Taking Watercolor Brushes On The Go For Plein Air & Outdoor Sketching

When I take my watercolor brushes on the go I consider a few things. Here's what I've tried and my favorite solutions. Plus a look at some inexpensive travel brush alternatives.
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Art Bin Brush Box (mentioned but not shown) - amzn.to/3PNT8UH
Princeton Neptune Travel Brush Set - amzn.to/3MW9kkQ
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Silver Brush Black Velvet Voyage Set - amzn.to/3a6g9Ss
Silver Brush Black Velvet Voyage #6 (featured) - amzn.to/3wS6J4C
3-Brush Travel Set Kolinsky Silver Barrel (Chinese, generic) - amzn.to/3Grj6sz
3-Brush Travel Set Kolinsky Black Barrel (Chinese, generic) - amzn.to/3z42822
••••••••••••• Other Supplies ••••••••••••••
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[@andrewlee5715]

I can say I’ve had the Fuumuui set for over a year. I use them extremely regularly. Almost all the time in fact. I paint a lot. They have withstood the test if time far better than I expected. I actually bought a second set expecting to need to replace them. I have not needed to open the second set yet.

[@catbraunwell6450]

Yes mine are about 1.5-2 years old and still great.

[@RebeccaJensenRunBosco]

A tip for using the ArtBin/fishing tackle type boxes- I put a kneaded eraser on top of the handles, where it still will stick up above the rim of the box, then when I close it, the eraser smooshes and holds the brushes in place, preventing them from sliding. Also works ok with pieces of cut up sponge (like for dishwashing). Bonus is that the eraser is handy if you’re drawing with pencil anyway, and even the sponge can be used in a pinch if your rag/paper towels are all soaked or too dirty.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Brilliant!

[@7409gigi]

I just saw on FB that a woman was using a product you get at a florist. They look like a test tube with a rubberized lid that snapped on. It has a small hole in the center of the lid. They are used to transport a flower that needs to stay in water! It suspends the brush in the “test tube”. I thought it was genius! I bet you might be able to modify it to hold two brushes in a pinch.😁

[@nattyw495]

Omg thats a great idea as i never thought to save those ....thanks when i rec any flowers im going to keep a eye out for those...

[@mindofwatercolor]

Brilliant!

[@chrisruef3201]

yes. I believe blick carries them ( or Jacksons )

[@polgara28]

Can you tell us whose video that was? She probably has other great hack. Love a great hack! Thanks for posting that! ❤️

[@7409gigi]

@@polgara28 It wasn’t a video. It was in one of my watercolor groups on FB😁

[@janicefortney5162]

I recently purchased the very cheap Fuuimuui Kolinsky travel set with leather holder. I’ve only used them on 2 small paintings but I really like how much paint they hold and how they hold a sharp point. They are well worth the cost and I will definitely be using them for quick outdoor sketching, but for studio painting I will probably stick with my trusty Silver Black Velvet brushes-my all-time favorites.

[@goat8477]

I use brush protectors that one uses for makeup brushes. They are made of mesh'y plastic. They are flexible and snap back to shape after i pull them over the handle of the paint brush and move them forward over the bristles/hairs. The good thing about those is, that the brush gets some air and can even dry while traveling. And because they are pulled from the back side so to speak, they do not put a kink in the brush hairs. (I have to admit, those travel brushes of yours look pretty sharp!)

[@erskinecharlotte7007]

I'm an amateur painter, fuumuui's travel brush is what I use all the time, I take it with me every time I travel, I love this brand of brushes

[@lumindina699]

I am currently using a travel toothbrush case. (Buy them for cheap! I stick a piece of poster tack on the bottom of a foam I cut from a pool noodle and stick it to the bottom of the inside of the tube. I can poke a hole in the foam with a pointed tool and stick my brushes in each hole for a firm hold. I have 2 made and they hold two to 4 brushes each. ;)

[@cindyhughes3980]

I use a cheap bamboo sushi rolling mat (probably $1), roll my brushes up in it and secure with a rubber band. Lightweight and protects the points.

[@Eileen8353]

I ordered Biaelk brush sets and they came in great sturdy plastic tubes I saved to reuse for travel.

[@kaas2597]

For travelling with regular brushes, I strongly recommend bamboo brush rolls. They roll up tight and don't skew like a regular pencil case you have shown. They don't bend because they have stiff bamboo ridges. They fit large brushes well too. You can get a kind that straps around your waist/thigh to keep it open and easy to use. My minimalist travel solution is taking not paint, but watercolour pencils with me. I have collected a set of 15 colours (still want a few more), that I take in a roll handmade out of old jeans, I add a few super cheap small regular brushes to them, because for activating pencils you don't need great brushes. And this requires minimum water just to keep brushes wet, so I use a small jar that used to hold face cream in it - for my water, it is really enough. This setup takes very little room, weighs almost nothing, doesn't require mixing palette or good brushes. I have a separate pencil roll for other things I like to use: graphite pencils, pens, eraser, sharpener. But I can combine the 2 rolls for extra-minimalistic set. The only issue is that Magnus Albreht Durrer pencils don't fit in the standard elastic straps of any commercial pencil roll, that is why I made one myself. I find rolls convenient to use, I can pull things out the top, and put back in, without unrolling the while thing.

[@journalersketcher]

@Kaas, I love your minimalist travel solution. Last year during a trip to Colorado, I discovered that for day trips with non-art people who want to explore while you do plein air watercolor pencils are a great solution. Painting/sketch dries quickly and the kit takes next to no time to pack up. Which pencil rolls have you tried for Magnus Albrecht Durer pencils?

[@kaas2597]

@@journalersketcher I tried regular cheap kinds only, and they don't fit. In fact any standard pencil case or roll with typical elastic band for holding your pencils is made only for regular pencils. It makes sense, if you make an elastic for Magnus size pencil, a regular one will be loose. I didn't want to spend much money of it, since I could makeshift one myself, so I didn't even try any better products out there, I figured most of them will be the same, since elastic size is made for standard things. And just to clarify. They might fit into the elastic by themselves, but you wouldn't be able to put a second one in the next slot, you would have to skip a loop, because they take up extra space. Also, I had trouble with the fact my roll couldn't roll up, because pencils didn't leave any room for compression. I have discovered I like the rolls without elastic better. There are some with wider pockets instead, so you could fit in 2/3 regular pencils in each pocket. But they are usually very small.

[@miklosnemeth8566]

Which 15 do you have? I am exactly on the same boat as you since I've seen How to Draw with Watercolour Pencils: Demonstration by Lynne Chapman kzbin.info/www/bejne/pWilZ2OkjbGmfas Don't you consifder water brushes? The Caran d'Ache water brushes with their piston water control is really decent.

[@kaas2597]

@@miklosnemeth8566 water brush isn't for me. I like to have my brush extremely dry sometimes, which is hard with most water brushes. Another thing they are difficult with, is fine lines. I usually draw very small, and fine details are important. Besides, it is just as easy for me to carry 3 regular thin brushes with a tiny water container, instead of 3 thicker water brushes. But if they work for you, maybe even 1 water brush is enough.

[@kaas2597]

@@miklosnemeth8566Pencils I have: Regular Albrecht Durer: Black 199, Green gold 268, Sanguine 188, Delft blue 141, Dark Indigo 157, Bluish turquoise 149, Cobalt Green 156. Magnus: Walnut Brown 177 (don't recommend this colour, patchy, doesn't mix well, all other colours are perfect), Cadmium Yellow 107, Dark chrome yellow 109, Magenta 133, Deep scarlet red 219, Dark Red 225, Helioblue reddish 151, Dark Phalo Green 264. Hope it is helpful. I picked these colours as I was looking only for most lightfast options and I like mixing them, so absence of regular green and orange isn't a problem for me, it was intentional.

[@KayeReshaw]

I love the last set of Fuumuui brushes I have had them for 3 years and they hold up pretty well with basic consideration. I highly recommend. I take them when I go on a cruise which is several times a year. Easy to throw in my bag. Love these.

[@mendyviola]

Thank you for the budget travel set review. I like to go camping a lot but tend to use the water brushes , which I don’t like so much, because I don’t want to bring my more expensive brushes with me out into the woods. These will work perfect!

[@audreyrose]

I bought the longest toothbrush holder I could find on Amazon. I stick it in a pocket in my tote bag so the tips of my brushes face upward. It works well for me and will hold a Princeton Aqua Elite size 10. I’ve also used an Art Bin box (and one from the fishing tackle department) and it worked well, but again, I placed the box vertically in a tote bag so that the tips all faced upward during transport.

[@rogerehinger6694]

For my regular brushes that often travel but not for plein air I often use straws. The plastic straws for milkshakes are usually larger diameter and thicker wall, the water or soft drink straws often vary from vender to vender. As with your clear sleeves care must be taken inserting the brush. Regarding Kolinsky sable brushes, the "best" use the hair from a specific place on the weasels body. Hair from anywhere on the body is truthfully Kolinsky sable but not the best for brushes.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Right and supposedly the male hairs are better than the female weasel's. I'm sure these are not the best but they aren't bad either. Kolinsky wears like iron.

[@RogerEhinger-tg1hv]

I read somewhere that the best hairs for brushes comes from the base of the tail on the male sable. I would guess that for marketing purposes you could use hair from any part of the little beastie and call it sable. As they say in real estate, location, location, location. Or as my pops used to say, you always pay for what you get, you don't always get what you pay for .

[@Eileen8353]

I have the Chinese travel set and like them. Found the same pros and cons you did. Good enough for cheap.

[@followyourbrush]

I had a dream that my daughter and I visited you, and we were all in your studio laughing. We enjoy your videos. Thanks.

[@mindofwatercolor]

OH! I had the same dream. (no just kidding 😂😉)

[@followyourbrush]

🤣

[@lynnephelps2370]

I've been using Isabey travel brushes, same ones for 15+ years. Squirrel mop, and 4 and 8 sable rounds. Love them!

[@deannahopkins3118]

This fuumuui travel brush is very worth buying, it is very good for my art creation

[@kellysartthrob]

I got a Fuumuui Kolinsky sable travel brush set and have been using it a lot for well over a year. My biggest gotcha was the point on the #4 and the loose friction fit on the cap. It looks like they solved the loose cap by making it a screw connection. Bravo! I also use (not travel) Blick sable brushes and Rhapsody Kolinsky sable brushes, and I think the quality is comparable. I have a few Winsor and Newton Series 7, which are IMO the best. But I reach for the Fuumuui travel brushes a lot and they've held up okay, just baby the points. Thanks for sharing your experience with travel and plein air. 😊

[@VanmeterFL]

Upon hearing you had a Rosemary & Co travel brush without a hole in the end, I inspected my set to find they all had holes. Thank goodness. I had always wondered about the inexpensive travel brushes on Amazon and just ordered a set of Fuumuui brushes to try. One of the most unusual travel brushes I own is my #6 Tintoretto 1397 dagger brush. I bought it for my travel brush set after watching your "Dagger, Sword Brush Spontaneous Landscape Playtime in Watercolor" video. I have fun playing with it. I also purchased a couple Whiskey Painter brushes (mainly because I love the philosophy behind using whiskey to paint with and it's such a cool group of artists). See you on Patreon!

[@irenehynes7536]

Thank you for all this wonderful and helpful information.

[@marieczm5970]

I bought the Fuumuui on Amazon and I am very happy with them. They hold a lot of water and get to a fine point. It is my favorite set to do plein air. great performance for the price. I add a watercolor pen brush and a good paper watercolor sketchbook to complete my on-the-go kit.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Yep, I'm more impressed than I thought I would be. Such a value.

[@catbraunwell6450]

Hi Steve. I have a good number of these brushes that you have although I do not yet have any Rosemary and Co ones. I agree with you the silver black velvet is untouchable. It is a great brush and an all-around useful one to have with me all the time. I also have the two cheap sets that you have and I actually really like them. Their durability seems to be pretty good as I have not treated them with as much TLC as some of my others and they’re holding up very well. I find the size 8 and 12 keep their tip better than the small ones. Plus I don’t feel like they are so precious and I don’t mind doing a little scrubbing and stuff if I’m using my neo colors and things like that. Great tutorial lots of fun thanks

[@margaretmcallister5422]

I recycle the tubes from basic soap dispensers (the press-top dispenser types). They're quite wide - useful to protect larger size brush heads. They work on short brushes to make them longer too.

[@annettefournier9655]

Yes i got the Chinese travel brushes. Three years on and still going strong.

[@joannnulmer9060]

I recently picked up a very very similar Chinese set, branded as “red maple” Brushes. I don’t plein air much but was going camping and wanted a decent travel set. I ended up highly enjoying them and find myself taking them out at home sometimes now too!

[@miklosnemeth8566]

10:50 I was thinking that, if anything Chinese are good, that must be brushes, they have a couple of thousands year of tradition making possibly the best brushes. Similar to Koreans and Japanese, these people and cultures are prettey awesome anything about watercolor and watercolor brushes. I've just ordered a set off Amazon DE and they are more affordable than big-name brands, but they are not cheap, in my country $25 EUR is not cheap for a set of watercolor brushes. I am a waterbrush fan and user, but definitely, I want a travel-brush set in my expanding kit.

[@patti3d]

This was a great informative video. Thank you. Have not attempted plein air painting yet , but always want to keep those slip covers from new sets and as usual I wind up throwing them away. I will rethink that!

[@alisonhendry2928]

Thanks for this review. I spotted those “ Kolinsky sable” brushes on Amazon, laughed and said what the heck… I was impressed enough to to buy two mores sets to give away! Trying not to buy any more animal based brushes so failed here for me, but for $18 you can’t go wrong. I tested them up against my real sables that are wearing out and was surprised how well these worked. Escoda Versatil are totally synthetic and really come the closest to sable for me, thank you Anna Bucciarelli for that video. I bought the silver black velvets years ago after watching one of your videos and they are still coming on trips. I can’t thank you enough for all of your videos and sharing you do. You really turn on the light bulbs on my journey. And make me laugh along the way.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Totally synthetic. Interesting, you are correct. I just checked their site. I saw some info years ago that said it was hybrid synthetic/natural. I was assuming goat since hybrids often use that. Good to know. Thanks for the heads up.

[@alisonhendry2928]

@@mindofwatercolor welcome. I respect you so much I don’t want anyone to come around and bite ....

[@lurklingX]

oh awesome, i just bought a set of escoda versatil and excited to hear such good things!

[@alisonhendry2928]

@@lurklingX you will be so happy with them. The points are not as good as Winsor Newton sables, but at least they don’t wear out as quickly . I have fooled myself many times picking them up thinking I had a Da Vinci maestro in my hand. I am now tempted by Escoda Chronos, but the animal part is holding me back.

[@lurklingX]

@@alisonhendry2928 ooo nice! I haven’t taken them for a test run yet. But will soon. -I was just watching a video that uses the versatil for main painting but the escoda Perla for more detailed work. That’s the one with the white synthetic hair. (holds less water but because it’s just detailed work doesn’t matter so much). :) can’t remember if the Perla comes in a travel version but I think it does. I also wonder if anyone makes a decent dagger or rigor that’s a travel brush. Have not looked into that whatsoever.

[@cheryl2673]

Thank you so much for this video :)I'm looking for a new travel brush and the Fuumuui travel set seems great.

[@lindathaxton1994]

I even have fun w/water brushes in sketchbooks. Thank you for this video 🙏

[@capbin146]

Great video. I never knew Princeton and Silver had travel brushes. My favourites are that rosemary quill and I think it’s a da Vinci 3 that has a screw thread. Been in the cupboard for 3 years, I’ll go say hello to them. Thanks

[@grandmasparkles58]

Thank you for this video. I am working on putting together various travel kits for use this summer. I have a set from the 2nd brand your showed at has 2 rounds, a flat, and a dagger in it. Now I just need to remember where I put it. They also have a set that has 2 rounds, a flat, and a cat’s tongue in it that I have been thinking about picking up.

[@lorraineclark3517]

Thanks for the overview on travel brushes.

[@mendyhand3895]

I got the wood travel. Love them for on the go. Mine said synthetic sable. Same brand. And just picked up some “ 9020- King brand “golden taklon regular very pointy round set. I turned the entire set upside down, still in the original packaging, and gorilla glued the back of the very sturdy cardboard..where the elastic was. And let it sit over night. I did this because they were packaged so well. So KEEP the clear but very strong little brush caps, and slide your brush right in there. I wish I would have done this for all of my brushes! Holds them in very tightly! Thx Steve!

[@eliotsteinbeck963]

fuumuui's travel brush is my favorite brush, I take it with me when I travel, it's a great brush

[@MDCampbell]

It's so funny. I have the same Art Bin box from the 1990s. I love the foam inserts! I really like travel toothbrush holders to keep brushes in. You can label each one and they protect the bristles and as long as the brushes aren't too long, they keep the entire brush safe. Nowadays, I use a rollup canvas pouch for travel. Works fine. In the studio, I use the Etchr Field Case which is where I keep most of my brushes. It has lots of room to keep brush tips safe and it's lightweight and well-made. I don't travel with it because I don't need to bring _that_ many brushes with me, anywhere. I do love the idea of saving the clear plastic tips, too. This is such a great presentation and informational video! I love that you can present exactly what is needed for this time of year! Well done, as always! Thank you! Hoping you and your family are all doing great. ~ Mark

[@mindofwatercolor]

Hey Mark. Thanks, and thanks for the great input. I hadn't thought of toothbrush holders. The ones I have are too short but there must be some longer ones. I have the Etchr Field Case but its sitting in a closet and I haven't thought about it lately. Probably a good choice. I can see how it could hold brushes without disturbing the bristles as much. I would probably still use tip protectors. For me travel brushes are the perfect no-fuss solution. Most of the quality brush names make them now. Glad you stopped by buddy.

[@Angelwrites]

Cutting a straw several times can do this too

[@mercypriestley6941]

Yes, fuumuui's travel brush, it has a good grip, I use this brush a lot, it works great

[@colleenmcchesney1482]

Yes, contrary to what most professional artists have said about the little plastic tube protectors that my new brushes come with I have always saved them & directly after cleaning my brushes and letting them almost completely dried to slightly damp, then put the plastic tubes on them to store to protect the bristles. It’s become a natural habit for me. I have not used the travel brushes (besides the water brushes) because of fear that they would pop apart while I was painting. I keep all of my brushes in a homemade denim brush roll so I can take them with me. I have seen these sets that screw in & have seriously thought of possibly getting one. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on them and sharing this wonderful informational video with us. As always your painting is a joy to watch!

[@miklosnemeth8566]

When the brush bristles are dry, how can you squeeze them back into the tube without folding some of the filaments back?

[@colleenmcchesney1482]

@@miklosnemeth8566 The bristles are slightly damp and I use Master’s Brush Cleaner & Preservative which helps hold the bristles in shape. It is a very slow & steady process of putting it on. Lots of practice.

[@anjikauffman6416]

My hubby just bought me this last set for Christmas! I was shocked how much I love them! They're the ones I always reach for at home, but I'm really amateur. I've never used a more expensive brush.

[@PumpkinPails]

I move a lot, and dealing with my brushes was a nightmare. I would honestly put them in a cup and put the cup in the car with me in the cup holder so I could keep an eye on them and make sure the bristles didn't get bent while I drove to wherever I was moving. Now I use a similar Art Bin case as yours, but I keep the brushes in place with poster putty. It works great and I don't have to worry about them being damaged anymore.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Good idea. Someone else suggested a kneaded eraser to do the same thing.

[@GONZOFAM7]

I bought the Fuumi set too. I'm new to watercolor so I guess they are ok. I have been using Princeton Velvetouch brushes so I cut a round no. 8 down to fit in a pencil box. I made a "cap" by using a scrap piece of watercolor paper, taped it round and slip that over just like the plastic ones. It would be good of Princeton made a travel set of the Heritage or Velvetouch lines.

[@Captain_MonsterFart]

Watercolour paper lids is such a good idea! I think you finally solved it for me.

[@ralphwiggum250N]

I bought a few good brushes but my favourite is Winsor and Newton Cotman brushes.

[@t2terri]

My favorite travel kit is the one you showed. ….. the little Art ki. I usually take water brushes to paint wit. Luv both!

[@attorneycarissa]

I've never seen the travel brushes! Those are great!

[@deanaxxs3nixones692]

This fuumuui travel brush, I also bought it before, I used it to paint outdoors, it is very convenient, I used it to paint a lot

[@jilliancrawford7577]

I recently started using normal drinking straws and coffee straws to keep the hair/bristles safe cut to size. They fit the most brushes I worry about the shape for the most like the tiny fineliners and I just cut them to shape for whichever individual brush needs. I don't have any of those super thick straws you usually get with boba/bubble tea but I am sure they will fit some more that I worry about. It's a good excuse to get some bubble tea lol! I personally think being able to protect my expensive brushes is well worth the sacrifice of straws not being see-through or all that stylish, but that's just me lol.

[@bonnieg4076]

Styrofoam pipe insulation with a slit down one side works well too. Thanks for your great ideas !

[@mindofwatercolor]

That's a great idea!

[@albertpietrosanu2667]

Wow that is quality!

[@condorreades2148]

I love all the Escoda travel sets - Perla, Prado, and Versatil - sets of six and sets of three. I tried traveling without a set last year and ended up having to order them while on the road! I actually prefer synthetic brushes so those are the only ones I buy. I do not like Kolinsky sable AT ALL!

[@alanjameson8664]

Some time last year I saw an earlier version of the Chinese brushes you show at 14 minutes (brown finish), with friction fit handles. I figured that for the price I couldn't go significantly wrong, and the brushes have served me well. They hold their shape and take up a lot of watercolor--if not really Kolinsky, they are plenty close enough. The quality control on the handle fit left something to be desired--they could be a bit loose, but that could be fixed by squeezing the end a little out of shape. The case looks to me like it could be real leather--after all, hides are a waste product of the beef and pork industries. I was pleased enough that I bought a second set--they are definitely better than some expensive name brands that I wasted money on. The screw-on handle fixes that, and if anything the price might be a bit less than what I paid. I think I will order at least one of the screw-on handle sets.

[@alanjameson8664]

OOPS--the pictures of the brushes on Amazon show friction fit, not threaded handles.

[@FaerieDust]

@@alanjameson8664 Yeah, I've been looking for screw on travel brushes (that aren't the Da Vinci ones) for ages, but the product photos all show the same friction fit mechanisms. They could be old photos, or it could be that they've phased out the screw on for friction fit. So tricky to shop online sometimes!

[@StephenMarkTurner]

Using that foam pipe insulation is a great simple idea.

[@shaunaartsandcrafts3330]

I haven’t tried yet but I’ve heard great things about the Creative Mark Mimik synthetic squirrel hair travel brush set of 5 (includes a flat). I just ordered it - I have the Creative Mark Mimik squirrel regular brushes and I love them.

[@diannedidomizio52747]

Interesting ~ Thank You!

[@bordeauxcarol]

I always save those plastic cylinders that come when you buy brushes. A while ago I had to move and they were really useful. For my quills and fan brushes I improvised caps with acetate or thin cardboard.

[@melodeeclaassen5443]

Steve, I like the roll up brush holders. They come in different styles and colors. The ends are open to the air.

[@eileengoldenberg270]

I just picked up a few escoda perla travel brushes, good point and up to size 12..

[@barbaraa.8889]

Thank you for this video! I use a toothbrush -holder (recommendation of urban sketcher Liz Steel): some Blue Tack on the bottom of one half, holds up to 4 brushes (slightly shortened with a pencil sharpener), has a hole to breeth. A very cheep solution.

[@l.nelson3093]

Check into "floral tubes." I have used them to cover a brush head for transit😉

[@daleshawn1910]

I love those Chinese travel brushes. My Rosemary Kolinsky sable brush was not anywhere as nice as these cheap ones. I bought a second set. Highly recommend them.

[@hayleygerbil3109]

How interesting that you rank brushes as the least important, I used to think they were the most important, I'm forever trying to find the 'perfect brush'. I fawned over a Jane Davenport set for ages and got them for Christmas, I enjoy them but I know nothing about brushes so I don't know if they're 'good enough'. Conversely, I got a brush from a cheap shop called sostrene grene, the brush was around 89p and it is such a fantastic brush, I really enjoy working with it. It helps that, because it's cheap, I don't worry about using it.

[@johnk3137]

If I have three or four brushes, I turn one upside down and use a rubber band to hold them together. When they slide around in the case, the tips don't jam into the end. But I did buy a travel set for my trip this summer.

[@ruthwilliams9882]

I have a set of Mimik travel brushes. They aren't bad at all! They're synthetic squirrel, just like their regular brushes. No hole in the end, but I usually let them dry out once I get home.

[@mbfrezon]

maybe a pedicure toe separator thing would work to grab onto brushes in a box. you holding the brushes between your fingers made me think of it. Myself I use a rather cheap roll up brush holder that I got at my local art supply shop. most of the slots hold two brushes (or more if like a rigger). I don't notice that they get scuffed up by the back of the roll up and there's a flap that covers all of them and keeps them from grabbing into each other.

[@budakart]

I found (bought) a mini plastic roll (similar to bamboo mat brush roll) with elastic and velcro locking thingy at a japanese second hand shop yesterday. It was part of a japanese/chinese calligraphy starter set i think. It is well designed and the brushes sit inside securely. Raphael make a similar smaller mini bamboo mat set.

[@cheralynn4417]

I've had the Golden Maple (silver handle) set for a few years. I use them frequently but not every day. I think they're awesome for the price and like the handles a bit better than my Princeton aqua elite travel set. I'm as likely to use them in-house as any of my other brushes. Great value for the money, love the case, and they're holding up well. Just wish they would add a flat to the set.

[@catbraunwell6450]

I was looking for a couple of flats also so I got two relatively small but quite useful ones in the gray matter brushes. I got the set of five and they’re pretty good. I think they are made by Robert Simmons

[@sideways586]

Hardware stores sell plastic tubing in the plumbing dept that might work for some brush head protectors. It's usually thicker than the ones that come with a brush. Jackson's sells clear tubes also. Maybe aquarium air tubing might work too.

[@cindymccann3753]

I keep the plastic tip protectors when I purchase the brushes....to use when traveling. Tip.

[@patriciafergusongerkin3785]

I started out just wanting to try out the Escoda Versatil I had seen on youtube, I found a size 10 round being sold seperatly and decided to treat myself that Christmas. It is actually a really nice travel brush, but they were just too expensive to get a whole set. I started looking for sets that I could afford and I found some that had screw on and screw off ends that looked more secure, so I bought a set that were not Sable to try and they were not bad but didn’t hold much water but did have a decent point. I found a set that stated they were Sable and they had the screw on ends that I liked plus they had at least 1 flat brush instead of all rounds and the name brand was the same as my last set- FUUMUUI and the set had a 12 and a 8 round and a size 8 flat which would be perfect for my #10 Escoda- it makes a really nice set and I have discovered that I really like the larger size brushes. The extra set I have decided to leave in the car for when I have time for a picknick and painting session.

[@emmamariamakes]

I believe versatil is full synthetic, the blend is called chronos.

[@lindathaxton1994]

Love my travel brushes - problem totally solved!

[@lindathaxton1994]

I don’t have Neptune travel brushes - that will be my next purchase. Love the Neptune brushes!

[@mekagooden4915]

Very good review. I have Escoda travel brushes and rather enjoy them. I want to add a black silver to my collection sometime soon.

[@catbraunwell6450]

I have the silver black velvet numbers six and eight and if you only want to get one I would suggest the eight as it can go to such a fine point that you really don’t need the two. They are awesome.

[@mechadebzilla]

I got a set of 4 travel brushes from a brand AIT Art Select off amazon. Synthetic sable, black metal bodies and advertised as made in USA. So far so good.

[@JaredCullum]

Cool video. :) I've been watching but I haven't checked in a bit. I hope you're doing well! You're much more kind to your supplies than I am haha I tend to throw mine in whatever I have available. My favorite for travel is the brush roll Tad Retz makes. It's a leather roll and I like it for my "A-squad" of brushes when I'm on the road with them. It's the best I've used.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Hey Jared. Good to hear from you. Thanks for commenting. I was just watching your newest folio palette video this morning. I just looked at the Tad Retz roll. It does look very nice. I don't think I would be as fussy with stiffer bristle brushes. Some of my soft watercolor brushes though are very easy frayed so the travel brushes are a great solution for me. Glad you stopped by.

[@walterpierluissi1379]

One thing I do to all my brushes is that I never through away the plastic covers they have when I sell them, even I use different sized of straws and cut them to fit my brushes and use them to store them, it's helps a lot to maintain the bristles in good form.....

[@nattyw495]

Im like you i like the black ones and finish on the barrels of the Chinesebrushes but im saving up for the princeton aqua travel ones..should have enough for set by xmas.i use my daughters old pencils rests that you slide onto the pencil near the point so you dont get callous on your fingers they slide right up the barrel to the brush hairs to help with transporting my wcbrushes and i also upcycled my daughters small plastic pencil school case from walmart that kinda square in shape, that i had 4 stick backed pencil/ pen holders attached to inside top the brushes just snap into them and my daughter bought those at walmart but i think u might be able to find them thru office depo, i can fit four brushes in plastic case on the inside top but had to do two on each side of inside top i kinda gerry rigged the pencil case cause i couldnt find anything to hold my painter palette with all my sketching pencils markers magnets clips ,earser ,tape, along with my wcp and brushes its kinda a little box on the go..small compact but able to fit in my purse.....mikelle art mom👩‍🎨🎨✍

[@addercrocuta6368]

I don't know if anyone's mentioned this, but modern kolinsky sable is actually taken from a different mink species than the much older ones - the original kolinsky brushes came from the kola peninsula, but when they became a protected species, people found that the modern species that's native to Northeast China and parts of Russia gave more or less identical fibre qualities from the tail tip. I did a lot of reading to find this all out, it's fascinating stuff - you need a CITES licence to get the kola Peninsula species but the newer ones aren't restricted 😊

[@melodyenglish4730]

I have the Fuumuui set. I've only used it a coupke of times, but I'm quite content with them.

[@KleineWellen]

You may have a look at the Da Vinci Travelbrushes. They have several sizes. There also is Tintoretto from Italy. They even have a size 20 mop. ;-)

[@Shuvah2Him]

OK. so I figured out a DIY to case a brush... I took a few ball post pen with screw on caps and took them apart - cut down the brush to fit in the barrel with the cap on and glued in- putting pics on FB - found some clear plastic test tubes on ebay that I will order - I think the clear plastic will be best so I can see which is which ... I will add labels on the pens to distinguish them

[@thomasjuracek2406]

I bought Escoda travel brush, size 12, just as you did. I had an Isabey size 8, but it has no point and would not hold enough water to do a reasonable sized wash. Escoda has only been used once, so jury is out. If I take a 24 half pan set out, then full size brushes fit in the palette and I carry an 8 and a rigger size 1, with the plastic caps.

[@dianamajchrzak5855]

I use plastic straws and an artist roll. I am collecting the plastic brush transportation covers. But straws work for my smaller brushes.

[@nickelazoyellow7360]

I have a set of those cheap silver-capped brushes. They are OK but one of them has a slightly loose cap (when using the brush) that can be annoying.

[@Sherlock2022]

I recently bought the Fuumuui set. I think the sizes are perhaps smaller than I’m used to.

[@lurklingX]

ooooo that last rosemary and company quill looks neat! and i love versatile brushes like you are saying it is. --i have a small set of *Versatils* that just came in late last night. 😃glad you tend to like that offering of *Escoda* ! my only other travel brush is a copper tube 6/8 or so that i got from Blick store. i think it is da vinci but not the paint company. *(EDIT: Raphael voyager)* . anyway, it disappointingly only works as a mop so was not going to be useful as an all-purpose travel sketching brush. --but i keep eyeing budget sets on amazon and wondering if any of them are decent performers. it'd be good to have stuff that won't break the bank if gets lost or damaged on trips. --would love if you could do a review of some budget sets from amazon, compared to say Versatil or any of your favorites here. *i love that travel flat you have by rosemary.* i've considered them a few times but wasn't sure what size to order since sizes are so unstandardized in general.

[@starr-starr]

Hmmm. I mainly use a waterbrush, but it’s definitely not as good as a real brush. I got 3 of the Jackson’s Artica travel brushes (made by Escoda, same as their Perla) and I like them. I really liked the Richeson one, except the vendor sent the wrong size. So I ,ordered the other two round sizes, should get here in a day or so. The point about them being non-reflective is right on, once I used that soft grey brush I noticed how shiny and distracting the ferrules were on my Jackson’s brushes. It’s good to know those inexpensive ones are not bad though. Thanks Steve!

[@claudiaking4064]

I have that affordable black enamel set of travel brushes from amazon and they're fantastic!!!! I HIGHLY recommend if you're looking for a well priced set of natural hair travel brushes :)

[@LightshamanaDhyana]

Fuumuui is decent for practice, swatching and mixing, lifting. As traveling brush is good enough although I carry my escoda traveling brush with it. Together they take any task and the Chinese brushes get the beat up, my princess Escada not so much.

[@bambirogers3943]

I would love to have that Rosemary all natural squirrel hair quill travel brush but cannot find it on the Rosemary site. Can you help me? Thanks

[@2Spunck]

Thanks. Do you have a recommendation for a good fine travel rigger that's not too floppy? Or is a good dagger/sword able to do the same work?

[@awatercolourist]

Tintoretto now has a humongous faux squirrel travel brush. I think their diameter is a whopping 2 cm.

[@donnakelly8911]

I keep those tube things on brushes at home when not in use.

[@stephanieamador4442]

I have the wooden Chinese fuuuuu whatever, love it I have a few Isaby (French brand that cost $150 each) and they are comparable. I am sure they are kolinsky sable Love them! Just wish they have a flat, mop, angle, dagger).

[@stephanieamador4442]

I have done all the other transport like you have. None work well. The water brushes (plastic water is held in the handle). Don’t like those ones.

[@lilyd30047]

I'm a fan of waterbrushes for portability. But regular travel brushes are much nicer to paint with!

[@miklosnemeth8566]

I have both and I found no difference. Caran d'Ache Derwent, Sakura water brushes has really decent brush head. I am really interested in your experience.

[@lilyd30047]

@@miklosnemeth8566 I've mainly used the pentel aquash water brushes. The pentels only have one shape in different sizes and it can be finicky to get a super fine point. I had to trim mine. Also with travel brushes (compared to pentel water brush) you can get a much larger brush size. I'll have to check out the brands you recommended.

[@wendyostlund3482]

I think I heard you say that the Escobar Versatil were some kind of hair, but they are actually a synthetic version of kolinsky sable.

[@annepercival7814]

Just looked on Amazon..’current Y unavailable’….but it does say synthetic sable

[@LightshamanaDhyana]

Put a potty strip on the bottom of any box and press the brush ferrule into it. No movement whatsoever. Easy to take out the brush and reusable. 3 or 4 bucks a package in the hobby lobby.

[@jpmedia_yt]

Hi Steve, thanks for this great video. Funny how this very topic has been running through my mind lately, Lo and behold, you brought up the topic 👌Do you have/seen a solution for larger flat brushes? I’m a starter with gouache (I tried watercolours but sends me to frustration, but I still love to tune into your channel). I’ve been learning with larger flat brushes to get shapes in. Now I’d like to head out and do some painting outside, but want to keep the flat brushes protected. They also often tend to be really long. Anyhow, thanks so much for the great content. Sometimes I listen to you and Marty’s live recordings in the BG as I work. Cheers.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Check through the comments here. There are several genius suggestions!

[@catbraunwell6450]

I took one of my flats and cut it down to the size I wanted for the little box I was putting it in or the toothbrush holder and I just filed and painted the end to protect it. Keep the little plastic tip protectors that come with the brushes. Otherwise you can always use a straw and some tape

[@cccsssish]

The Escoda Versatil is actually 100% synthetic faux Kolinsky, and personally, I enjoy it much more than the Princeton Aqua Elite. One travel brush that I'm really missing is a rigger. I'm considering buying the Silver Black Velvet Voyage no. 2 for that purpose. Have you tried it? Would you say it's a good solution?

[@mindofwatercolor]

The BV would paint nice fine lines but the length of a rigger has special properties. Just depends on your needs. Riggers for example can paint lines more consistently and with less wiggle. It's really something you have to compare to determine your preference.

[@cccsssish]

@@mindofwatercolor Thanks. I wonder why no one makes a thin travel rigger...