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

[@robertgonzalez373]

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

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

Wow, Bob. Thank you SO MUCH for the Super Thanks. I really appreciate that. You just made my day! :-)

[@birchlover3377]

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

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

Wow. Thanks for that comment. I am trying to share from my experience...and the questions I have had. I'm glad that is coming through.

[@loveandlife4222]

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.

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

I just purchased my first Escoda brush the other day. I went for the Ultimo Size 18 Mop. I can't wait for it to get here. This is definitely the most I've ever spent on a brush. :-)

[@didi1406]

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

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

Yes. When the "lightbulb went off" and I began to understand the differences in brush bristles it really improved my painting. Thanks for watching and leaving feedback.

[@megperry5586]

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

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

The Princeton brushes are great. I'm glad to hear you have both the AE and the Neptune. They offer a nice complement to each other. Think Neptune for the early washes....then move to the AE for the later glazes and details. Have fun!

[@sujanithtottempudi2991]

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

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

Thank you so much!

[@Angie-pl3uw]

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

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

Thanks for sharing. I have a few of those Silver Black Velvets, too.

[@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 🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

Hi Madeline. Thanks for adding your comment here. Sounds like you have a nice collection. I think you are right. You'll probably know the right tool when you find it. I just purchased my first Escoda Ultimo Brush (Synthetic Squirrel) yesterday. It is probably the most expensive brush I have ever purchased. But I wanted to try out this classic watercolor brush brand. :-) Can't wait til it gets here.

[@madelinegrudens]

I would love to hear your thoughts once you've used it a bit!! Thanks again for sharing 🤩

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

Will do. You can expect a video at some point. :-)

[@janealan2142]

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

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

Yes. The Chinese have been making brushes for eons! They have mastered the craft.

[@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

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

Thanks so much for sharing this valuable info with the viewers of this channel. SUPER HELPFUL. I agree with you. I really like soft squirrel brushes. But I've heard a lot of feedback from viewers who can't figure out how to use them. Thanks again and have a great day.

[@triciac.5078]

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.

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

I totally agree. I invest in 100% cotton paper as my first priority. Thanks for sharing your feedback.

[@SarahAndBoston]

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

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

You're very welcome!

[@sujanithtottempudi2991]

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?

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

Tempted?? :-) Yes. However, I currently resist the temptation. I used to paint in oil and acrylic and I really enjoyed it. However, when I started painting in watercolor it created a new level of interest and dedication in me that I didn't have before. So, I've decided to focus on this one medium. I really want to master it (if possible) and help others grow in their practice of watercolor. I feel like I can do a better job at that, if I say focused. How about you? Do you paint in several mediums?

[@sujanithtottempudi2991]

@@KrisDeBruineStudio I'm jack of all trades master of none. Im scattered between oils, pastels, Gouache and watercolour in that order. However, daily I do pastels for 30 minutes postdinner after a day job, on off days I do other media. Im unable to leave any of the above. Although I use Gouache mostly as thumbnail or forPlein air. I find watercolour most challenging of all but most attractive. I go in phases of love hate with watercolours and pastels. I hope in future some of them drop naturally to give space to others☺️

[@sujanithtottempudi2991]

@@KrisDeBruineStudio Also recently I m using Gouache as watercolour on cold pressed paper...after initial few layers I go ahead as Gouache. That gives me best of the mediums.however, that way I think I'm not learning each medium in its own charm🤔

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

I completely understand the "love/hate relationship" to watercolor. I love the results. I love the challenge. I love the end product (when it "works" as desired). But it is very difficult. Maybe the lack of control is also why I like it. :-) I admire your commitment and dedication. Sounds like you have an excellent daily practice. You will reap lots of rewards from that. Good for you!

[@maqboolhussain2148]

Nice information

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

Thanks

[@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.

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

Thanks for sharing your comment and your perspective. I appreciate it.

[@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.

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

Thank you for sharing your experience. Would you mind sharing the brand of brush that you had problems with?? How many years did they last? I'm always looking to expand my understanding as I have many people ask me for my recommendations. THANKS in advance. Also, which brand of natural hair are you considering purchasing? Have a great day.

[@ILoveFountainPens]

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.

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

I hope you find the brushes that work best for you. I have some great recommendations in my free online course at studio.krisdebruine.com/getting-started-in-watercolor. You may want to take a look. Have a great day!

[@triciac.5078]

I’ve been told to be careful mixing my brushes between watercolor and any other medium. And that ink especially will change the brush and make it not work for watercolor properly.

[@RebeccaNolenauthor]

I use both natural and synthetic brushes.

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

I have a variety too.

[@jessbutterfly1934]

Squirrel mix with synthetic I love silver black velvet

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

Yes. I agree. Great brushes.

[@RoseMarian-t2i]

Love the video!

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@juansantiago2986]

Princeton Neptune's rounds and the #4 Quill and a med size hake

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

Thanks for sharing your brush choices!!

[@loriminor7253]

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

[@RWellman-e972]

Right, I can't think of a sweet little animal needing to die for my painting brush.

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

Thanks for the Jackson's recommendation. I have heard they have good brushes. I may have to give them a try.

[@michellehejza6713]

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

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

Thanks for watching!!

[@lauraarchuleta8600]

a mix of sable of sable and squirrel

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

Sounds great!!

[@marlenaamalfitano2727]

No animal should die so I can paint a picture

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

As I discuss in this video, squirrel and sable brushes are available with synthetic fibers. No animal hair included. All the brushes I recommend in my course, are synthetic. Thanks for watching.

[@contentsdiffer5958]

So pollute the planet with more plastic crap that will last 10% as long. Got it.

[@zaarteestdanaportiermorvan2453]

Synthetic

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

Thanks for your feedback.