A regular paintbrush order unboxing for a working botanical artist (ft. Rosemary & Co.)

[@FaerieDust]

I've been looking at Rosemary & Co for years, I really ought to take the plunge already... One thing I do love about them, despite never having used their brushes, is that the catalogue shows the actual brush sizes - the size on the paper is the actual size of the brush! Makes it so much easier when shopping remotely, and it's just a really good way to use a physical catalogue that can't really be reliably done in a digital format.

[@jenneke9763]

I’m a ‘hobby’ watercolourist, so definitely don’t need brushes for the same reasons you do. However, I do want some better brushes than those I’m currently using, so I’ve been waffling between purchasing them from Rosemary and Co. or Trekell. Both companies’ products and customer service have received excellent reviews…but I really dislike the idea of buying AKA investing without being able to actually touch the brushes! Then there’s shipping and customs to Canada. Today I requested the Rosemary catalogue ( which apparently took 8 months to perfect!) because I learned that the brushes in the photos are actual size…it will be like receiving the Eatons Christmas catalogue ;). Then, what should pop up just now in my KZbin notifications but your video! Too funny! I wish you continued joy in the use of your brushes…and thanks for sharing your experience of Rosemary and Co.

[@bobbiegraham7729]

Finally, someone who told me what I wanted to hear! I am self-taught and prefer watercolor realism. My son bought me some Winsor Newton Kolinsky series 7, and they just don't seem to hold much paint or water. Didn't live up to the hype to say the least. They certainly do not dry to a point. I kept hearing about Rosemary & Co and found very few reviews by artists who shared my love of detail. Thank you so much, and for the explanation of why I kept finding the synthetic in my hand for the final stages. Liking, subscribing and heading to Ro & Co for a test run. Great video. Update. Rosemary & Co can't ship Kolinsky into the US. Trying some red dot.

[@Jim-iw1yd]

Thanks, a great insight to a great company. Your art is beautiful by the way.

[@Dan.B.Artist]

Nice haul. Be interesting to have like a update in a few months to see how they are!

[@LanaGoesArt]

Wonderful haul! Thank you for talking us through your choices and why you purchased these particular brushes and not other ones. I've never tried Rosemary brushes, but heard many nice things about them. I'm sure you'll have fun with them, especially the new big one. :D

[@nadeaner.cowley513]

Great brush haul, thanks for sharing

[@Winstonsmom]

I’ve been eying those designer brushes… I was thinking of a 6, 8 and 10 bit those small ones look good. Just curious, how long would those brushes last?

[@LeeAngold]

As with all brushes, it depends how they are used. Drybrushing inevitably takes it's toll on brushes so I find I need to replace my tiniest drybrushing brushes every few months no matter what. With good care, larger brushes used for washes can easily last many years of regular use - just make sure to wash well and avoid mushing them around in dry pans (I use a cheap scrub brush for loading onto my mixing surface).

[@dsmith9572]

Hey! I didn't get any chocolates.

[@LeeAngold]

I've had other orders without chocolates. I guess chocolates are a sometimes thing ;)

[@reginaldforthright805]

Why do you prefer designers to rounds? They hold more pigment but aren’t they harder to control?

[@LeeAngold]

They hold more pigment, and the longer hairs spring back to a sharper point for longer, in my experience. Longer hair can also create smoother long lines if you have a relatively steady hand. It's a subtle difference, but this is the right length/width balance for me for most painting

[@reginaldforthright805]

@@LeeAngold Thank you! I ordered a bunch to try out and I agree. I was disappointed in spotters for drawing, I thought they would be good but they don’t really make thin lines. Longer hair is definitely better for that! I wonder if you have tried the snowdrop rounds? Those impressed me the most in terms of having a sharp point and making thin lines, even moreso than the red dot designer.