Blick in Kansas City because I thought I would be able to go in and see these brushes in person. I have a few of them but I wanted to see the whole line and was disappointed to find out I couldn’t. I guess the only way to really get a feel for them is to buy them one at a time as I can afford them on line. Thanks for teaching me about them though I enjoy your info greatly.
You have very interesting brushes. I have enough others, because I cant buy these brushes in Germany. My parents would be shocked if I bought some more brushes. I usually take: round 12 synthetic brush from the housebrand of my local art shop 1" Hake brush Chinese brush with sheep hair on the outside and weasel hair inside which is slightly larger than the 12 Syntetik and a very thin Chinese weasel brush. If I cant paint something with them, then I take the special brushes of Jackson's art.
Since I get all my brushes from Amazon it's hard to tell sizes and as you pointed out, each brand is different and leaves me staring at photos for days trying to determine if a brush will fill in what is missing from a well-rounded selection. During shopping, I ran across an Isabey #6 mop for only $27.99 and like you said, it's more brush than I'm ready for... but sale! Knew I wouldn't find one at that price again and it'll be around if my skills improve. Love the look of quills, something about them appeals and I was trying to figure out what the Silver white quill is made of too. Right now I'm happy with my choices and if anything might add a couple additional squares if anything. You helped choose what I have and I appreciate that you took time to discuss these. Didn't imagine you used scraper ends and figured arts & crafts artists would more. Never seen you using scrubber brushes and wondered what you think of those. Picked up some by Creative Mark in a set of 7 and haven't had a chance to put them to use, but they were affordable. The set had a duplicate and so one less square and two #6's. Hope you have a blessed and delicious Thanksgiving holiday Steve. Will watch again when the dust settles and if you have a spare moment please say a prayer for my best friend and amazing life partner of 30 years as he's been struggling for some time with Dementia and could use all the love and good energy sent his way. I give thanks to still have him in my life. His name is Andy or Andrzej pronounced (Andshay) as we call him at home (born in Poland so nothing they spell seems right in English). hehe, he's a priceless man though and I couldn't have imagined better.
Thanks, glad I was able to lend some clarity to your choices. I'll definitely pray for your partner. As for scrubbers. Most any will do as its not a very delicate operation and water handling or stroke don't matter. They only need to be stiff. Main thing is to get a set of different sizes and shapes. I like the more rounded scrubbers.
I would like to know what number size the Da Vinci rigger is, you said it is one of your favourites and I like the length of the bristles. Loved this info, Steve, thanks.
These brushes are on dick Blick for 50% off but sadly they can’t post them to the uk because of your wide life laws and the export license is too expense for them. Looks like I’ll just have to book a flight to the US lol good excuse as any aye
I just purchased a Silver Brush Velvet round #4, and you're right. Limp, limp, limp. I couldn't even paint with it. NOT what I'm used to , but to each his own. The Princeton Velvet touch I find to be great, but that's me. Love your channel, Steve.
THANK YOU!!! This is just perfect for me. You really do a service to beginner/intermediate painters to explain the trees in the huge brush forrest! I am so grateful to you.
So excited to hear you have Silver Velvet brushes, I own quite a few. Going to start practicing control with the paint to water ratio. So grateful for your videos, I'm gaining so much knowledge about water coloring. Blessings to you!
Thank you Steve for this info. I just purchased one of these black velvets after two demos and workshop artists kept picking them up. I have seen you use them in your videos too so I am gonna give them a go! I am pretending no squirrels were harmed in their creation. I would also like to add that I absolutely love the Lowe Cornell brand with the red stripe ultra rounds for my paintings. They are mid price, but hold a great point and just enough water and pigment. I do believe they're are completely synthetic for all of your vegan, vegetarian viewers. You are my guru!!! Love your videos and giving myself Xmas present of joining as a patreon. I want more!!! Alison in Houston Happy thanksgiving and enjoy your family.
Thanks Alison. I've used those Lowell Cornells with the red stripe and they are pretty good. I used them for both acrylic and watercolor years ago. I don't see them around very often anymore. Just a golden taklon brush I believe. Happy Thanksgiving!
The Mind of Watercolor You are probably right about them ( the Loew Cornell red stripe)being some sort of golden taklon. They are hard to find in stores, and are often sold out at Texas Art supply here in Houston, but Blick carries them at a very fair price. I saved my pennies and bought a real Kolinsky sable and wore the darn thing out! I use 300 lb Arches cold press most of the time and did not realize it would wear out the bristles. I think there are five or six hairs left! too funny if not so sad too. Thankfully I am not a brush snob and keep trying lots of brushes. One of my favourite teachers here says " spend your money on the paper" . She speaks I listen. Now I have your fabulous videos too that have taught me more in three episodes than weeks of classes! Talk about the light bulbs coming on! Thank you! (Yes I am Canadian so no I don't spell colour wrong.)haha. Live long and prosper! Alison Ps I like how you mic your youtubes more than most of the others out there. You don't sound like you are in a tin can.
Like me you are a watercolour brush collector junkie 😉 I have over a hundred different brushes by different makes and recently bough the collection of three Sliver Black Velvet brushes, (size 12, 8, & 4) £50.29 uk, I mostly work with the W&N Series 7 pure sable which are my favourite as they hold so much water and give perfect washes, but I must say the Silver Black Velvet get a Gold Star ⭐️💫 and I love them as they hold a good amount of water, keep their point and they give an excellent wash. Thank you steve, for I would never have know about the SBV brushes if it was not for your tutorials which I have been watching since the days back when you were dancing around your beautiful garden having just noted over 400 likes! A beautiful moment to watch.
The three Silver Atelier quill brushes, the brown, black and white one, look identical to some sold from Chinese shops on the web. I suppose the white one you showed is made of goat hair by the way it splayes. I have a size 18 of the brown/golden type, with Artsecret stamped on it. It is just a big bulky nylon with somewhat wavy bristles. It is not a proper quill brush in my opinion, but works fine for washes. However I do have a couple of quill brushes by the same manufacturer and they are quite qood and well bound. As for other quill brushes, I would really recommend the Jackson's S.777 and Jackson's Raven. The 777 is medium stiff, the Raven more soft. If you like synthetic brushes, these are really good, and not as expensive as the daVincis. It is hard not to like the Casaneos, though... They are just well made. If the Cosmotop Spin brushes are to be preferred, it would be worth trying out the daVinci Cosmotop Mix B as well. The blend makes the a bit stiffer and a tiny bit unpredictable, though.
As usual - great video Steve (and nice to see Reese make an appearance). In case there are any "adult coloring book" fans out there (don't tell anyone that it's my guilty pleasure), I've found the Grumbacher Goldenedge brushes work well for watercolor media and they are inexpensive.
I've found that a No. 4 Goldenedge works well for adult coloring book work with watercolor pencils. It's a rather small round but will easily reach all the nooks & crannies of a fairly intricate drawing.
Alan Snider Oh thank you, I colour in coloringbook to same times, what productnumber have you one the brush, I´m looking at 2031S and then I so 2000S, and more, I don´t now what no it is om mindofthe video is, I can´t see. Have a nice day
My first Silver Brush was a medium mop. Great brush and held a lot of paint. After a year or so I noticed a small crack developing in the brush above the ferrule. No big deal. It's still a good brush today. Recently, I bought a 1 1/2" Silver Black Velvet flat wash brush (3014S), and paid $30 bucks at one of the big online art supply stores. Before I used the brush, I cleaned it with Masters and put it up to dry. Next day I noticed several cracks in the paint handle above the ferrule. I wasn't too happy about this, since it doesn't make sense to have a watercolor brush that falls apart when it gets wet. The art store wouldn't give me my money back; said I would have to take it up with Silver Brush; who never answered my email. It is important for me to have my brushes stay in good condition with use, so no more Silver Brushes for me. I use the Escoda line (Perla, Versatil, and Aquario) of brushes and really like them, they look as good today as the day I bought them. I also use Da Vinci and Raphael. Great brushes also. But you can't go wrong with Escoda.
Its a common occurrence with brushes. It means that water soaked into the wood of the handle and expanded the wood cracking the paint. Is not a fault of the brush maker or brand. The most expensive, well made brush will do exactly the same thing. Brushes should never be left to soak in water for extended periods which is the usual cause, but can also be caused from a very wet brush left upright to dry. Dry the brush on a towel after painting and let them dry horizontally or with the point down. Some artists rig sort of a clothesline set up for this with binder clips to hold the brush a the handle end.
@@mindofwatercolor Thanks for the info. I am tediously picky over my brushes. I never leave them in water to soak or otherwise, clean them often, and towel dry them after every use, and lay them down on my drafting table to dry. But, Silver Brush did contact me a few days after my post and offered to replace the brush, so that's good. It does make me wonder what type of wood was used tho. Thanks again, and I enjoy your channel.
Some artists actually tape over the end of metal collar and the wood handle to prevent water from soaking in. Also, make sure you let them lie flat while they're drying.
Lonnie Edwards I am the same way with my brushes and the same happened to my Silver Brush Black Velvet. I thought I did something wrong this whole time, but wonder if they would replace it after such a long time now.
I recently bought the plein- air set (other places market it as the background set.) The 1 1/2 inch flat wash also got cracks in the paint on the handle after 1st use ! (Washed out the starch and laid it flat overnight to dry, Next day used it to wet one painting and laid it flat to dry, next morning the handle had lots of cracks. Not left in water or dried upright or wet the handle at all.) I am waiting to hear about getting a replacement as the seller has contacted Silver Brush who apparently have never heard of this and " I must have left it in water for an unspecified amount of time.) Glad to find this review again as I saw it before and said I would send it to them. So they can see it does happen to others. That being said, I absolutely love my other Black Velvet brushes best of all. (Silk set and the others in the plein-air.)
I've been researching brushes for the past two months and narrowed it down to Princeton Neptune & Velvetouch and Silver Black Velvet. Finally last night at midnight I bit the bullet and purchased the set of 3 Silver Black Velvet brushes (with the #1, #8 and the 3/4" cat's tongue). I am SO glad that I didn't wake up to you suggesting otherwise. I would have cried ;)
Debi Taylor which size did you do you think that would be great as an all around brush? It's price here is pretty expensive so I want to make the best out of my purchase!
Ooookay: found out a "Reserva" brush hurt animals so I cancelled that and I have a (I think?) comsotop davinci (one of my favorite riggers! Thanks to you!) but in a round and it's called a Maestro. Only I can't find videos on it. -I'm new to wcs; I have a lot of long brushes from oil paint days but, except for emergency scrubs, not working well on papers. Anyway, do you like Maestro size 6 and 8 rounds? I have an Escoda Versatil but am *not* finding it very _...versatile._ I think it's nearly like hoghair on wet arches, probably user error; I'm mostly doing wildlife and some buildings, but botanicals keep getting in - I need a good point AND a softer brush. Sister's the wc pro who's helping me. Thank you for any thoughts on Maestro da vinci brushes! (This cosmotop spin ...woah! Excellent!) *Edit: n/m, watched video again, getting Silver Black Velvets!* Thought you had said 'no' to them but watched from the beginning, and Blick swapped the order (because it hadn't shipped yet ..of course) and I'm so thankful! Thank you!
@@mindofwatercolor No really, I've watched this video so many times only from almost the 5 mt mark (where YT dumps me every time); I didn't think you liked the Silver BVs! - and my sister is the artist, and I've been gifted some that she thinks are good (Escodas), But I took a chance on the Cosmotop Spin riggers on my own, and use them often! Love them. When I watched this review *from the beginning* I dumped that Maestro (I could change the order at Blick) and picked some of the ones you have. Except I really wanted a sword brush, and they had something like it ("pin striper"?). I'm hoping the Black Velvet round sizes 8 and 12 are good for paintings under approx 9x12. Anyway, I got several Black Velvets for less than the one Maestro I cancelled: I'm VERY excited, and happy I watched this video again from the beginning! ❤️️😇 They'll be great. I'm smiling ear to ear. (I thought you used SBVs in videos just to "use them up" so you could toss 'em! 😂 )
I started with the black velvets, but, as you said, found them a little too limp for me. I've changed to Princeton Lauren 4350 series and have been very happy with them. Not a knock on the black velvet, a very fine brush, just a personal preference.
I have accumulated a pretty good assortment of bushes over the years. I purchased a Silver Black Velvet #8 round when you said you liked it some time ago. It was my "go to" brush for a while, but when you purchase a new hammer everything looks like a nail. I can't say I have a favorite brush. As you say, it depends on what you are trying to accomplish. When I travel and do Plein Air I take my favorite inexpensive brushes and am always pleasantly surprised with the results. I guess my experience tells me that higher cost doesn't always equal higher quality.
I bought a set of 3 Silver Black Velvets and I love them. Great water control, just the right springy/soft balance for most of my basic painting. They do tend to be on the soft side and I’m ok with that cuz I don’t use their liners, for example.
I'm a beginner and I've been using mop brushes since I started. It holds too much water which I thought was a good thing. I've been practicing and experimenting with water control and I still just don't get it. 😭 This is probably why. I'll be purchasing round brushes soon. Thank you for this video
Too much water is conditional. In other words good for some situations not for others. I usually tell beginners to stay away from mops. Difficult to control but good if you need a lot of color and water to go a long ways,
Thank you for making a video like this. I needed help finding out what brushes i should try out, but i never had a chance to go into a store and feel the brushes. So seeing you pushing on the bristles really helped me out to get a better idea what was what. Also tried the Black Velvet brushes based on your recommendation and they were the type i was looking for. Now i just need stiffer brushes for detail =)
Such a timely video...I've been having this exact conversation with a fellow artist the last two days. I couldn't agree more about the Silver Black Velvets, they are my go-to brush as well. They're soft, supple, thirsty and deliver a nice smooth load of pigment. When using a series of washes I don't have to worry as much about disturbing the previous layers of color. For a long time, my next go-to brush has always been the Princeton Neptune but the Silver Golden Natural has quickly raced into the number two slot. I love the blend of natural hair and golden taklon (though I have no clue as to what the natural hair is) it creates a versatile brush with an excellent pigment load with a bit more snap which makes it a nice alternative to the Black Velvets. I absolutely love the long taper point on these and if they maintain the points, they will stay in the number two slot. For a pure synthetic, I also like the Da Vinci Cosmotop Spin brushes and like you, I like the feel of the handles in my fingers. I just received the Princeton Elite but I haven't had the opportunity to try it yet. I really like the feel in my hand and I like the look of the long taper point which resembles the taper of the Golden Natural though it appears that the belly of the Elite may be a bit fuller than the Golden Natural. I couldn't agree with you more about the sizing and numbering of brushes between each manufacturer. When I order a new brush from a line that I've never tried before, I always order a #8 round which is one of my most frequently used brushes. There is always a bit of difference every time I order a new line but when my #8 Golden Natural arrived I had a good laugh at the difference in size. There is absolutely no rhyme or reason as to how each company sizes their brushes, it's completely arbitrary. I sometimes wonder if the person stamping the new brushes that day thinks, "Hmmm, I think today this #4 will be an 8 and this #8 will be a 14, yep...sounds good and confusing." I owned one quill, a #4 Princeton Neptune which I really like but seldom use but I was thinking of using it more and also trying and adding a #2 for smaller details and sketching. Not finding a #2 that I wanted yet because in the Neptune line there isn't a #2 so I ordered a #6 Creative Mark Danube. Talk about a Bob Ross happy mistake moment, it was exactly what I wanted in the first place. It was the size of what I had envisioned as a #2, to begin with... haha. It's at least half the size of my #4 Neptune...Yep, totally arbitrary. As for that Silver Atelier Quill white, it's actually white goat hair, go figure. I already agreed with you on your paper preference (Arches) and your paints (M.Graham) and now it seems brushes too, no wonder I enjoy your channel so much haha. Keep telling Marty that he's out of his mind for preferring the grossly overpriced, inferior Schmincke paints lol ...I'm teasing of course, I have nothing against the quality of the Schmincke watercolors but I don't believe they're as good as M. Graham and I do believe they're grossly overpriced here in the US. I enjoy his thorough product reviews but just happen to disagree with his paint choices lol. Steve, Happy Holidays and keep up the great work on your videos, I love them.
Most of them yes. A few differences. I may do an update. New brush lines I've tried are Trekell, Dynasty, and Lebenzon (Lebenzon is handmade and a link is in very video description). Also check out the Brush Guys link in many recent videos. It links to a list of my favorites they carry. There are discount codes for Lebenzon and The Brush Guys.
Hi Steve, Thank you so much for your videos and also taking the time to answer questions. I have been so frustrated with the Princeton Neptunes because they are so floppy! I need a stiffer brush and am so excited to try the Elites and maybe the Grumbacher. Many thanks! This may sound like a dumb question, but what sorts of bristle brushes do you use for lifting? I am using watercolors in a non traditional way and want to experiment a lot with lifting.
My understanding is that the tapered brush end on the back is for separating watercolor blocks. At least silver brush says that. Maybe that long tapered this brush is different. Great seeing your brushes!
Hi Steve. I like a lot of the brushes you use and I also like trying new ones, but my favorite are the DaVinci series 35, that long taper and sharp point is just too good.
I got those neptune rounds and oooh they are so so floppy. Now I have the elites and I like them so much better. I want to try these silver brush and davinci.
Hi, Steve. I have some WN brushes recommended by an instructor and don’t like them (don’’t maintain a good point, stray hairs, lack of body for lifting etc) I plan to add/replace with some Black Velvets &/or Princeton Neptunes. I’ve read squirrel brushes are softer, but hold water well. Will they give me enough body when I want to lift color? I know you were going to provide more info on the Neptunes once you had a chance to try them more. Thanks for cutting through all the mind-boggling info out there for us!
I'm not ashamed to say that I also have an addiction to brushes. I love trying different brands, some from recommendations, and some just on a whim. The Silvers are my favorite go to brushes, and I thank you Steve for recommending them in your videos. I was really on a limb with them a couple of years ago as I saw they got kind of limp, but I'm so glad I jumped on the bandwagon. I also have some of the Silver Golden Naturals. I bought a couple a year ago, didn't really like them and pulled them back out recently - all I can say is wow! They're tops when it comes to a really fine point and carrying capacity. I also like the Jack Richeson/Stephen Quiller brushes. They also have a fine point and can carry a TON of paint. When it comes to quills my favorite has to be the Raphael Soft Aqua. Has a really nice point and also great at carrying capacity. I have some other quills - Raphael, Da Vinci, and Winsor & Newton (another great one!). The Casaneo's have a really nice feel but the only thing I found with the rounds is that they don't have great points. Nice for wet into wet work or a juice wash but not so great for detail. Also the white Silver quill you have isn't a hog bristle one but instead it's goat. Have a happy Thanksgiving!
You should try the Escoda Perla. They have a very nice point, and they are a little softer than golden taclon. This is the preferred brush of Joseph Zbukvic.
First, yes, I'm definitely feeling "art envy" over your silver brush black velvet set. I've never used the brand, but boy, do they look good! Second, it might be weird, but I get really excited when you discuss brushes! I know, weird. lol!! Curious about your thoughts on a couple of brands: Isabey, Grumbacher, and Simply Simmons. These are the standard brands at the local shops here (Blick, Michaels, ACMoore). As always, a superior video and discussion. Someday, would love to hear your thoughts on cheap brushes that won't break the bank. ;) And so nice to see Reese make a cameo!
LOL, is it even weirder that I get excited that you're excited about Steve talking about brushes....lol. These are great brushes, but my love will always be the Isabey Series 6234 brushes and basically ANY brush they make. They are squirrel hair so many people object to them, but I'm just being transparent here. Hope you are well Mark.
Hey Mark! Yeah, what is it about brushes that we just want to keep trying new ones? Its like trying new watercolor paper but better because there are so many brushes. I don't use Isabey but know their reputation is stellar. Its just a matter of being able to do better on the price/characteristics ratio and local availability. When possible I like to handle a brush before buying rather than order. Grumbacher has not been great for me except the Golden edge. Their student cheaper grades have not been good at all for me. Simply Simmons isn't bad as an inexpensive starter brush if you can get a Simmons Golden Taklon variety they are pretty good. I painted with one as an illustrator for years. The good cheaper alternatives I've run into are the Zen series and Espresso series from Royal Langnickel, Princeton Velvetouch, and Master's Touch (Hobby Lobby) Golden Taklon or Synthetic Squirrel. Many of the Master's Touch watercolor brushes can be a good buy because of how often they put them on sale for 40-50% off. Thanks for watching as always!
The better golden taklon brushes that I know and own even better that the Da Vinci ones are the Escoda Barroco ones, their point and spring are amazing ;)
I'm always glad to hear you flexibility (no pun intended) on products and style. I was asked for advice on purchasing a reasonably priced brush for beginners on a few occasions. This video was excellent in that regard. I have so many brushes that I find it impossible to say which is my favorite. When doing plein air I have taken older less expensive brushes in case they were lost or damaged...and I was surprised and pleased with the results. Thanks for your recommendations and comments.
Hello Steve you are a amazing artist, I absolutely love watching your spontaneous painting. I wish you would make a video for a biginner and I mean "how do I hold the brush" biginner, it would be so mush fun lerning this kind of painting, I tryed this the other day,if I knew a comidean I would donate it to him.
I bought two of these brushes, the silver black velvet. For me they dont hold the point while I'm painting. Not a happy camper. I have the size 6 and 8. They are very much smaller in the belly of the brush. I may try the princeton neptune line.
A shame. My BV #6 is still one of my absolute favorite detail brushes and i've been using the same one for 10 years. Neptunes are kinda rounded on the tips and rarely have a good point (sharp points aren't always needed in watercolor). Neptunes are squirrel imitations. If you're looking for a good synthetic that has sharp points then Princeton's Aqua Elite Ultra Rounds do. The very best points are always on Kolinsky sables, which are not synthetic obviously if thats a concern.
I’m basically a silver black velvet brush person. That is primarily my most used and loved brush line. This past week I just bought and tried an escoda reserva. It’s the first brush that upon very little use I find I like as much as silver black velvet. I’m wondering what your opinion of them are?
I love them but Kolinsky is getting much harder to come by and is over priced as a result. Kolinsky Sable is the fiber that almost every synthetic watercolor brush in the world tries to imitate. Anything over a size 10 will cost you over $100 usually.
My Grumbacher goldenedge brushes came today. Lots of spring and a beautiful point. You nailed it Steve. I love them. They are perfect for me. Thanks again. More sizes after Christmas.
Susan Hamilton Oh thank you Susan, i love stiffer brushes to, but I looked at the brushes and I don´t no wich wan, not the 6 and 8 number, i meen with numberbrushes, I so one the number is 2031S of one typ of round brushes but it was more, and I can not se wich is right. Can you tell me the brushnumber of yours (not the size) please 😍
You just look for Grumbacher golden edge brushes. Goldenedge is the key word for the correct brush. Hope that is helpful. There are other types of Grumbacher brushes as well. You want goldenedge!
You seem very enchanted with synthetic brushes. I got very soured on synthetic brushes decades ago because I could not find any that could maintain a point over time. Many would actually develop a sharp curl at the tip, making them useless. But like advances in modern medicine, chemical companies have made strides in plastics, so you have me rethinking my snobby "synthetics suck" point of view. Also like you mentioned the fibers used to be straight as an arrow with a consistent thickness the whole length, making them nearly impossible to point even when new. But now they can make tapered bristles. So maybe I should start over, and explore them again. Old dogs, new trix.
Right. The synthetics of decades ago don't hold a candle to the current varieties. Although you gotta buy good ones designed for watercolor. Curls can still be a thing and the points still may not hold up as well on some, but in my painting anyway there is a lot more to watercolor than just needing a point. When I do, yeah, I often reach for a kolinsky.
Have you found any use for a "whale tail" brush? I have a couple of these that showed up in sets I picked up. I saw a UA-cam video on them and they seem to be kind of gadget-y maybe for crafting or tole painting. Just thought I would get your opinion. I am not seeing much use for them, at least the way I do things, but I am open to being convinced.
Hey Steve! Thanks for the video about your brushes! I have some that I probably need to designate as a masking brush. Can you address how you store your brushes? I have mine in a Monaco brush organizer. I have used it for quite a long time. However, I would like a better method. Any suggestions?
I understand how people would not like the "limpness" . I need a gentle snap to my watercolor brushes, I feel like I have lost all control with the limp ones and that I am just counting on gravity and a overwatered heavy brush to lay down my stroke. I do like the brushes I have from the Silver Black Velvet line though.........no limpies though.❤️
I've become a Silver Brush Black Velvet Brush addict due to you. Thanks (I think...lol) I'd hesitated trying them due to already investing in top notch sable and pure squirrel, but these Silver Black Velvets have become my most used, due to their sharp points and chiseled edge (of the flats) as well as their remarkable water carrying ability. As you say being so soft, they can't be used for scrubbing, but are perfect for any other kind of watercolor use. I use the #8 round the most. It points beautifully and carries a ton of pigment. Far less expensive than sables or pure squirrel, I don't think twice about overuse, as they can be easily replaced. Excellent brushes in every way. Thanks Steve, for the introduction! BTW, Silver Brush Black Velvet now offers a travel Brush set!
Hello and thank you. Iv'e been watching Rick paint with his round silver BV and need to choose - Silver black Velvet Jumbo round small 3025s of round 3000s not sure if the 3025s comes to the same point. Which one is yours please?
Great video Steve! 😁 Awesome brushes. I really do like my silver black velvet. The rigger you showed in the last cards/spontaneous painting video will be here tomorrow. 😉 Ah how us artists all enable each other...lol 😆 I hope you and the family are doing well & have a fantastic thanksgiving. 🤗🍗
I have been using these brushes for years. I don’t own as many as you do but they are my go to. I agree though that ti use for work requiring a heir is a place for a stiffer brush and I have a number 6 Billy Showell pointed round for a lot of fine detail although it is Kosinski sable. I do have some synthetics that are go tos. I have owned Princeton Neptunes and find that the tips wear out too quickly. I also have the Silver Brush Golden Naturals too, and I have been very happy with them also.
Silver Brush Black Velvet are my favorite brushes as well. I am new in watercolor and have spent much on other brushes looking for what will help me get the result I desire, and these are the best ones I have come across. 😍 I have the round 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 & 14. They hold water beautifully. I will be adding to my collection very soon.
Important info--Thank you!
It would be helpful for a beginner to know the numbers of the brushes. You mentioned getting small, medium and large round brushes but what are the numbers for those? Thanks, I'm enjoying your posts.
The numbers are not consistent between brands (which is why I didn’t mention them). and not as important as what you’re painting and how big. Pick the largest brush you can still control the area with. As a general guide a #8 would be a
...a #8 would be a common size medium brush. But for a small painting it might be a large.
The information I just needed, thank you!Do you know if the animals have to be killed or injuried in the process of making brushes.It is not worth if my insignificant art is related to animal suffering.Have a happy Thanksgiving!
No I don't believe so. Especially not pure synthetics. I don't believe squirrel are killed for their hair but I could be wrong.
muhlenstedt I'm afraid it's the same case as with natural fur coats. Unless the squirrel part is synthetic imitation as well, it's just the same.. Except the fur is not attached to skin any more. Look up one of the "how brush is made" videos like Davinci company etc... Nothing graphic of course, but they are buying skins of appropriate animals and then separate the hair for their use.
Unless silver velvet keeps combing their squirrels and picking up the loose hair... I'm afraid they won't fit your requirements of "harm free"...
I know this is true of Kolinsky Sable (buying skins). From what I understand this is mainly an animal that is exterminated for other reasons in Russia. I read somewhere that squirrel hair is harvested from live animals but don't know that for sure. Probably some of both. Regardless, there are plenty of very good synthetic brushes available that you need not ever by something with natural hair if you don't want.
The Mind of Watercolor I'm personally sticking to my dirt cheap local synthetics cause neither my skill not my wallet reached the need to upgrade yet. But needed to share my two cents as there are people for which its important factor in deciding... And since silver velvets aren't cheap, it could be potentially painful realization later on.
But everyone to their preferences, I don't think either approach is wrong, unless going too extreme. :)
everart okelli well, not everyone lives in USA and makes the same money there are :) I'm from middle Europe and besides the dollar conversy, shipping over the ocean is not cheap either (usually). Ikea brushes you mention were my first when I had no idea if I'll stick to wc, still (ab)use them and they hold up excellent given the price. No Daiso for me due to mentioned above (no access to it from Europe), but up to 3 dollars is my pricing range (for my biggest inch flat synthetic) for synthetics too (brand AMI).
Of course I fully agree that quality isn't cheap, but I'm not about to buy myself a Ferarri when I barely have idea how to drive it :) paints and paper are imho more important (provided the brushes doesn't shed and hold decent point)
One day, though... That's why these sort of videos are useful and very informative :)
Silver Brush Black Velvet are my favorite brushes, too! I first heard about them years ago from artist Soon Y. Warren, and they really are the best in spring, water control, points, lovely mix of natural and synthetic hair. Thanks for sharing, Steve. :)
Couldn't agree more Hajra. I love Soon's work. I did not know she uses BVs but I can't say I'm surprised. Thanks for stopping by!
Nice broad overview Steve. Going into an art supply store is like a candy store for me. I am always looking at brushes. Have you had any experience with the Escoda Versatil line?
Very informative... and now I have brush envy.
Would love to see a quick demo of the use for some of these. Thanks for all the great info.
I just got a DaVinci casaneo quill - size 0 - love it!
I'm new and a little overwhelmed...but I can't be "new" forever!! ;)
Brushes are like crack for watercolor artists. VERY addictive, and a huge money pit. I would strongly suggest you start with only 3 rounds and not permit yourself to buy any more for six months. Use them a lot and really get to know them. Then buy THREE more and go another three months. I am a bit OCD and one of the ways that shows up in my life is a compulsion to buy entire product lines of brushes I can't just buy a 3 and an 8, I have to buy all 99 sizes, even if there is no functional difference between the size 4 and the size 5. So, know thyself. I am the art supply store's PERFECT sucker customer.
@@allanfink7816 I am so like you. You give great insight and advice which I will try my hardest to follow.
Another thank you. Started using Silver Brush Black Velvets and like them a lot. In the video about caring for and cleaning brushes, you had as an option for shaping/reshaping a CVS hair product. I realized I had this big tube of stuff for holding hair that I never use, a gel. I tried it on a few of my older brushes. Works great. Brilliant tip. The videos I’m watching may be six and seven years old - going through them all in order - but the information does get old.
I have davinshi brush number 4 and i like it i have it from 20 years ago and still good
I still use and love these brushes, but have been searching for a cruelty free option....The Escoda line has a WC brush called Versatil. Synthetic but you would never know it, at least not in the smaller sizes (6 and under) which are what I have.
Really love the Silver Velvet, funny haven't seen anybody else who likes them the best, like I do.
Probably because they are made out of animal hair when you can find brushes that are just as good that are synthetic.
I love the scripture at the end of your video- God bless you!! 💗👑☝️✝️☝️👑❣️❣️
I use some somewhat small Sumi-e brushes for my painting. They're what I'm familiar with, and they really do a good job holding water because even a cheap sumi brush is almost always a natural hair. Picked up three Sumi brushes at my local Hobby Lobby for 9 bucks, and all three of them are pure sable.
Also have some DaVinci cosmotop spins & like them - but shipping is a killer 🥴. Thank you for this video 🙏
Oh my god the Black Velvet brushes look beautifullllll. Well, you can count on Silver Brush to make good brushes.
That Silver brush collection is amazing. Didn't know they made such a wide range.
Dear Steve, I generally use a cheap mop brush from Hobby Lobby to do my washes, and its performance is a meh :-)) I want to invest in a good wash brush for an 11x14 size paper to do background, skies etc, but honestly I don't know which. The two options I am thinking of is the Princeton Aqua Elite No. 20 (their biggest in that line) and the 1-1/4" short-handed wash brush (looks like painter's brush) that I am leaning towards. The third option is a mop brush they offer in the same Aqua Elite line. I couldn't find any video from you to discuss about this, so I need to ask you because these guys are a bit on the expensive side. I hope you're doing well. Take care.
@@windsurfingphd they are all fine choices though. It comes down to preference. My fav for backgrounds is usually a large oval wash. Or flat if I don’t need a point. But large rounds work fine too. Don’t overthink it.
For sure he never make joke about the shoes his wife. Lol
Fun video. I've been test flying many of the same brushes. Was interesting to see where my experience diverged from yours (which wasn't very often). I think they're all good, but I find I like the Princeton handles a bit better than the Black Velvet and Cosmotop handles. It's a bizarre, unexplainable personal preference, but especially in the smaller rounds, the Cosmotop handles seem too long and too fat.
Because I found myself with too much time on my hands, I performed a wholly unscientific test of water-holding capacity. I ultimately declared the Black Velvets the champs, followed closely by the Neptunes. The Elites were also quite good -- ahead of the synthetics like the Creative Mark Mimiks and Blick's Golden Taklons.
I think the Black Velvets also come to a finer point than the others. In fact, everything tells me I should simply embrace the Black Velvets, but for some perverse reason I just can't love them. (I suppose that's why more than one brush manufacturer exists.)
I've sorta settled on using the smooth-as-water Neptunes *most* of the time, falling back on the Elite when I want something stiffer.
(It's not a big factor, but it's also hard to beat the prices of the Princeton brushes.)
One thing to watch for with the Elites; I bought a couple rounds when they first hit the market. After some use, the very end of the tips of all them started hooking over on me. I assumed they were doing something to the very tips (perhaps abrading them).
My local dealer contacted Princeton, who sent me several of an "improved" model. Problem solved. That was some time ago, and I assume everything you buy today is the newer version.
I think discussing favorite brushes is a lot like trying to get everyone in the room to agree on a favorite color. Fortunately, most of these synthetic brushes are cheap enough that you can buy one or two brushes from a new line and see how they run.
That's a lot harder to do when a single brush costs $75+ -- like so many good sable brushes.
Once again, thanks for a fun, informative video.
Thanks Tom. I agree with most of your assessment. Good observations all. I did notice at least one of my Elites hooking. I used some brush stiffener to reform and see if it will go away. It probably won't. Mine is not hooking enough yet to hamper the painting of fine lines. Black Velvets continue to be my favorite although I differ with you on points. For such an expensive brush I wish the bigger rounds had points as good as a Kolinsky Sable or for that matter even the Princeton Elites or Silver Brush Golden Naturals. Mine don't, though usually a sufficient point for my needs. Thanks for watching and for your input.
It's a little disconcerting to hear your Elite (s) are hooking too. I wondered if altitude had something to do with it (I live in the mountains of northern California), but now I'd guess not.
I have to add I was impressed by your stack of Black Velvet brushes. Silver should give you some kind of Lifetime Achievement award. Happy Thanksgiving and thanks again for all the work!
I wouldn't suggest the Neptunes were very springy. They're not strong enough to scrub, for example.
I was so excited today to go to Dick Blick in Kansas City because I thought I would be able to go in and see these brushes in person. I have a few of them but I wanted to see the whole line and was disappointed to find out I couldn’t. I guess the only way to really get a feel for them is to buy them one at a time as I can afford them on line. Thanks for teaching me about them though I enjoy your info greatly.
You have very interesting brushes.
I have enough others, because I cant buy these brushes in Germany. My parents would be shocked if I bought some more brushes.
I usually take:
round 12 synthetic brush from the housebrand of my local art shop
1" Hake brush
Chinese brush with sheep hair on the outside and weasel hair inside which is slightly larger than the 12 Syntetik
and a very thin Chinese weasel brush.
If I cant paint something with them, then I take the special brushes of Jackson's art.
I wish I saw this before I bought too many junky ones
Since I get all my brushes from Amazon it's hard to tell sizes and as you pointed out, each brand is different and leaves me staring at photos for days trying to determine if a brush will fill in what is missing from a well-rounded selection. During shopping, I ran across an Isabey #6 mop for only $27.99 and like you said, it's more brush than I'm ready for... but sale! Knew I wouldn't find one at that price again and it'll be around if my skills improve. Love the look of quills, something about them appeals and I was trying to figure out what the Silver white quill is made of too. Right now I'm happy with my choices and if anything might add a couple additional squares if anything. You helped choose what I have and I appreciate that you took time to discuss these. Didn't imagine you used scraper ends and figured arts & crafts artists would more. Never seen you using scrubber brushes and wondered what you think of those. Picked up some by Creative Mark in a set of 7 and haven't had a chance to put them to use, but they were affordable. The set had a duplicate and so one less square and two #6's. Hope you have a blessed and delicious Thanksgiving holiday Steve.
Will watch again when the dust settles and if you have a spare moment please say a prayer for my best friend and amazing life partner of 30 years as he's been struggling for some time with Dementia and could use all the love and good energy sent his way. I give thanks to still have him in my life. His name is Andy or Andrzej pronounced (Andshay) as we call him at home (born in Poland so nothing they spell seems right in English). hehe, he's a priceless man though and I couldn't have imagined better.
Thanks, glad I was able to lend some clarity to your choices. I'll definitely pray for your partner. As for scrubbers. Most any will do as its not a very delicate operation and water handling or stroke don't matter. They only need to be stiff. Main thing is to get a set of different sizes and shapes. I like the more rounded scrubbers.
*Can you please try a Winsor & Newton Series 7 brush so that I can compare it to the Silver Black Velvet...*
So helpful for this beginner. Thanks for this.
I would like to know what number size the Da Vinci rigger is, you said it is one of your favourites and I like the length of the bristles. Loved this info, Steve, thanks.
In the DaVinci Cosmotop Spin I like the 2 or the 4. In most riggers I prefer a 2 for my purposes, but keep in mind sizing standards vary.
These brushes are on dick Blick for 50% off but sadly they can’t post them to the uk because of your wide life laws and the export license is too expense for them. Looks like I’ll just have to book a flight to the US lol good excuse as any aye
Sorry to hear it!
I just purchased a Silver Brush Velvet round #4, and you're right. Limp, limp, limp. I couldn't even paint with it. NOT what I'm used to , but to each his own. The Princeton Velvet touch I find to be great, but that's me. Love your channel, Steve.
THANK YOU!!! This is just perfect for me. You really do a service to beginner/intermediate painters to explain the trees in the huge brush forrest! I am so grateful to you.
So excited to hear you have Silver Velvet brushes, I own quite a few. Going to start practicing control with the paint to water ratio. So grateful for your videos, I'm gaining so much knowledge about water coloring. Blessings to you!
please redo this for 2021.. ty
sounds like a new video title: "which brush? It depends on what you want to paint..."
Thank you Steve for this info. I just purchased one of these black velvets after two demos and workshop artists kept picking them up. I have seen you use them in your videos too so I am gonna give them a go! I am pretending no squirrels were harmed in their creation. I would also like to add that I absolutely love the Lowe Cornell brand with the red stripe ultra rounds for my paintings. They are mid price, but hold a great point and just enough water and pigment. I do believe they're are completely synthetic for all of your vegan, vegetarian viewers.
You are my guru!!! Love your videos and giving myself Xmas present of joining as a patreon. I want more!!!
Alison in Houston
Happy thanksgiving and enjoy your family.
Thanks Alison. I've used those Lowell Cornells with the red stripe and they are pretty good. I used them for both acrylic and watercolor years ago. I don't see them around very often anymore. Just a golden taklon brush I believe. Happy Thanksgiving!
The Mind of Watercolor
You are probably right about them ( the Loew Cornell red stripe)being some sort of golden taklon. They are hard to find in stores, and are often sold out at Texas Art supply here in Houston, but Blick carries them at a very fair price. I saved my pennies and bought a real Kolinsky sable and wore the darn thing out! I use 300 lb Arches cold press most of the time and did not realize it would wear out the bristles. I think there are five or six hairs left! too funny if not so sad too. Thankfully I am not a brush snob and keep trying lots of brushes. One of my favourite teachers here says " spend your money on the paper" . She speaks I listen.
Now I have your fabulous videos too that have taught me more in three episodes than weeks of classes! Talk about the light bulbs coming on! Thank you! (Yes I am Canadian so no I don't spell colour wrong.)haha.
Live long and prosper!
Alison
Ps I like how you mic your youtubes more than most of the others out there. You don't sound like you are in a tin can.
love this guy, inspirational videos
I just got my first Silver Velvets and I am in love, they are my first good brushes and they feel sooo good!
Like me you are a watercolour brush collector junkie 😉 I have over a hundred different brushes by different makes and recently bough the collection of three Sliver Black Velvet brushes, (size 12, 8, & 4) £50.29 uk, I mostly work with the W&N Series 7 pure sable which are my favourite as they hold so much water and give perfect washes, but I must say the Silver Black Velvet get a Gold Star ⭐️💫 and I love them as they hold a good amount of water, keep their point and they give an excellent wash. Thank you steve, for I would never have know about the SBV brushes if it was not for your tutorials which I have been watching since the days back when you were dancing around your beautiful garden having just noted over 400 likes! A beautiful moment to watch.
Mimiks are my favorite brushes. I don't want some animal to die for my brushes. Mimiks are excellent, very pointed and hold water well.
sable are critically endangered but dont think we will run out of squirrels any time soon...
The three Silver Atelier quill brushes, the brown, black and white one, look identical to some sold from Chinese shops on the web. I suppose the white one you showed is made of goat hair by the way it splayes. I have a size 18 of the brown/golden type, with Artsecret stamped on it. It is just a big bulky nylon with somewhat wavy bristles. It is not a proper quill brush in my opinion, but works fine for washes. However I do have a couple of quill brushes by the same manufacturer and they are quite qood and well bound. As for other quill brushes, I would really recommend the Jackson's S.777 and Jackson's Raven. The 777 is medium stiff, the Raven more soft. If you like synthetic brushes, these are really good, and not as expensive as the daVincis. It is hard not to like the Casaneos, though... They are just well made. If the Cosmotop Spin brushes are to be preferred, it would be worth trying out the daVinci Cosmotop Mix B as well. The blend makes the a bit stiffer and a tiny bit unpredictable, though.
As usual - great video Steve (and nice to see Reese make an appearance). In case there are any "adult coloring book" fans out there (don't tell anyone that it's my guilty pleasure), I've found the Grumbacher Goldenedge brushes work well for watercolor media and they are inexpensive.
Alan Snider wich brushnumber do you have? I dont meen the size number :) I don´t now wich one gonna bay 😥
I've found that a No. 4 Goldenedge works well for adult coloring book work with watercolor pencils. It's a rather small round but will easily reach all the nooks & crannies of a fairly intricate drawing.
Alan Snider Oh thank you, I colour in coloringbook to same times, what productnumber have you one the brush, I´m looking at 2031S and then I so 2000S, and more, I don´t now what no it is om mindofthe video is, I can´t see. Have a nice day
My favorite brushes are silver black velvets as well. So every time I am feeling low, I come here for validation...
My first Silver Brush was a medium mop. Great brush and held a lot of paint. After a year or so I noticed a small crack developing in the brush above the ferrule. No big deal. It's still a good brush today. Recently, I bought a 1 1/2" Silver Black Velvet flat wash brush (3014S), and paid $30 bucks at one of the big online art supply stores. Before I used the brush, I cleaned it with Masters and put it up to dry. Next day I noticed several cracks in the paint handle above the ferrule. I wasn't too happy about this, since it doesn't make sense to have a watercolor brush that falls apart when it gets wet. The art store wouldn't give me my money back; said I would have to take it up with Silver Brush; who never answered my email. It is important for me to have my brushes stay in good condition with use, so no more Silver Brushes for me. I use the Escoda line (Perla, Versatil, and Aquario) of brushes and really like them, they look as good today as the day I bought them. I also use Da Vinci and Raphael. Great brushes also. But you can't go wrong with Escoda.
Its a common occurrence with brushes. It means that water soaked into the wood of the handle and expanded the wood cracking the paint. Is not a fault of the brush maker or brand. The most expensive, well made brush will do exactly the same thing. Brushes should never be left to soak in water for extended periods which is the usual cause, but can also be caused from a very wet brush left upright to dry. Dry the brush on a towel after painting and let them dry horizontally or with the point down. Some artists rig sort of a clothesline set up for this with binder clips to hold the brush a the handle end.
@@mindofwatercolor Thanks for the info. I am tediously picky over my brushes. I never leave them in water to soak or otherwise, clean them often, and towel dry them after every use, and lay them down on my drafting table to dry. But, Silver Brush did contact me a few days after my post and offered to replace the brush, so that's good. It does make me wonder what type of wood was used tho. Thanks again, and I enjoy your channel.
Some artists actually tape over the end of metal collar and the wood handle to prevent water from soaking in. Also, make sure you let them lie flat while they're drying.
Lonnie Edwards I am the same way with my brushes and the same happened to my Silver Brush Black Velvet. I thought I did something wrong this whole time, but wonder if they would replace it after such a long time now.
I recently bought the plein- air set (other places market it as the background set.) The 1 1/2 inch flat wash also got cracks in the paint on the handle after 1st use ! (Washed out the starch and laid it flat overnight to dry, Next day used it to wet one painting and laid it flat to dry, next morning the handle had lots of cracks. Not left in water or dried upright or wet the handle at all.) I am waiting to hear about getting a replacement as the seller has contacted Silver Brush who apparently have never heard of this and " I must have left it in water for an unspecified amount of time.) Glad to find this review again as I saw it before and said I would send it to them. So they can see it does happen to others. That being said, I absolutely love my other Black Velvet brushes best of all. (Silk set and the others in the plein-air.)
So many beautiful brushes! We have few choices available here I find, it's difficult to find all the brushes our American neighbors talk about! :)
It's almost like Canada is a different country. ;-) It does seem silly that there aren't more art supply options in Montreal.
Well, truthfully we brush addicts have far more than we really need but oh what fun!
Internet
I've been researching brushes for the past two months and narrowed it down to Princeton Neptune & Velvetouch and Silver Black Velvet. Finally last night at midnight I bit the bullet and purchased the set of 3 Silver Black Velvet brushes (with the #1, #8 and the 3/4" cat's tongue).
I am SO glad that I didn't wake up to you suggesting otherwise. I would have cried ;)
Debi Taylor which size did you do you think that would be great as an all around brush? It's price here is pretty expensive so I want to make the best out of my purchase!
Sorry, I missed seeing your question, but yes, I'd suggest the No. 8. I use it almost exclusively now :)
Ooookay: found out a "Reserva" brush hurt animals so I cancelled that and I have a (I think?) comsotop davinci (one of my favorite riggers! Thanks to you!) but in a round and it's called a Maestro. Only I can't find videos on it. -I'm new to wcs; I have a lot of long brushes from oil paint days but, except for emergency scrubs, not working well on papers. Anyway, do you like Maestro size 6 and 8 rounds? I have an Escoda Versatil but am *not* finding it very _...versatile._ I think it's nearly like hoghair on wet arches, probably user error; I'm mostly doing wildlife and some buildings, but botanicals keep getting in - I need a good point AND a softer brush. Sister's the wc pro who's helping me. Thank you for any thoughts on Maestro da vinci brushes! (This cosmotop spin ...woah! Excellent!) *Edit: n/m, watched video again, getting Silver Black Velvets!* Thought you had said 'no' to them but watched from the beginning, and Blick swapped the order (because it hadn't shipped yet ..of course) and I'm so thankful! Thank you!
Not used Maestros but I like the Cosmotop Spins. DaVinci brushes are generally pretty good.
@@mindofwatercolor No really, I've watched this video so many times only from almost the 5 mt mark (where YT dumps me every time); I didn't think you liked the Silver BVs! - and my sister is the artist, and I've been gifted some that she thinks are good (Escodas), But I took a chance on the Cosmotop Spin riggers on my own, and use them often! Love them.
When I watched this review *from the beginning* I dumped that Maestro (I could change the order at Blick) and picked some of the ones you have. Except I really wanted a sword brush, and they had something like it ("pin striper"?). I'm hoping the Black Velvet round sizes 8 and 12 are good for paintings under approx 9x12. Anyway, I got several Black Velvets for less than the one Maestro I cancelled: I'm VERY excited, and happy I watched this video again from the beginning! ❤️️😇 They'll be great. I'm smiling ear to ear. (I thought you used SBVs in videos just to "use them up" so you could toss 'em! 😂 )
What are your thoughts on the Princeton Elite watercolor brushes in 2019?. They are on sale at my local art shop. :)
Love them. One of my favorites.
I started with the black velvets, but, as you said, found them a little too limp for me. I've changed to Princeton Lauren 4350 series and have been very happy with them. Not a knock on the black velvet, a very fine brush, just a personal preference.
I have accumulated a pretty good assortment of bushes over the years. I purchased a Silver Black Velvet #8 round when you said you liked it some time ago. It was my "go to" brush for a while, but when you purchase a new hammer everything looks like a nail. I can't say I have a favorite brush. As you say, it depends on what you are trying to accomplish. When I travel and do Plein Air I take my favorite inexpensive brushes and am always pleasantly surprised with the results. I guess my experience tells me that higher cost doesn't always equal higher quality.
So true on the higher price/quality quotient. Thanks!
look how wonderful the brushes look just sitting there
I bought a set of 3 Silver Black Velvets and I love them. Great water control, just the right springy/soft balance for most of my basic painting. They do tend to be on the soft side and I’m ok with that cuz I don’t use their liners, for example.
Thank you. Excellent video! I just purchased a Black Velvet #12 round. I'll be revisiting when I buy brushes in the future for other purchases.
I'm a beginner and I've been using mop brushes since I started. It holds too much water which I thought was a good thing. I've been practicing and experimenting with water control and I still just don't get it. 😭
This is probably why. I'll be purchasing round brushes soon. Thank you for this video
Too much water is conditional. In other words good for some situations not for others. I usually tell beginners to stay away from mops. Difficult to control but good if you need a lot of color and water to go a long ways,
Thank you for making a video like this. I needed help finding out what brushes i should try out, but i never had a chance to go into a store and feel the brushes. So seeing you pushing on the bristles really helped me out to get a better idea what was what. Also tried the Black Velvet brushes based on your recommendation and they were the type i was looking for. Now i just need stiffer brushes for detail =)
Such a timely video...I've been having this exact conversation with a fellow artist the last two days. I couldn't agree more about the Silver Black Velvets, they are my go-to brush as well. They're soft, supple, thirsty and deliver a nice smooth load of pigment. When using a series of washes I don't have to worry as much about disturbing the previous layers of color. For a long time, my next go-to brush has always been the Princeton Neptune but the Silver Golden Natural has quickly raced into the number two slot. I love the blend of natural hair and golden taklon (though I have no clue as to what the natural hair is) it creates a versatile brush with an excellent pigment load with a bit more snap which makes it a nice alternative to the Black Velvets. I absolutely love the long taper point on these and if they maintain the points, they will stay in the number two slot. For a pure synthetic, I also like the Da Vinci Cosmotop Spin brushes and like you, I like the feel of the handles in my fingers. I just received the Princeton Elite but I haven't had the opportunity to try it yet. I really like the feel in my hand and I like the look of the long taper point which resembles the taper of the Golden Natural though it appears that the belly of the Elite may be a bit fuller than the Golden Natural. I couldn't agree with you more about the sizing and numbering of brushes between each manufacturer. When I order a new brush from a line that I've never tried before, I always order a #8 round which is one of my most frequently used brushes. There is always a bit of difference every time I order a new line but when my #8 Golden Natural arrived I had a good laugh at the difference in size. There is absolutely no rhyme or reason as to how each company sizes their brushes, it's completely arbitrary. I sometimes wonder if the person stamping the new brushes that day thinks, "Hmmm, I think today this #4 will be an 8 and this #8 will be a 14, yep...sounds good and confusing." I owned one quill, a #4 Princeton Neptune which I really like but seldom use but I was thinking of using it more and also trying and adding a #2 for smaller details and sketching. Not finding a #2 that I wanted yet because in the Neptune line there isn't a #2 so I ordered a #6 Creative Mark Danube. Talk about a Bob Ross happy mistake moment, it was exactly what I wanted in the first place. It was the size of what I had envisioned as a #2, to begin with... haha. It's at least half the size of my #4 Neptune...Yep, totally arbitrary. As for that Silver Atelier Quill white, it's actually white goat hair, go figure. I already agreed with you on your paper preference (Arches) and your paints (M.Graham) and now it seems brushes too, no wonder I enjoy your channel so much haha. Keep telling Marty that he's out of his mind for preferring the grossly overpriced, inferior Schmincke paints lol ...I'm teasing of course, I have nothing against the quality of the Schmincke watercolors but I don't believe they're as good as M. Graham and I do believe they're grossly overpriced here in the US. I enjoy his thorough product reviews but just happen to disagree with his paint choices lol. Steve, Happy Holidays and keep up the great work on your videos, I love them.
😄👌👍
Could you kindly do a brush update? Are you still using these? If not what are you using in 2022? Thanks!
Most of them yes. A few differences. I may do an update. New brush lines I've tried are Trekell, Dynasty, and Lebenzon (Lebenzon is handmade and a link is in very video description). Also check out the Brush Guys link in many recent videos. It links to a list of my favorites they carry. There are discount codes for Lebenzon and The Brush Guys.
@@mindofwatercolor thanks!
Hi Steve, Thank you so much for your videos and also taking the time to answer questions. I have been so frustrated with the Princeton Neptunes because they are so floppy! I need a stiffer brush and am so excited to try the Elites and maybe the Grumbacher. Many thanks! This may sound like a dumb question, but what sorts of bristle brushes do you use for lifting? I am using watercolors in a non traditional way and want to experiment a lot with lifting.
My understanding is that the tapered brush end on the back is for separating watercolor blocks. At least silver brush says that.
Maybe that long tapered this brush is different.
Great seeing your brushes!
Hi Steve. I like a lot of the brushes you use and I also like trying new ones, but my favorite are the DaVinci series 35, that long taper and sharp point is just too good.
Very nice overview of brushes. With upcoming Christmas it gave me a lot to consider... :) thank you. Happy Thanksgiving :)
You should ask for these brands to sponsor you, thank you for the detailed review.
I got those neptune rounds and oooh they are so so floppy. Now I have the elites and I like them so much better. I want to try these silver brush and davinci.
Silver Brush Black Velvet brushes are awesome! I only have the 8 and 2 but I plan to buy their quill next.
Hi, Steve. I have some WN brushes recommended by an instructor and don’t like them (don’’t maintain a good point, stray hairs, lack of body for lifting etc) I plan to add/replace with some Black Velvets &/or Princeton Neptunes. I’ve read squirrel brushes are softer, but hold water well. Will they give me enough body when I want to lift color? I know you were going to provide more info on the Neptunes once you had a chance to try them more. Thanks for cutting through all the mind-boggling info out there for us!
I'm not ashamed to say that I also have an addiction to brushes. I love trying different brands, some from recommendations, and some just on a whim. The Silvers are my favorite go to brushes, and I thank you Steve for recommending them in your videos. I was really on a limb with them a couple of years ago as I saw they got kind of limp, but I'm so glad I jumped on the bandwagon. I also have some of the Silver Golden Naturals. I bought a couple a year ago, didn't really like them and pulled them back out recently - all I can say is wow! They're tops when it comes to a really fine point and carrying capacity. I also like the Jack Richeson/Stephen Quiller brushes. They also have a fine point and can carry a TON of paint. When it comes to quills my favorite has to be the Raphael Soft Aqua. Has a really nice point and also great at carrying capacity. I have some other quills - Raphael, Da Vinci, and Winsor & Newton (another great one!). The Casaneo's have a really nice feel but the only thing I found with the rounds is that they don't have great points. Nice for wet into wet work or a juice wash but not so great for detail. Also the white Silver quill you have isn't a hog bristle one but instead it's goat. Have a happy Thanksgiving!
You should try the Escoda Perla. They have a very nice point, and they are a little softer than golden taclon. This is the preferred brush of Joseph Zbukvic.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and CHRISTmas Steve...See ya when you get back.
Really great info, I needed this, thank you. I love your lessons!
First, yes, I'm definitely feeling "art envy" over your silver brush black velvet set. I've never used the brand, but boy, do they look good! Second, it might be weird, but I get really excited when you discuss brushes! I know, weird. lol!! Curious about your thoughts on a couple of brands: Isabey, Grumbacher, and Simply Simmons. These are the standard brands at the local shops here (Blick, Michaels, ACMoore). As always, a superior video and discussion. Someday, would love to hear your thoughts on cheap brushes that won't break the bank. ;) And so nice to see Reese make a cameo!
LOL, is it even weirder that I get excited that you're excited about Steve talking about brushes....lol. These are great brushes, but my love will always be the Isabey Series 6234 brushes and basically ANY brush they make. They are squirrel hair so many people object to them, but I'm just being transparent here. Hope you are well Mark.
Hey Mark! Yeah, what is it about brushes that we just want to keep trying new ones? Its like trying new watercolor paper but better because there are so many brushes. I don't use Isabey but know their reputation is stellar. Its just a matter of being able to do better on the price/characteristics ratio and local availability. When possible I like to handle a brush before buying rather than order. Grumbacher has not been great for me except the Golden edge. Their student cheaper grades have not been good at all for me. Simply Simmons isn't bad as an inexpensive starter brush if you can get a Simmons Golden Taklon variety they are pretty good. I painted with one as an illustrator for years. The good cheaper alternatives I've run into are the Zen series and Espresso series from Royal Langnickel, Princeton Velvetouch, and Master's Touch (Hobby Lobby) Golden Taklon or Synthetic Squirrel. Many of the Master's Touch watercolor brushes can be a good buy because of how often they put them on sale for 40-50% off. Thanks for watching as always!
Simply Simmons were disappointing for me.
Thanks for the video, after this I think Santa needs a note from me, mine are really ragged. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.
The better golden taklon brushes that I know and own even better that the Da Vinci ones are the Escoda Barroco ones, their point and spring are amazing ;)
I'm always glad to hear you flexibility (no pun intended) on products and style. I was asked for advice on purchasing a reasonably priced brush for beginners on a few occasions. This video was excellent in that regard. I have so many brushes that I find it impossible to say which is my favorite. When doing plein air I have taken older less expensive brushes in case they were lost or damaged...and I was surprised and pleased with the results. Thanks for your recommendations and comments.
Hello Steve you are a amazing artist, I absolutely love watching your spontaneous painting. I wish you would make a video for a biginner and I mean "how do I hold the brush" biginner, it would be so mush fun lerning this kind of painting, I tryed this the other day,if I knew a comidean I would donate it to him.
I ordered the Black Velvet about 7 of them for my birthday I have only worked with cheap brushes so it will take me awhile to get use to them
Princeton neptunes are my favorite brushes !
I bought quite a few of brushes based on your recomendation. Love them.
I bought two of these brushes, the silver black velvet. For me they dont hold the point while I'm painting. Not a happy camper. I have the size 6 and 8. They are very much smaller in the belly of the brush. I may try the princeton neptune line.
A shame. My BV #6 is still one of my absolute favorite detail brushes and i've been using the same one for 10 years. Neptunes are kinda rounded on the tips and rarely have a good point (sharp points aren't always needed in watercolor). Neptunes are squirrel imitations. If you're looking for a good synthetic that has sharp points then Princeton's Aqua Elite Ultra Rounds do. The very best points are always on Kolinsky sables, which are not synthetic obviously if thats a concern.
Thats like a goldmine u got there
I’m basically a silver black velvet brush person. That is primarily my most used and loved brush line. This past week I just bought and tried an escoda reserva. It’s the first brush that upon very little use I find I like as much as silver black velvet. I’m wondering what your opinion of them are?
I love them but Kolinsky is getting much harder to come by and is over priced as a result. Kolinsky Sable is the fiber that almost every synthetic watercolor brush in the world tries to imitate. Anything over a size 10 will cost you over $100 usually.
My Grumbacher goldenedge brushes came today. Lots of spring and a beautiful point. You nailed it Steve. I love them. They are perfect for me. Thanks again. More sizes after Christmas.
Cool, glad you like them!
Susan Hamilton Hi Susan, I wonder did you bay brushnumber 2031S? I won´t to bay them to test them 😉
I bought a round #6 and round #8 I love them because I like a stiffer brush.
Susan Hamilton Oh thank you Susan, i love stiffer brushes to, but I looked at the brushes and I don´t no wich wan, not the 6 and 8 number, i meen with numberbrushes, I so one the number is 2031S of one typ of round brushes but it was more, and I can not se wich is right. Can you tell me the brushnumber of yours (not the size) please 😍
You just look for Grumbacher golden edge brushes. Goldenedge is the key word for the correct brush. Hope that is helpful. There are other types of Grumbacher brushes as well. You want goldenedge!
Thank you very much. This video was very helpful.
You seem very enchanted with synthetic brushes. I got very soured on synthetic brushes decades ago because I could not find any that could maintain a point over time. Many would actually develop a sharp curl at the tip, making them useless. But like advances in modern medicine, chemical companies have made strides in plastics, so you have me rethinking my snobby "synthetics suck" point of view. Also like you mentioned the fibers used to be straight as an arrow with a consistent thickness the whole length, making them nearly impossible to point even when new. But now they can make tapered bristles. So maybe I should start over, and explore them again. Old dogs, new trix.
Right. The synthetics of decades ago don't hold a candle to the current varieties. Although you gotta buy good ones designed for watercolor. Curls can still be a thing and the points still may not hold up as well on some, but in my painting anyway there is a lot more to watercolor than just needing a point. When I do, yeah, I often reach for a kolinsky.
Have you found any use for a "whale tail" brush? I have a couple of these that showed up in sets I picked up. I saw a UA-cam video on them and they seem to be kind of gadget-y maybe for crafting or tole painting. Just thought I would get your opinion. I am not seeing much use for them, at least the way I do things, but I am open to being convinced.
Not used one but play with it and see what you come up with.
Happy Thanksgiving to you you and yours. Thank you for all your guidance and insight.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Hi, my name is Steve and I am a brushaholic. Haha, always enjoy your videos my friend!
where is the rosemary link? is that from Rosemary's in UK? I'm still a series 7 lover
Hey Steve! Thanks for the video about your brushes! I have some that I probably need to designate as a masking brush. Can you address how you store your brushes? I have mine in a Monaco brush organizer. I have used it for quite a long time. However, I would like a better method. Any suggestions?
Flat until dry and handle down in jars and such. Nothing fancy.
11:28 could you please give me the name of this series and the size? what size is your favorite?
Rosemary and Co. Kolinsky Sable Watercolor rosemaryandco.com Series 33 I think. Might be series 8
Thank you for explaining the difference.
Who wants all these brushes? I want them but we dont get them at places like here
I understand how people would not like the "limpness" . I need a gentle snap to my watercolor brushes, I feel like I have lost all control with the limp ones and that I am just counting on gravity and a overwatered heavy brush to lay down my stroke. I do like the brushes I have from the Silver Black Velvet line though.........no limpies though.❤️
Yeah, its nice to have a selection of both stiff and limp.
I've become a Silver Brush Black Velvet Brush addict due to you. Thanks (I think...lol)
I'd hesitated trying them due to already investing in top notch sable and pure squirrel, but these Silver Black Velvets have become my most used, due to their sharp points and chiseled edge (of the flats) as well as their remarkable water carrying ability. As you say being so soft, they can't be used for scrubbing, but are perfect for any other kind of watercolor use. I use the #8 round the most. It points beautifully and carries a ton of pigment. Far less expensive than sables or pure squirrel, I don't think twice about overuse, as they can be easily replaced. Excellent brushes in every way. Thanks Steve, for the introduction!
BTW, Silver Brush Black Velvet now offers a travel Brush set!
Good for you. Glad you enjoy them as I do!
Would you like say anything about escoda? I mean, it's usually said that they are great, but....hard to find something concrete about them
Escoda is awesome!
Hope you and your family enjoyed a great Thanks Giving 🌹From myself and my family in the Isle of Wight UKx
Thank you for all the info on your synthetic brushes, Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!
Hello and thank you. Iv'e been watching Rick paint with his round silver BV and need to choose - Silver black Velvet Jumbo round small 3025s of round 3000s not sure if the 3025s comes to the same point. Which one is yours please?
The jumbo rounds are kinda like quills as in they don't come to a point, the one Steve used is the round series
Great video Steve! 😁 Awesome brushes. I really do like my silver black velvet. The rigger you showed in the last cards/spontaneous painting video will be here tomorrow. 😉 Ah how us artists all enable each other...lol 😆 I hope you and the family are doing well & have a fantastic thanksgiving. 🤗🍗
Hi Val. Yes, so true. We're enablers all. What a fun addiction though. Thanksgiving was great here. Hope yours was as well!
Thank you for the informative content. You’ve answered so many questions for me, including questions I didn’t know to ask.
I have been using these brushes for years. I don’t own as many as you do but they are my go to. I agree though that ti use for work requiring a heir is a place for a stiffer brush and I have a number 6 Billy Showell pointed round for a lot of fine detail although it is Kosinski sable. I do have some synthetics that are go tos. I have owned Princeton Neptunes and find that the tips wear out too quickly. I also have the Silver Brush Golden Naturals too, and I have been very happy with them also.
Thanks Sharon. I'm warming up to the Golden Naturals really quick. They may become my #2. I've been liking the Princeton Elites quite a lot too.
Thanks for the video and have a very Happy Thanksgiving!