Dagger, Sword Brush Spontaneous Landscape Playtime in Watercolor.

[@cecilialofgren1396]

I’m in a very sad and depressing period of my life, but as always you, your art and your kind spirit, makes me calmer and I feel a bit comforted and inspired. Thank you.

[@mindofwatercolor]

My prayers go out for you today, Cecilia.

[@simpleshoes]

Sending some positive energy your way Cecilia. 💖

[@farmwife7944]

sincere (((hugs))).

[@elsagrace3893]

Cecilia Löfgren he has that effect 😊

[@cecilialofgren1396]

I want to say thank you to all of you that have noticed my comment and how I feel. I’m lonely and sad and I’m grateful for your kind comments. 🌷🌾

[@janeosborne165]

I wish I could add a thumbs up for every time I rewatch your videos, Steve. I always learn something new. Thanks so much for making these available.

[@dbald8]

Would love to see more spontaneous seascape paintings with rocks and ocean

[@TrueLoveX1027]

Reading a few of the comments below and knowing how difficult the holidays can be, I can't help but be reminded of the healing and most definitely the expressive qualities of watercolor. Steve, your spontaneous watercolors are always a highlight for me and really enjoyed watching you find new life to your beautiful painting with the dagger brush. Your channel is a safe place for so many to enjoy your mindful content and your kind and genuine spirit. May you be blessed as you bless others. Best wishes to you and your family this Thanksgiving.

[@clairetasker9181]

I hope you realise what a lovely calming influence you are having on some people that are clearly struggling as well as providing wonderful tutorials for us budding watercolourists. Thank you

[@Prouderlib]

Just wanted to say I’m a new viewer and subscriber. I am trying watercoloring to combat severe depression especially here around the holidays. Your videos are so uplifting and I felt I needed to tell you that. Thank you!

[@mindofwatercolor]

😢 ❤️🙏🏼

[@Prouderlib]

muted spark 😂

[@stacyhannon4081]

Lovbeinamom Hi, I just wanted to tell you that I think you made a great choice using Watercolor as therapy, or a coping mechanism. This will be my first Holiday season without my Hero, my Daddy, my Mother, my Amazing Mom in Law of 23 years, and the best one every invented even, and just a few weeks ago my best friend, my sister. That’s only half of the list of people we lost in a very short period of time, but by far the ones that hurt the most. My doc tried to prescribe me meds, and some well meaning friends tried to talk me into mind numbing drugs, but I have always believed that you have to Feel grief and pain in order to heal from it. Thankfully, I discovered Watercolors, and this channel, from which I have learned so much. And I can honestly say that I am ok. I count my blessings every day, and I pick up my paint brush every single day, and I highly recommend it for anyone dealing with loss or adversity of any kind. I will be saying prayers for you and I hope other viewers will as well. However, if they don’t believe in praying, that’s ok too. They can just hum along. If you need to talk or vent or cry or laugh, I am here,/: well as many other beautiful souls in the art community. I wish you and yours many, many blessings from North Carolina, Stacy

[@WC100]

Picture KZbin is a must see I really hope there are a lot of picture educators! Movie Theater Motto with Music

[@stacyhannon4081]

muted spark Thank you so much, that is very kind of you to say. For me, death isn’t Good Bye, it’s See you Later. For almost ten years, I was a paranormal investigator, and I learned a lot. Thank you for your kind words. It means a lot. I wish you and yours all the best.

[@TrueLoveX1027]

Your spontaneous landscapes never fail to inspire and open my eyes again and and again to the limitless possibilities watercolor allows, no matter the brush. Thank you, as always Steve, for sharing your time and talent. Blessings.

[@moonbubbles3046]

Using a princess bride clip? 😍😍😍 you rock exponentially more now.

[@christinesnook6972]

These are my favorite 😍😍😍

[@WC100]

See you here. Nice to meet you.

[@christinesnook6972]

Nice to meet you too 😊

[@marykelly1723]

Just finished painting a palm tree on a beach using my dagger brush. I'm not a good artist but that dagger brush really did a great job on the leaves and the water. I was amazed.🙂

[@kimsargeant8126]

Thank you for the “umbrella “ method. I really like your landscapes.

[@sallyg494]

Steve: First of all, YOU are the one who taught me how to paint in watercolors and I want to thank you. My Silver Black Velvet dagger has turned out to be my favorite brush and is perfect for my personal painting style, so your video was especially wonderful. I like to paint diminutive (5x7) loose landscapes with only a dagger and an oval wash. I also find this brush invaluable for wet on dry feather studies. Perfect for those long thin lines along with a touch of wispiness that I have found can only be created with this brush.

[@samanthareimerart4627]

This makes me so happy because you rarely see people do tutorials/features on dagger brushes. I love them for landscapes, doing shorelines and ripples on water. Great video

[@catherinesparrowe3591]

Thank you for that, it was lovely, I'm going to try it.

[@jamesgriffith8767]

awesome landscapes. very interesting...

[@maijancornelissen1793]

As for me......well? I’m always in a happier mood and ready for more adventures in art after watching you. Thank you for the smiles you give me and the new ways you teach us to explore.🤗

[@cassiescreations9828]

I bought a smaller dagger for the line and side sweep mostly to create simple sea oats but I've also used it for tiny branches, distant faint palms, grasses and rocks. I honestly don't reach for it often. Perhaps if I bought the larger size, I would. The brush requires some practice and I love the way you used your dagger when painting the larger tree shapes, allowing the tip to dance around. This is a beautiful landscape "experiment". Enjoyed your dueling 🗡 fights!

[@mindofwatercolor]

Good input, thanks Cassie!

[@Preservestlandry]

The red tree looks very tropical. Love it.

[@joann5157]

Of all your videos, I look forward to the "spontaneous" landscapes. It amazes me to watch you tease scenery out of the "blob" with which you begin. Happy Holidays to you and your family (and Reese)!

[@xTK421x]

saw the title and thumbnail for this vid and grabbed my dagger.

[@xTK421x]

As with you MoW, my dagger sat for a few years.

[@CIMMER14]

Thanks Steve for you artful inspiration! Your running commentary of what your thinking while in the process of creating a painting helps so much!

[@DavidHainlin]

I’m sure it is challenging to do but having your palette in frame conveys a ton of useful information to a beginner like me. Hope you will consider more videos on mixing and palette skills. Love the spontaneous painting you do.

[@ChandlerWrites]

I ended up with three of the Neptune 1/4" daggers (long story), and each is very different. One will cut very fine lines, the others are wonderful for "smooshing" to make curved or leaf shapes. Daggers are brushes that you might want to buy at a store so you can inspect them individually -- or just order online and see what you get. I can make cool leaf shapes with the larger size and my daughters think I'm some kind of magician. Fun brush and another wonderful video.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Good input, thanks Tom!

[@joycemaureroriginal8563]

I like that technical term smooshing!

[@ChandlerWrites]

@@joycemaureroriginal8563 My youngest daughter (9) gets the credit.

[@palettejunkie8246]

@@joycemaureroriginal8563 😄

[@mchris1020]

I also love the dagger brush-especially the smaller one. I’ve used it for grass shapes.

[@judybreedlove5348]

Thank you, Steve, for reminding me how much fun a sword brush can be. Many years ago, I watched Terry Harrison's you tubes as he demonstrated his own brands of a sword brushes. He demonstrated his Golden sword brush. So, I bought one. The hairs are quite long and the handle is fairly short...about 5" from the farrel to the end of the handle. I believe it is squirrel, or a mixture of squirrel and sable. It holds a boatload of water. I'm going to try some spontaneous paintings and see what I come up with.

[@brendalazellestephenson2319]

Love your use of the sword brush - had mine for years and never appreciated it so much. Thanks.

[@barbaragemin5117]

I've had a dagger for three years, completely unemployed! Your great video has given me the push - tomorrow out it comes and back to work. I realize it won't be easy ( all your amazing videos makes watercolour look easy ) and takes getting used to but I've had fun with your spontaneous painting before so looking forward to it. Thanks Steve.

[@monastokes2502]

I’ve been using my dagger brush for flowers and I love it, but you’ve given a whole new challenge . Thank you this has been exciting.

[@sisterhoodofsupport1553]

You inspired me to get out my dagger brush that I've had for years. I'm loving it. Thanks for the inspiration.

[@ellentitchenal]

I am having fun doing this type of work and loving it

[@samanthaglorioso8440]

Just got home Friday from having my third (and hoping my last) back surgery, and I have to tell you, Steve, that these spontaneous landscapes always cheer me hugely. Thanks so much for this one. I own 3 different daggers, take them out, look at them, fondle them, and then put them back. You have given me the courage to actually use them. Have a wonderful holiday with your family. Best, Samantha

[@annettehansen6329]

Thank you for your help in painting trees!

[@tinaschmidtsart]

This is absolutely the best example of organic watercolor landscape painting I have ever seen! Excellent color s and technique! The painting breathes so much life, light, and energy! Awesome! 👍😍💖👏👏👏Wow!

[@helenduplessis9820]

You never fail to teach us something spectacular and unusual with your spontaneous, expressive style! Daggers are on my shopping list! BLESSINGS! 🥰🥰🥰

[@Scott1985-]

Hello Steve You Have A Fantastic Channel and Great Video of your Watercolor Painting Artwork Just Amazing Thank You and Take Care Have A Good weekend Just A Friend From Glasgow Scotland UK

[@bikempc9790]

Muchas gracias!!! es una maravilla!

[@JohnCooperWilliam]

I wondered why it took me so long to use my dagger, too. This summer I had some great effects with splatter and flinging paint with the dagger. Wonderful for foreground grasses!

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Recently discovered daggers as well! They're great! Was getting frustrated with the uniform marks from rounds and the daggers made it a little easier to get more expressiveness. Also a lot easier to get a tapered line for tree trunks and branches.

[@alisonhall-thompson9338]

I bought a sword liner and was looking inspiration to use and came across your video here. Fabulous! Sending God's blessings from Northern Ireland this St Patrick's week.

[@SharonH11100]

As always, I love your experience -sharing vids! It’s like looking over your shoulder ~ thanks so much, Steve!

[@Ann.shecopeswithhope]

I love my striper dagger brush! My FAV! Incredible range of possibilities with mark making. Like party on paper. Loved this demo... so glad you finally removed the wrapping... enjoy 😁🎉

[@Charbythedesert]

Great demonstration...adding this brush to my Christmas list.

[@kaynignrowan9305]

You had me at 'fatal blow'! 😀

[@lauragrissommorris6000]

Ooh my goodness! I love that 🥰

[@judyonody7748]

What fun! You have reminded me to use mine again!!

[@jackieroberts6440]

Definitely getting a dagger! I'm sure it will inhance my landscapes. Thank you

[@b.emmert2129]

I can see how these brushes can help to paint loosely Thanks, Steve

[@vivianlentz7521]

Wow, I do have a dagger brush and I AM going to go play with it -- Thanks for demonstrating how one my use it more effectively!

[@bmk5529]

That is beautiful! Thank you.

[@Linda-kh6rl]

I have painted for 55 years an i have every size there is an i love ❤️ to paint wirh them an you can do anything you want after using them. An you or just a good artist you will be a winner .An You a God Send articles ❤

[@DenaTollefson]

Hi Steve! Your landscape painting is so lovely. I love your contrast between loose, painterly work and detail you achieved with your new dagger brush. I hear you about the contrast between a round and a dagger in mark making- I agree those angular shapes are a great addition, and letting that dagger dance and work like a rigger is a great trick. Brilliant, Steve!!

[@KatheeRN]

I'm in love with all my daggers..Scroggy's Loose Goose is fantastic for dry brushing, and random mark making. The tighter bristled daggers I have are such a joy for leaves and unusual marks as well. Thanks for showing the dagger, as I think many would find these very useful and fun to own.

[@bethbenton3727]

Thank you for yet another great tutorial. The dagger is one of my favorite brushes, so I’m really looking forward to trying a complete landscape with this brush.

[@peterkimberley4311]

I find the sword great for leaves,grasses,roses and like a rigger The smaller one , the dagger , is just as great but to do smaller flowers and leaves. I am not as good as I would like , but it is great fun making different patterns , I am surprised that you have not used them before .

[@judihussey5889]

Fate! I’ve just gotten two daggers. Of different sizes!! How amazing and inspiring this video is!! Thank you!

[@Linda-kh6rl]

They or great for roads❤

[@michelreynolds7209]

I love to use these brushes. I use a Silver Black Velvet stripper and love it. Angela Fehr uses them a lot.

[@ChantalDupuis]

Great looking painting! I have used the dagger for pine trees and I love how it makes everything NOT the same.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Yes!

[@junelawniczak3794]

These brushes are right up my alley as my favorite brush (right now) is the angle brush. I can see by your video that these brushes are a MUST for me! Thank you!

[@rohanchavan5778]

The first 7 second is the best part of the video.

[@pattil.brandenberger5484]

Have a blessed holiday Steve and thank you again for a great lesson.

[@jimverger5496]

Thanks for all your efforts in making these videos. I've learned a lot and my desire for art supplies has grown tremendously.

[@arlenebaldwin8030]

So fun and helpful. Like the results.🖌🖌🖌🖌

[@janicefortney5162]

Thanks so much for this video, Steve! I have had a Silver Black Velvet dagger brush for a good two years and have hardly used it. You helped me see the possibilities. Can’t wait to experiment!

[@sharonsands708]

I have 2 dagger/sword brushes. I love to use them for whiskers on animals, hair, leaves and flowers. I will experiment more after watching this.

[@MelanieMaguire]

I love daggers. If I had to use just one brush, it would probably be a dagger because it can emulate a rigger (using the point), a round (by pressing down and tilting at a slight angle) and the straight edge of a flat (by using just the knife edge to create thin straight lines). Also you can create a flat broad stroke like a flat does (by stroking sideways). And it's a lot of fun! Great to see how you use this for landscapes/foliage. Thanks for the upload. :)

[@2lmdi]

Forty-five years ago a Loew-Cornell watercolor dagger sitting in a glass cabinet (yes they were super valuable back then) called to me and I fell in love during the first dance. They discontinued it sometime while I was working in other mediums so when I returned to watercolor I went on a search for a duplicate in another brand. Long story short: Creative Mark Beste I found at Jerry's is the closest I've found and have since locked my single LC dagger in a vault. LOL I abuse daggers by often using the long side straight down mashing it so I'm protecting my last LC one. I spent so much money over the years trying to find a replacement and found they differ so much from brand to brand and I don't care for swords/sabers at all... too long and usually not enough spring. I like more control than it affords. I wish someone would start up a gently used art supply store like they have for books. I pretty much use daggers exclusively and super long riggers when something finer/longer line is required. There is no way I can explain how I use the dagger but after learning what it will do which took time no other brush does it for me and I do use it for all subjects including portraits where double loading for a smooth blend is part of my style. I think the main thing is that, with the exception of a long rigger, it does everything and I only need one brush for the whole piece. For instance, in my view and in other mediums also there is nothing better for both short and long grasses when used on its side and flicked upward (on dry paper paper for WC) and the same way dryer and sideways for glistening water. When I learned to use it that way, I got it in other fibers/lengths for other mediums. Oh, I better stop... sorry... I love a good dagger brush.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Good input Pat, thanks!

[@jennifernewmanart]

Love your work ,the intro made me laugh with the sword brush fighting lol , great videos, I’ve never used a dagger brush ,I may have to invest in one now 😊

[@jenafierro1500]

I have a black velvet dagger. Its my favorite brush I've ever owned.

[@suzannemarshall7458]

wonderful, instructive and fun. Love your work

[@jobell7356]

Inspiring, educational, funny, so very enjoyable; I just wish you were a tutor over here, in the not so sunny UK! You are the best tutor I have found and you've inspired me to go back and try again with water colour. And you know what? I think I'm getting there......thanks to your inspiration

[@craftyrouze]

Admire the vision you have while looking at a blank page. I struggle with layering, always start too dark as I can't imagine beyond the top layer. Beautiful result and that brush looked so versatile. Thanks for sharing your techniques.

[@angiadcock8196]

I’m really late to the party on this, but in my (limited) experience and from other artists I’ve watched, my favorite way of using a dagger brush is for buildings. You get this great loose, expressive stroke for windows or rooftops that are great for a dilapidated shed or something in a landscape and fantastic for cityscapes.

[@pattitriplett7611]

Hi there, loved this video about dagger and sword brushes. I have 4 in different sizes two of which are the Neptune and Aqua Elite. I really enjoy using them. I also have a 1/2” on that has 2” long brush section! Talk about no control! But it holds so much water it is good for large washes also. Most fun in doing a tangled spiky field of flowers. I sort of learned but just messing around with them but they are some of my favorites. Thanks Steve for all we learn from you! To the ppl that are sad, I always say painting is my “happy place”. I put on Christian music and paint!!

[@andreaharutunian3838]

Great video, informative and inspiring 😀

[@karenmoss8810]

Your picture is awesome! I'm definitely going to try this. And I must have a dagger!

[@cockatielnation5425]

Excellent demonstration and commentary. Dagger looks like a lot of fun. I do florals mostly and have just started experimenting with expressive brush strokes in that subject. It makes a nice change from tight botanical illustration and improves brush skills. Gotta get a dagger now!

[@aligrotts6400]

Thank you for something very interesting and new.

[@deannerader6527]

Thank you so much! Bought a set of 3 daggers of good quality and now I feel I'll know better how to use them.

[@larrycamerlengo536]

Good instructions ......

[@LeighPogue]

They truly are a very fun brush to use. As always, I love your “free” landscaping videos. I’ve done a few because of your inspiration. Thanks Steve. Happy Thanksgiving and God bless

[@B1ackDahlia767]

Highly enjoyable! I've a few full pages of nothing but attempted leaves using my Silver Brush Black Velvet dagger. I think I might have a better time with a synthetic but am not sure. I love your spontaneous landscapes so much. Thanks for this. The dagger/striper has been very challenging for me. "No more rhymes now. I mean it!" "Anybody want a peanut?" 💜 (P.S. Mammoth Cave is my most favorite childhood vacation spot!) 💕

[@mindofwatercolor]

Been to MC twice. Once as a teen and then not again until this year. Caves are so mysterious. You can't do much better than Mammoth.

[@B1ackDahlia767]

@@mindofwatercolor I'd love to visit again as an adult. The mint green of the water there, amongst so much more, is fascinating.

[@OldLady-um9kt]

Steve, Great video. I like the dagger rush. you can load one color on the main part and on the tip use a different color for another interesting use of this brush. Have a very enjoyable week. Happy Thanksgiving too. Hugs!

[@mindofwatercolor]

Yes, very true. Dual loading is something I need to play with also. Thanks for the input Connie!

[@paulettelane6428]

What a great idea. Thanks

[@paulettelane6428]

I love my daggers. They hold so much paint and so so versatile depending on the way they are held. They are my go-to brush. Mine are Silver Black Velvet and Pro Arte that has softer bristles.

[@noelaokeefe5665]

I love my daggers! 🙏🏼

[@LuizaKaramelle]

As always, I'm impressed with your level of skill, talent and just how you embrace this medium. I'm always inspired in getting better in watercolor and you are the best teacher I've found! Thank you so much. Love from Brazil!

[@paintlady2268]

Thanks for this review and demo! I always love you spontaneous landscapes. I've begun using a Skroggys Loose Goose Dagger Striper. It's barrel is longer and narrower than these you're using. And it's a whippy little thing . . . which gives it a semi uncontrolled manner. Which I love for looser, spontaneous landscape features. And yet it makes great line-work too.

[@stephanejohnston9945]

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving! Great video, as always. I use a dagger while banding porcelain vases on a banding wheel. I have one for watercolor, best put it to use. Thanks for the push! 😍

[@dianabritton7465]

I discovered my Pro=Arte dagger about a year ago and I love it! I use it mostly in landscapes and organic still lifes, but found it makes some wonderful marks and additions to cityscapes and seascapes as well. Happy Thanksgiving!

[@KarenElaine]

Thank you so much for creating this video! I've been struggling using dagger brushes because I expected the same control as I have with other brushes. You have reminded me to be more spontaneous with mark-making as well. :-)

[@kathryna5912]

I love this! I bought a set of Loose Goose daggers awhile back and haven’t used them, yet. I’m encouraged to try them out, now. (Btw, I always look forward to see what scripture you choose for the end of your videos.)

[@Linda-kh6rl]

Turning the brush up side down you can get a lot of detail ❤

[@jeanniewinters847]

I actually have 2 of those brushes. Upon opening the shipping envelope with kitchen shears, I inadvertently snipped the tip right off!!!! Aaaagh!!! Needless to say, that one no longer has a sharp point! Thanx for the demo!👍😊

[@MelanieMaguire]

I used to open packages using a box cutter. No more! I bought some vintage pearls in a plush case and used the box cutter to open the outer packaging, never dreaming that there was no inner packaging around it. I sliced through the plush case and felt sick to my stomach... I totally sympathise! So I'm now very very careful opening packages!

[@jeanniewinters847]

@@MelanieMaguire life gives us those "live and learn moments". Some of those moments are more painful than others. Gotta laugh so we don't cry. 😂🤣😂

[@MelanieMaguire]

@@jeanniewinters847 Yup!!!! :D

[@angiewright-artist8246]

Very beautiful thank you for making this video I haven't tried this brush type yet and I've been very curious, I know it's a favourite of Angela Fehr who I love but enjoyed seeing you use it in a more controlled manner to see what it could do. I'm adding it to my next art purchases. Cheers from Canada Steve!

[@judithsopher4711]

I have recently started using Rosemary dagger brushes. ( learned of them from Liz Steel)They are a sable blend and not as long as others.. Just a suggestion for those who want to try various brands. Since then, I mainly use a dagger brush although I also use rounds. I have enjoyed the way you used this brush and your style in this free painting. Thanks.

[@ladyt1277]

Gorgeous!

[@rosief1875]

I have found that a chinese brush makes the greatest variety of marks - partly because of the way it is traditionally held (like a chopstick).

[@elsagrace3893]

I see what’s so great! 👍🏼 I bought a few daggers after watching Angela Fehr. They makes very unique marks. I am so happy to own them. I’m drawing with all my time now but I do look forward to painting with them again and I have enjoyed and been inspired by watching how you use it.

[@seapossumsforrest8162]

I love those brushes! I have a triangle Beste brush set you can get at Jerry's. it is supposed to be for calligraphy. It has that same long tip but makes a fatter mark. Dan Nelson does a video that comes with them. I love how they make marks. From what I can tell the dagger brushes have a round gradual shape like half of an arch. The sword brushes have that extended long tip. Thanks for posting!

[@maryanharrell5642]

I'll have to find my dagger and sword!!!!