Sable? Squirrel? Which Type of Watercolor Brush Do I Choose?

In this video, I talk about watercolor brush bristles. I compare the top four types of watercolor brushes hair types and explain the benefits of each type. I also narrow down the choices to the top two types of watercolor brushes. #watercolorbrushes #squirrel #sables

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[robertgonzalez]

You are a gifted teacher. Your explanations are clear and concise. Thank you for your generosity. Bob

[birchlover]

Thanks, you really know how to anticipate beginners' questions.

[megperry]

I have purchased the elite and the Neptune and am just learning thanks to you and your suggestions

[loveandlife]

I primarily use silver black velvet. But my favorite brush that I own is the escoda reserva. I love it! I enjoy my sable brushes the most but I do like my squirrel synthetic blend Silver Black Velvets too.

[didi]

Great video on what the different hairs are used for and their character thank you!!

[sujanithtottempudi]

Kris...your style of teaching and painting is very interesting.Thank you

[Angie-pluw]

Thank you. I use a combination squirrel and synthetic brush (SilverBlack Velvet) almost exclusively. I also use synthetic long round brushes for details.

[janealan]

I find that the Chinese brushes are the best bang for the buck. Extremely well made in a variety of bristles from hard to soft. Canada

[madelinegrudens]

I use Black Velvet #8 round, a few Princeton heritage brushes, Kristy Rice's 1/4"cat tongue, Maria Raczynska's #6 round and a bunch of others, but I'm fairly new and trying out different types because as I grow I'm realizing how important and how much the right tools make a huge difference. I just started using Arches cold press cotton paper and what a huge difference it makes. I used to restore antique dolls and often had to make tools to fit the repair so I think it's important to modify tools to create the outcome or desired effect. I'm going to take your course and look into natural fiber brushes next. Thanks so much for sharing your talent and knowledge 🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩

[JustinMumma]

I personally really like the soft floppy bristles of my synthetic squirrel hair brushes. Especially with smaller brushes, I rarely feel like I am ‘missing out’ on control or detail. It helps me stay loose, let go of controlling the painting, and if I want fine detail I pull out a rigger or firmer brush. I like my Raphael softaqua, “size 10” but they have weird sizing, says “int 5”. I also love my size 10 Princeton Neptune, this is the firm brush to me haha, outside of a rigger. I usually paint 5x7

[triciac.]

I started with craft store watercolor brushes. Then I found a bunch of squirrel brushes on $2 markdown from a major art supply store (not a craft store!) I really like them, but get frustrated sometimes with the lack of stiffness when I need detail. I have some nice synthetic brushes but for my birthday I received the Princeton Floral set. And I love my Heritage and Neptune. Each bring something different to painting and they’re both awesome.
Oh and I still use those original craft store watercolor brushes. They’re still good. Paper is where you need to invest money more than brushes, IMO.

[jessbutterfly]

Squirrel mix with synthetic I love silver black velvet

[TJPruitt]

I only use synthetic sable because I love how it holds it’s shape no matter what, but also allows flexibility. I’m not a fan of the softer squirrel hair.

[SarahAndBoston]

Great video, your knowledge of the various brush types is so illuminating. Thank you!

[ILoveFountainPensCdn]

right now I just have an inexpensive ten pack of various royal and langnickle brushes, that I use for painting with fountain pen ink, however I plan on getting myself some nice sable brushes for learning how to watercolour. Currently I just use the waterbrushes that came with my Koi watercolour paint set.

[RebeccaNolenauthor]

I use both natural and synthetic brushes.

[michellehejza]

Just starting so I have yet to be picky :-)

[sujanithtottempudi]

Kris, are you tempted in your art to do other media? Like acrylics or oils etc. If so how do you manage your time around multiple media?

[loriminor]

Synthetic brushes, specific brand is from Jackson’s. Price and quality is the best!

[TaraSueSalusso]

I’m using synthetic brushes but have found that they have lost their fine tip. I’m looking to replace them probably with a natural fiber brush. Probably sable. I’m disappointed in the brushes that I currently have because they just did not stand the test of time.