Princeton Neptune Watercolour Brush Review - Is It As Good As They Say?

[@ghouling1111]

You are the first person to ever mention brushes needing preparation before using! Thanks you!

[@leahevergreenart]

You’re Welcome ☺️

[@waypastbeyond]

X2 I was looking for how to prep my new round 14 before using it for the first time, Thank you!

[@giespel68]

Great video! Just a heads up. Please don't submerge your brush beyond the ferrule.

[@alicesaito6891]

I'm looking forward to use this brush in my watercolor paintings. I usually paint flowers , so with this brush I will have a chance to explore new beautiful ways to paint.

[@leahevergreenart]

The Neptune brushes are so wonderful to use

[@zulrechdog1739]

Something I like about the neptune quill is that in addition to being able to wash, when it is dry I can give it a flat shape, and even a fan etc. The only thing that is not very good, is to make a fine point quickly, but that is fixed by shaping it with the hand or using another brush more intended for detail; since I have seen people who complain about that when they buy quill but they do not realize that the purpose of that brush is for washing, like a mop; and it even fulfills more functions than those intended XD

[@leahevergreenart]

a multifunctional brush sounds amazing. The Neptune line is really wonderful

[@kashbash9645]

Thanks for the tips. Getting the Neptune quill and will try it as a fan!!!

[@loladwyer0220]

This is a very good review. Thank you for making this!

[@leahevergreenart]

thank you, I am so glad you like my review of this paint brush. If you have any questions just let me know :)

[@gnostie]

My worry is the point on Neptune brushes. Princeton Elites keep the point very well, both round and long round. But I'm on the fence about Neptune rounds. Part of me wants to get a Neptune round 16, but part of me always thinks about some paint or brush. What do you guys think? Neptune round and their points - yay or nay?

[@leahevergreenart]

I know I am biased because these are one of my fave brushes to use, the tips are not super fine tips but they do hold so long as there is sufficient water in them. When I need a super fine tip for details I use Silver Brush black velvet. A round 16 from Neptune sounds like a fun brush to have, though I don’t have that size, my large one is really nice to use because of how soft it is and how loose I can be with it. In the end I think it will come down to how you like to use your brushes, your style and preference.

[@fatma5035]

Thank you for the video, it helps me to choose the watercolor brush

[@leahevergreenart]

so glad my video was able to help you :)

[@CV-bq4bb]

Thank you so much! This review was very helpful. I'm looking forward to trying this brush out for myself.

[@leahevergreenart]

you're welcome, I'm glad you like it. How are you liking the brush?

[@CV-bq4bb]

@@leahevergreenart I really love them! I ordered two to start out with and I'm planning to buy more in the future. As a beginner, I find them very easy to use. Thanks again for your helpful review 💗

[@leahevergreenart]

@@CV-bq4bb So glad it was helpful, they really are great, I recently purchased another one :) haha

[@chedoodles]

I love this review! I would have thought you were a sponsor of this brush. I'll have this one a try. I'm looking to invest on good brushes

[@leahevergreenart]

Thank you, so glad you liked the review. Nope, not sponsored but I do love them. They are my main go to brush. I love how soft they are and how that allows for more fluid movements

[@monalafleur3647]

Very helpful video. Thank you soooo much .

[@leahevergreenart]

you're welcome, so glad you found it helpful :)

[@Oceans1974]

How would it compare to Princeton’s Aqua Elite? Thank you!

[@leahevergreenart]

im not too sure, I have not tried that line yet.

[@rennley_9233]

the Aqua Elite line are Princeton's synthetic kolinsky sable brushes. i absolutely love them. they hold quite a bit of water, but not as much as the Neptune brushes. they hold a point and have quite a bit of snap, whereas the Neptune brushes are much floppier and softer. the Aqua Elite are better for detail and control, and the Neptunes are better for washes and coverage of large areas. hope that helps!

[@leahevergreenart]

Oh… the Aqua Elites sound nice. Thank you :)

[@jadetobin]

This was super helpful :) I've been looking at these brushes...I won't ever be able to afford like a real sable ever, but something nicer then my cheaper brushes would be nice. And seeing you use the size 8 gives me a better estimate of its size. Sizing is always do hard to judge from a picture. I was thinking the 8 and/or 10... Does it come back to its point easily even though its very soft? And your flower is beautiful as well :) Thank you for this :)

[@leahevergreenart]

Hello Jade, yes it does go back to a point. It is so hard to figure out sizing online, so glad my video has been able to help you.

[@jadetobin]

@@leahevergreenart thank you so much fornthe reply!!! I really appreciate it! I can't afford new stuff right now but was given an Amazon gift card for art specifically (though being out of money period, its hard for me to use it for myself 😳 but, maybe a brush or 2🤷🏼‍♀️) but now deciding which one became overwhelming! So, yea, I definitely appreciate seeing you use it, and using it for an actual painting, not only squiggles, cuz that gives me a much better idea of how it moves. So, yea, that was great :) and the 8 seemed so small, but again, seeing you use it made it look about right..might need the 10 for my looser stuff...I don't know. Thanks again!! Have a great week!! :)

[@leahevergreenart]

Art supplies can be soooo expensive sometimes. I love my Neptune brushes and they are my go tos every time I paint. Try just getting one and see if you too life them.

[@Jaubrey23]

Do you mind telling me what store you bought it from? And if you know, will you suggest some stores where I can purchase this brush? :)

[@arvindshukla8040]

Amazon

[@leahevergreenart]

You can get it from any online shop. I purchased mine from a local Canadian store. Canada - Currys, US - Jerry's Artarama, UK - Jacksons Art Supply. Jerry's and Jacksons ship internationally as well.

[@Jaubrey23]

@@leahevergreenart thank youuu!

[@leahevergreenart]

@@Jaubrey23 you're welcome :)

[@rainafox]

Thanks for the video! I'm a beginner watercolorist and am considering the Princeton Heritage brushes rather than the Neptune based on cost. Can you please give me your opinion?

[@leahevergreenart]

Hello, I haven't used the Heritage ones yet, though I am thinking its time to pick one or two up, you are not the first to ask for a comparison. When it comes to just starting out, purchase what you can. If the Heritage brushes are less expensive in your area try getting one or two and see if you like using them.

[@deborahgarretson653]

Good review.

[@leahevergreenart]

thank you, glad you like it

[@mohamadasraf4242]

it's almost same like silver black velvet brush. Did you agree on that? Actually i'm still confusing to choose the best one.

[@leahevergreenart]

They are very similar, I find with some of the silver black the cost is higher, at least in my area, which makes the Neptune the better option. Personally I own both brands but always find myself grabbing the Neptunes.

[@mohamadasraf4242]

So princeton neptune is the best upon respective user. Yeah...even my area the silver velvet brush is very expensive compare with neptune. Then, I will referring on neptune...its tremendous when purchasing silver velvet but we need to consider the budget.

[@rolenz_]

Im confused this and the silver blavk velvet brush what do you think is the best please help me

[@leahevergreenart]

I own both brands but find myself always grabbing the neptunes. In my area the Neptunes are also more readily available and cost effective, both of them are good. between the silver size 2 vs a neptune 2, I would say the silver has a finer tip.

[@rolenz_]

@@leahevergreenart thank you

[@leahevergreenart]

@@rolenz_ you're welcome :)

[@lilybarrera8235]

Is the Neptune line better than the Heritage for Watercolor? Which one do you prefer?

[@amberschwarz2630]

I use each of them and I find they are both great but they work differently. The Heritage ones are stiffer while the Neptune ones hold a lot more of water and a bit more fluid. The way I work is that I purchase Neptunes in the larger sizes for when I want to lay down a lot of colour at once and the Heritage ones in a smaller size for when I want to do more sharper and detailed work. I know you didn't ask for my opinion but I hope my two cents was helpful 😊

[@lilybarrera8235]

@@amberschwarz2630 Thanks! I really appreciate your opinion. I’ve got a couple of Heritages for small areas and I need a larger size for washes. 🙂

[@leahevergreenart]

I haven't used a Heritage one yet, though I think it is time to try it out

[@jimreilly6933]

@@leahevergreenart Go and pick up a heritage brush and a Neptune brush by Princeton and you will see how poor the quality of the Heritage ones are. go Neptune !

[@c8Lorraine1]

A thorough review. The brush cost AU$40 on Amazon

[@leahevergreenart]

Thank you, I am glad you found the review to be thorough, hummmmm $40 AU, eh... from what I can see my local art shop does not ship internationally but there is a site called Jacksons art Supplies that I believe does. perhaps the price will be better there

[@blissfulyou-n4c]

AU$ 12 on ebay

[@lozzieelizadesigns05]

@@blissfulyou-n4c yeah I saw that listing of 12 dollars, don’t know if too good to be true thou

[@artisticafflair408]

I love it. Thank you. Could I hire you think teach me one on one. Well daft question I know but your amazing.

[@leahevergreenart]

Oh thank you, that is so kind. I have been thinking about offering online classes either through Skillshare (they have a free trial period for subscribers) or Patreon. Definitely send me your questions, I’m here to help 

[@Bussy_Cat]

2:09 skip the story

[@isav.2411]

Hi great review, I was wondering a semi beginner (I’ve used watercolor at school I’m in 7th grade/year8) should I get these brushes or do I get some cheaper/not so good ones? Edit:What type of paper should I get?I don’t want to get the watercolor pads so is there any watercolor sketch book you would recommend? One last question:In the video what colors did u use like the brand is what I mean?Did u use a pan or a tube?

[@leahevergreenart]

Thank you. Princeton has a lot of lines you could try. I love the Neptune because of how well they hold the water and how soft they bend. Try getting just one and see if you like it. As for sketchbooks that is also a tricky one. It all depends on what you are looking for. You could get a sketchbook with ring binding or a hardcover. Just keep an eye on the paper weight. heavy is always better to get due to the water. When it comes to the watercolours, I use a mixture of Daniel Smith, QOR and Winsor and Newton. Pan or tube, you can't really go wrong.

[@thegodhoward8037]

What about India ink?

[@leahevergreenart]

It works, I would just really clean the brush afterwards.

[@lindyhawthorne2164]

I bought a few of these brushes but sadly the beautiful point didnt last very long at all. I am very disappointed in them.

[@leahevergreenart]

Hello Lindy, I too have noticed the tip isn’t as sharp as it once was but they still retain water amazingly. Though I wonder if it just needs to be properly cleaned, which is why I’ve ordered some brush cleaner. Ill let you know if this helps or not.

[@lindyhawthorne2164]

@@leahevergreenart Interesting. Ive heard this a few times, about the point not lasting. I bought 4 of them and they are now all the same. Have since moved on to Silver Black Velvet and Da Vinci Sable.....so much better. But, good luck with yours.

[@supme7558]

I prefer silver

[@bettyrobinson3388]

Wow

[@artisticafflair408]

Oh, how do you convince your boyfriend you need art supplies? I'm also doing a degree in art he wants us to start saving and I only have my college fund to fund me through uni and to him, if you have one paintbrush you have them all, that s money is to fund me through uni... How do you say you need this without him thinking your wasting money?

[@leahevergreenart]

I completely understand the need to save, especially when it comes to being able to afford everything on a college fund. Do what is best for you. Perhaps, plan for it in your budget? You don’t have to have this brush right now, you could keep using the ones you are currently using. But… if you feel you need to branch out, try something new or get supplies that will have a longer life span. The best approach I have found is to buy just one. Pick your favourite size and shape. This way you can find out if it is best for you.

[@hannahthufvesson]

You are doing a degree in art!! That is going to be your job and future in som way, getting brushes is very likely you investing in yourself, believing in yourself and taking yourself seriously, and you guys saving money isn't going to be ruined by you buying a 10$ every now and again. (Btw, brushes are things that become worn out with frequent use and Need to be replaced). Also, to be kind of harsh (just for some perspective), does He believe in you and take you seriously? I don't know your situation, perhaps you live together and have a joint economy, perhaps you are just scraping by financially, but even so we are still talking about your future. And if you're Not living together, barely scraping by and have joint finances, then how is it even close to being his business what you carefully choose to spend your money on? I sincerely hope he is not controlling and limiting you, and guiliting/shaming you in to making yourself smaller, because that is SO common. I hope he is wonderful and supportive and just hasn't understood this yet. Wishing you the best of luck!

[@burthoppy]

You should never soak brushes above the ferrule, never please.

[@lizadivine3785]

I don’t like the 2 I bought.