Winsor Newton Series 7 Brush (Part 1/2)

[@ElectricAlice]

I remember first using them when i attended comic book school as part of the inking class something like... god, it's been 18 years already? They were just fine at the time and when i stopped inking and started watercoloring i just repurposed them. and i kept buying them for a few years after and i literally saw the downfall in quality in these brushes. It was so stark. When i found rosemary&co brushes I just screamed and started insulting w&n for all the money they made me waste.

[@recoveringsoul755]

Good to know they used to be good

[@ElectricAlice]

@@recoveringsoul755 yeah I still have the first ones I bought. they still perform

[@Captain_MonsterFart]

Comic book school must have been so fun! Was it that one in New Jersey? Kubrick? I looked into going but Yank schools are freakin' expensive. I never got around to getting serious about pursuing that career. It's one of my life's regrets. Now I hear the pay isn't worth the time you put in so screw it.

[@ElectricAlice]

​@@Captain_MonsterFart yeah it was fun! Some of the best memories and my closest lifelong friends came from it. but it was in Rome, Italy, I'm not in the US! So, not as expensive, I managed to pay for it myself at the time. Also yes, the pay is not good, I ended up working in illustration and now in fashion but I don't regret a second of it.

[@marcofontolan6592]

I have two series 7 from W&N . N.6 and n.7 the difference is enormous. The n.6 holds the point super well and release the water well but I can’t say that for the n.7 that has problems to maintain the shape. I think the nice thing about this brushes is the sables, super soft , perfect for botanical drawings. When you get used to it ,they are the best brushes ever. But they are not for everyone. From n.000 to n.6 the tip is perfect From n.7 to n.14 the soft sables can’t hold the tip perfectly Sorry for my bad English (I’m Italian )

[@BarbrajoanOriginals]

Marco Fontolan Marco, don’t apologize for your English. It’s perfect.

[@jasminekuo656]

My No.6 works pretty shitty. I want my money back…

[@andrewryabinin7341]

Yes, you're right, it is very soft and the feel that you get from painting with this brush is unparalleled.

[@BarbrajoanOriginals]

Teoh, I’m sorry that you were disappointed in the WN Series 7. I have owned several, the #8, and the #6. I found that it made a good sharp point if I snapped it. I purchased my first one more than 25 years ago, and can still use it. But I must say I believe they are a bit overrated. I don’t like using animal hair anymore and some of the synthetics are just as good and better. Tallahassee, Florida

[@EdoHannema-Watercolour-Art]

One of the most expensive brushes on earth! It should perform heavenly! I have cheap chinese brushes that are performing better then the one from W&N you have there!

[@EdoHannema-Watercolour-Art]

@@alcedo_kf I have some more expensive chinese brushes too. But not at the level of a series 7

[@aylinbegum5744]

me too ! But I never use the ones with animals bristles. Excepted goat air that I like much for some washes. I don't think goats suffer that much for giving wool as it is the case for small animals like badgers for example.

[@EdoHannema-Watercolour-Art]

@@aylinbegum5744 I have a lot of goat hair brushes. I have for 40 years a badger shaving brush. 40 years ago it was not yet wrong to buy. I dont throw it away either because it is wrong now!

[@brainfornothing]

Agree. I bought 3 chinese "cailigraphy brushes" for less than 4 € and they work great, but you need to glue the base of the hair, they fall apart very quickly otherwise. I used a few drops of cyanoacrylate. Cheers !

[@ZenTeaNow]

Can you tell me what brand of Chinese brushes you use?

[@graffiti2006]

This made me go through my watercolor brush collection, all cheapies. My best brush is a synthetic Richeson Steven Quiller no. 12, I bought for $12, but lists for $25 now. Always goes to an instant point if it's wet and you tap the handle. One of these days I will have to 'break down' and buy a natural brush to see what I'm missing. Your final comment, 'hmmm....' -priceless.

[@morguliusz9770]

After 150 years we still don’t know how to make brushes! God Save the Queen xD

[@arcuda2001]

lololol

[@kookatsoonjan]

LOL...God Save her...Victoria!

[@zulrechdog1739]

Right XD

[@claudiahemmings2080]

This series of brushes used to be excellent years ago but the quality has nose-dived in recent years. Now they are overpriced rubbish. Winsor and Newton should be ashamed of themselves.

[@rebeccapage4411]

I had the same problem with DaVinci sable that was crazy expensive (they refunded and shipped a new one). The end is a flat instead of a point. I stopped buying 100% sable and prefer mixed hairs now.

[@BarbrajoanOriginals]

Same here, in fact I prefer the mixed or synthetics.

[@melissabridge5687]

That brush didn't even act like real sable??? I would contact W&N to have them explain the quality issue. They will see this video...They should be fixing the problem.

[@danielleroxy]

Very interesting!! I bought a W&N series 7 size 6 on amazon years ago & was not impressed...I thought maybe I received a fake! I never noticed the spread out hairs when in the water. Now I’m curious to see if that happens to mine too.

[@srlovinap]

I don’t know what’s going on with Winsor and Newton; I have the same experience that you’re having on my #4 compared to the others in the set. I called Winsor directly and they are in the process of replacing it. The agent said she will have quality control test it before sending to me, so I really hope I get a much better brush this time. Thank you for all the information!!!

[@RadTrashed]

The quality of these brushes have seemingly always been very inconsistent. I have one and it doesn't work any better than my cheaper ones but I used my friends and it worked rather well. Idk what the deal with with these brushes you're better off with an alternative like a Rapheal 8404 or something lol

[@l.nelson3093]

Oi! I tried my first sable and returned it. Spent a year savoring my Escoda Versatils and finally took the plunge after I saw you using the Rosemary and Co. travel brush. I love, absolutely love, Rosemary & Co! Thank you!

[@spiritsjoy]

I returned my series 7 too, it would make wispy ragged lines because it wasnt tapered properly, kinda like a bad bob style haircut. I bought a size 6 Isabey, travel kolinsky from amazon, on a sale for 17 dollars. It has become my favorite travel companion or anytime reliable brush. My only problem is that the isabey runs a full size smaller than the standard and the lack of larger sizes. I would buy them out if they offered them in a bigger size, at any price.

[@SanchezOKelly]

The warnings about not sticking brushes in your mouth are because a lot of pigments are toxic. So they don't want to encourage people putting them in their mouth. I haven't used a series 7 that large before, but the smaller sizes like 0 00. You have to give a little bit of a twist as you load them with paint to get them to form a point.

[@kellyro77]

Thank you for your review on this brush. I've been mildly considering purchasing one since it's supposed to be the "best" brush out there... but that's by W&N's marketing terms. I mostly stayed away from it because I'm not fond of Kolinsky brushes. I think it's an unnecessary and cruel practice anymore given the amazing quality available in synthetic brushes now. I'm really happy with my Princeton Neptune brushes instead. Even their #6 quill can come to a sharp point. Best of all, they're relatively budget-friendly, too. Have you used Princeton Neptune brushes?

[@paniccoffee]

Hi, Teoh. This is unnacceptable quality, given their reputation. I have been using Series 7 brushes for my miniature detail painting for years now and I still actually use them today, but I have never come by any that couldn't keep a point. From my experience, they are (or probably with QA issues now "were") truly worth the price and they perform extremely well with smooth control of water/pigment release and spring. Some people who've never tried them think they are overrated, but I can attest that they perform as advertised, or at least, used to. It might be that the new batch has extremely lousy quality control and I can definitely say the same for their "Professional Watercolour Brushes", that can never keep a point, I have 6 of them and none of them keep the point. That said, I can vouch for the older production of Series 7, they are great and never fails (with proper care, of course). It was a hassle returning them, so I am using them as mops or swatch brushes. I have since switched to Rosemary Brushes, so I cannot say for the new batch of Series 7s, of which I have heard many similar issues from my friends and contacts. Hope that helps, perhaps you can return it?

[@teohyc]

I’ll be using mine as a mop brush and whenever this brush makes an appearance in video again I will warn my audience about it.

[@aeliren]

I have two of the series 7 brushes - 6 and 4. After using them for a while, I’m not able to bring the 4 back to the point anymore - it splits into two points. Very frustrating. I thought it’s my fault for maybe not being gentle enough with it, but seems to be on the W&N’s side... I haven’t used these brushes for quite a long time, especially since I got the Silver Black Velvet. However, I must admit, I’m fond of the W&N miniature series - they perform very well. There’s also not much choice on the market - I know that Rosemary & Co has miniature brushes, but they are not easily available where I live. Anyways, thanks for the video, Theo, good to know that it’s better to skip these at all😁

[@ElectricAlice]

I don't think rosemary&co brushes are easily available anywhere, they do not have a great distribution, i think they sell mostly through their website

[@susanshirley823]

Rosemary & Co ships. It may take a while but they are awesome. Recently received a brush with a wonky point. They immediately gave e several options to make it right. Their brushes are amazing. The points are unbelievable.

[@aeliren]

Susan Shirley I would love to try them someday for sure:). Right now the exchange rate + VAT + shipping makes it a bit too expensive for me, especially considering other great brands, that are more available for me, like Silver Brush and DaVinci. But someday for sure:)

[@susanshirley823]

aeliren what country do you live in?

[@aeliren]

Susan Shirley I live in Poland. So unless it’s not available at Jackson’s - it becomes in most cases too expensive to order because of high shipping cost.

[@nikiiannarone7149]

Teoh I'm so grateful for you & your videos. You are very thorough, very fair, & you are very smart so I feel like when I watch your reviews you try the things I would as well, & then more. You honestly make videos where you buy & try something so we don't have to. PS- such a cute sketch of Tiffany! Thank you!!

[@arcuda2001]

thank you , as always, Teoh .. for your time and effort with this reviews .. they are so helpful !!

[@painter662]

Teoh, I have a full set of Series 7, bought around 2000. They all handle better than the 2 you had... however... even then I received a number 6 with a improperly fitted ferrel out of the box. I have always treated them like pre ious gems do to replacement costs... and some where about 10 years ago I stumbled into a sale at Jerry’s Artorama, for one of their private label ie inexpensive sets... Rhapsody, kolinsky sable... figured I could use them for down and dirty stuff saving the 7’s for fine stuff... much to my amazement the Rhapsodies handled as well or better than the 7’s ever did. In all honesty they have been my go to brush since.

[@ingridhelik5905]

Thank you for this video! I was saving to buy that brush, being in Canada it's even more expensive. I will be looking at other brands. Its a shame, ive had a very fineW&N brush for 50 years, when i started and it is still fine. The handle looks beaten up but the hairs are still springing back. I guess quality is not what it used to be😔

[@teohyc]

Consider Da Vinci, Rosemary or Escoda. That's the order of my preference.

[@garyweybright3227]

Hello Teoh, I have no W&N brushes, but I have a DaVinci brush that is quite old and reliable. Last time I was at a Daniel Smith store I tried a W&N I really liked it but the price was just too much. Thanks for this review, W&N may be riding on their past quality history but many artist may be using older brushes actually BETTER than what they are producing at present. ClaudiaSJI

[@BarbrajoanOriginals]

Gary Weybright Yes your right about their brushes being better made long ago. I have two Series 7 brushes bought over 30 years ago, but wouldn’t buy them today.

[@garyweybright3227]

Barbra Joan , thanks for this Barbara. Just for kicks, what sable brush if any do like best in 2020? ClaudiaSJI (Gary’s wife)

[@LindaRichards15]

OH YES! Thank you for the video on this. I am always on the look out for good quality brushes & other's opinions on good or bad quality brushes!

[@icanhazKnit]

Lol i love how you ended it. “Winsor and Newton... hmmmm” yeah I have a series 7 that I actually hate, it sits in my collection as decoration. Every time I consider reaching for it, I think about how frustrating it is to work with.

[@teohyc]

You can use it as a mop brush

[@icanhazKnit]

Teoh Yi Chie 🤣🤣🤣

[@homeschooledaroundtheworld4660]

I was waiting for this video for so long and this exact week I was going to order the WN SS 7 but I was very hesitant. Thank you!

[@wilfreeborn1]

Interesting, thanks for doing this. I've tried them out, but never found them that good for me - huge fan of da Vinci - maestro brushes. I wonder if their "legendary status" is more for comic book artists. I know quite a few who swear by them as it holds the ink really well and you get a good line. I imagine ink behaves differently to watercolour.

[@iiaimee]

Thanks for the review! I had the same problem that the brushes tip became flat and not pointy (mine are no.2 ,4) . I thought Aren’t they supposed to be the best Kolinsky brushes!? Or i did something wrong with them. Now it’s all clear.

[@angeleatan2662]

A very interesting review indeed! I've seen videos on how they hand make these W&N brushes and thought it was mesmerising but from your review... it really tells alot and I'll just stick to more consistent brands like Escoda, Da Vinci and Nevskaya Palitra! Also, it was really weird that when the brush entered the water, there are many curvy strands standing out.... definitely feels like something is wrong. But thanks for reviewing this for all of us! It is definitely costly and I hope you'll still manage to be able to use the brush so that it will be "worth it" for you! Loved how you ended the video at "Hmmm... " 🤣

[@melissabridge5687]

I have 3 WN septre gold brushes. I believe they are Sable and Synthetic mix. They hold a lot of water and keep a good point. I'm glad I didn't spend the money on the series seven . Instead I purchased 3 Escoda on your recomdation 3 years ago and could not be happier!!

[@edzejandehaan9265]

Wow, this is quite an eye opener. One would think a brush of a known brand in their top priceclass would perform flawlessly. I started WC about half a year ago, one of my favorite brushes is a chinese calligraphy brush I bought years ago on a whim in a cheapo craft store and laid unused in a drawer all that time. It shedded a couple of hairs when I started using it, after that it performs great, holds a ton of water and keeps a great point (wish I had bought a couple more, could have gotten at least 15 for the price of that single W&N!).

[@cristinasunrise6309]

No brush should be pointed in your mouth. They are never 100%clean, it's a bad and unhealthy habit. Point them with your fingers

[@edzejandehaan9265]

@@cristinasunrise6309 Thanks for the tip captain Obvious. Btw even your fingers shouldn't be necessary, stroking the wet brush on the pallet or watercontainer edge should reshape the point.

[@teohyc]

I didn't think of that. lol

[@cristinasunrise6309]

@@edzejandehaan9265 I didn't intend to reply to your comment, it was a general one to the video but glad to see you don't suck your brushes 😁

[@edzejandehaan9265]

@@cristinasunrise6309 I try not to suck in general😄 And I understand, happened to me too, wanting to make a general comment, not noticing/forgetting I opened a specific comment. And of course you are right, even tough most modern pigments are not as toxic as more old fashioned ones there are still quite a few you don't want in your body. Actually I can hardly imagine there really are people who stick the business end of their brushes in their mouths....

[@nighte11e]

Seriously Teoh, your channel deserves more subscribers!!!!!

[@cisp360]

For needle pointed tip, I only trust da Vinci Maestro series 35. I have bought a Rosemary series 33 and it behave similar to your WN 7. They (Michael from Rosemary & Co) offered to send a replacement with my next order but I have not made a new order yet. It was at least one year ago so I guess they wont remember :D. Nice company though.

[@Testudio]

I like it when you do different categories in your reviews.

[@djorzgul]

Sorry to hear that your experience was such a failure. I got all 3 w&n series 7 in perfect working condition, and both were shipped overseas ( I am in Vietnam for the time being). I have size 7 ( the one that comes with a wooden box) and two "normal' in size 2 and 4... all pointing perfectly, holding paint and water and retaining shape...Definitely most pleasant brushes to work with. At least for my way of drawing. And all were bought in last 6 moinths. On the other side, I have exactly the same problem with the ecoda reserva ( travel) size 12... like copy-pasted... I thought it was because of extremely powerful glue they use to protect the brush, but I am week into using it and although there's a slight improvement it still doesn't point or retain shape nowhere near to what it should... I'll receive replacement soon, but I am curios if our problem is glue related...

[@herbcroneart]

Ah...I was going to save up for one of these. I won’t now lol. Recently I have got into using Jackson Art’s own brushes and they are really good. Thanks for this review.

[@Ibaneddie76]

That's unfortunate that you had a bad experience I love my series 7 brush, I'm only using it with black ink and not water colors so there may be a viscosity discrepancy but mine always holds it's shape. I've never focused on wether or not it frays in water or loaded it up with water only black ink so I'm thinking that mayb these brushes aren't the best for water color anymore since it seems that mostly inkers are using them currently. It just sucks that it didn't work out for you, I know how it feels to be let down by a tool you are looking forward to use.

[@sprungjitsu8465]

Im having exactly the same issue with a size 6. Also when it dries it spreading like crazy. Its so weird maybe they dont get good quality these days so they use roadkill cats now instead

[@devdevai]

I have a no. 2 DaVinci Casaneo I bought for less than $30 US after you reviewed that range of brushes a while back. I *love* that brush. I use it for everything. It holds tons of water, releases it very predictably, makes lovely flat washes, and snaps back to a needle point for details/thin lines. I re-did some of the tests you put the WN Series 7 through and DaVinci's synthetic squirrel mop did a better job than WN's real-hair professional-grade brush. I don't know what exactly that says about Winsor and Newton's quality, but it's nothing good

[@lschimes6844]

Thanks for another great video Teoh. Interesting to see how this brush performs and handles. Think I will continue to be an Escoda brush 🖌 fan! 😉 Take care.

[@Nivea76]

I've got one in size 2 and it is one of my favorite brushes, but I prefer DaVinci. They aren't as easy to come by as the DaVinci so I haven't bought more. It seemed a lot of comic book inkers sweared by the Winsor & Newton brushes in the 80s and 90s which is why I was interested in trying one myself. It's crazy that such a high quality brush line should have so many issues though. Hopefully this video will nudge them to step up their quality control.

[@teohyc]

I read that too about comic artists and artists working at animation studios. But I guess that was the past

[@billd6069]

I have a series 7 size 7, and don’t use it. But the Winsor & Newton series 7 size 2 is my only brush for doing dry brush botanical watercolor.

[@LaLa_ArtGal]

Wow! That was astonishingly bad for as much as these brushes cost. I'm grateful for your review.

[@MaryPrasadArt]

Wow, I would contact W&N and show them your video - ask them to replace the brush you have as well. I have several Series 7 brushes and have never had a problem with them. Although I bought them several years ago. I just went and used my size 6 again just to be sure... and it works like a dream. It comes to a sharp point every time and has a spring like it should. It releases paint well too. I am not sure why you got two really bad ones. I would definitely get it replaced. :-( I like your sleeping child image!

[@ChrissieNicely]

Honestly, Teoh, imho you should talk to Jackson's and ask them to exchange this expensive brush for a similar one from DaVinci or another good brand. If you send the link to this video, I am sure, they will not hesitate to send you another. As far as I know their service is excellent. I only have one W&N brush and it's the Professional Water Colour Sable One Stroke in 10mm. It does a similar weird thing in the water although not as bad as yours but when I pull it out it seems fine and holds/gives off the water well. I guess I was lucky! 😉

[@teohyc]

I'll keep this to use as a mop brush and mention it in every video that the brush makes an appearance to warn others.

[@ChrissieNicely]

@@teohyc Haha, Teoh! Revenge is sweet (and best served cold), eh! 😯😆

[@teohyc]

@@ChrissieNicely I more public service than revenge. lol

[@ChrissieNicely]

@@teohyc Oh yes, that you certainly do! And we are all absolutely and ever so grateful for it! 🥰👍🏻 Btw. do you, by any chance, have a bottle of W&N Granulation Medium? I am trying to find out what it says on the ingredients list and I cannot get to the art store right now.

[@teohyc]

@@ChrissieNicely Not sure about WN but Schmincke granulation medium is made with Ethanol

[@refahr9408]

I recommend da vinci series 35 ,size 9.It is really great,but I didn’t satisfied with series 11,It lost lots of hair and I got it back.

[@squadiodatamj5998]

Thank you for another excellent and informative video...just what I needed and now I can move on to a better choice.

[@lindaolsen7828]

I thought I'd bought a bummer when WN brought out the series 7 number 12 again. But my brush also does not point well. Fortunately I got on a sale and it wasn't as horribly expensive as they are today. That said, I have rarely used it and would not take a chance on series 7 again. I suppose it would make sense to start using it for some rougher work and save the better ones for gentle use so I get some value from it.

[@jendeleonart]

I had a similar experience with Winsor & Newton Artists’ Kolinksy Sable Watercolor Brushes. They were so frustrating to use! They did not hold any point whatsoever. They were my first sable brushes, so I was extremely disappointed.

[@jennw6809]

Amazing. I wanted to try these brushes, but I was cheap so I bought a size 2. I can't judge very well because it's so small. It did not perform that badly, however, I can get a finer line out of my larger synthetics that come to a better point.

[@teohyc]

Smaller ones seem to have better quality control, at least from what I have read

[@SPQRKlio]

I was lucky to get a good Series 7, purchased about a year and a half ago, but I don’t love it compared to my other brushes, including the synthetics. It came with the metal a little bent (easily fixed), and overall it performs just adequately. I don’t think much of W&N watercolours so I don’t touch this brand much, but I’d wanted to try this one for myself because of the reputation. Turns out I never use it.

[@Ross1950art]

That's very strange. I have never had any problems with my series 7 size 7. My series 7 size 6 has been with me for more than 40 years. Still points up like new.

[@teohyc]

It is very strange to have 2 bad brushes out of 2. And there are too many people sharing their bad experiences in the comments section.

[@Ross1950art]

@@teohyc I'm as puzzled as I am disappointed. Maybe more puzzled. And curious. Such a reputation for quality and...what??? Anyhow, thanks for your reply. That's very nice of you.

[@phunghuynh825]

The answer is you got your brushes 40 years ago not recently.

[@everartokelli]

I've had a pretty good experience with the Winsor & Newton Series 7, with my newest one (7 Round) being about 2 years old. It still has a nice point, and holds water perfectly. I also have a couple of riggers, and older rounds in sizes 8, 4 and 2 all of which were gifted to me used about 4 years ago. The WN7 sable brushes tend to keep a point much longer than synthetics in my opinion, and they are solid work brushes. I will admit, I miss my da Vinci kolinsky sable that went to an art student when I got all the WN7 brushes. The da Vinci brushes feel better in the hand and seem to be more luxurious. It's sad that the WN7 brushes no longer live up to the reputation that they build up over many decades.

[@maisiefreeman8597]

I've also heard the series 7s are hit-and-miss with regards to quality in recent years. If you do buy one, I definitely suggest taking the time to browse through Ebay to find a well-cared-for vintage one. Or just be like me and stick with Rosemary brushes - they have never let me down.

[@golddi1]

I wonder if the name on the brush has anything to do with this, it states sable and not typical Kolinsky red sable. Sable can come from any part of the animal, or any sable for that matter, while the best brushes are made from winter coat tail and only from one location in Siberia.

[@vwood2]

Great review! I’ve had a similar experience. I bought two of them in the 1980s. They were the only kolinsky sable around and highly recommended. However, they never pointed well, and I found them too soft. They’re not worth the money, and many modern synthetic outperform them. I think the one exception is if you are painting a large flat wash - for example on a half or full sheet painting. The synthetic brushes run out of liquid much faster. But that’s never an issue in sketchbook work. For sables, like you, I’ve found daVinci, Escoda and Rosemary & Co much better.

[@user-ok3by4es1h]

Same thing happened to me and when I exchanged it I got a proper brush that makes a better point than your replacement. Bummer about their quality control because it’s a lovely brush (size 7, bought it last month)

[@nicolechen1011]

The way it looks in the water is similar to my cheap Art Secret mixed sable brushes, but my cheap sable brushes do keep very good points.

[@alisonjames8082]

One of my watercolour teachers had a set of Series 7 brushes that he had used for a lifetime. He was till able to do very detailed work with them. I bought a number of them in the period 2005 to 2010, and they are very good. They disappeared from our local stores for a while and now are back again. It may be that they are now made in a different place. I did purchase a No. 10 in 2017, and it is a nice brush. I am so sad that you are having such a bad time with them. I do like the Series 7 brushes that I have, but they were probably all made in the original factory.

[@annamaria239]

Which rosemary seria is best? Top of the top?

[@mariochavez5583]

yep, the series 7 used to be the standard. if you wanted to jump into a good quality brush, that was the brush that was always recommended. not so much anymore. they aren't what they used to be, they've had serious issues with quality for what now seems like years. it's a brush that you should definitely try in a store with some water, and not order online. I like the davinci maestro 35. great brushes.

[@nikolakrcmar8370]

I have a whole range of Nevskaya Palitra brushes, both squirrel and kolinsky sable, and they are all ace. The price is much lower, but the brushes are excellent.

[@hemmerable]

I have a # 4 w&n s7 that is giving me fits. It is nice and pointed when it's saturated, but when I dab it off to use it just damp it splays out to 3 separate hairy points. At the 32$ price tag I paid from blick I'm not pleased. I have 4 other sizes in this series that are fine... But no better than the escoda reserva imo.

[@plutothedoll]

I had the same issue with my kolinsky sable brush, but it was a handmade one and cost me only 13$) the brush performes as bad as yours, I tried everything but nothing helped to make a sharp point or to hold water properly.

[@curleen4952]

Few months ago, I watched a video about how these brushes are made. At that time I thought "ok that's why it's so pricey". But now, watching your review makes me feel like a fool 😂 That previous video got me with this "handmade knowledge"... But it's all about marketing, and like everyone else said, about their overly good reputation. Thanks for the review! I wasn't planning to buy this brush because it's too expensive for me, but it's good to know it doesn't worth the money after all.

[@curleen4952]

I have a serie 7733RO from Léonard in size 6 from over 10 years now and it never failed me! When it's dry, the point gets a bit fuzzy due to it's age, but whenever I soak it in water, it's going back to a point again. It carries a lot of water and I can get very thin and precise line with it.

[@teohyc]

I watched that video too. I, unfortunately, even shared it.

[@curleen4952]

@@teohyc oops 😂 But it's still an interesting video, just to learn how brushes are made

[@blubberdust]

Hey Teoh! I recently bought a few watercolor brushes at my local art store for about $9-$17 each depending on the size. They are the Princeton Aqua Elite series, sizes 6, 8, and 12 and I've been very very satisfied with them so far. I'd like to see your opinion on them!

[@teohyc]

I heard good things about those brushes but I have not tried them myself

[@thetwelve5922]

please review daler and rowney Aqua fine brush?!

[@samanthatran1581]

That’s good to know! I have the WN cotman and I will have to test them like this ^

[@danthomas6587]

I own two very small series 7 brushes I use for botanical illustrations but Id never spend big bucks on anything bigger than that. Anyhow thanks for thevid...as always I usually go to your channel before I buy a new brush.

[@aylinbegum5744]

Hi Teoh ! As some people already remarked and your demonstration proves this brush is weird regarding to the price. Never mind, I just had the curiosity to see what about winsor and newton quality. I don't use animals bristles brushes excepted Chinese goat hair brushes that I like for some watercolors washes or to soften creamy gouache for getting better shades between colors in some particular works. I like a lot synthetic brushes because they are more nervous even they could load enough water. Also I like the sharp points on round brushes that helps to use the same brush for thick strokes as well as for details. It seems that this winsor & newton brush is long... For watercolor and gouache works I work with short handle brush (the long handles fits more to oil paintings)

[@teohyc]

This is a short handle brush.

[@IrisMG]

I'm shocked, I must say! This is the one illustrator Lizzie Harper uses for her work. That said, her brushes have to be fairly old by now. Quality control must be an unfortunate issue nowadays. Appreciate the perspective, Teoh!

[@gunsmokeandghouls]

I had heard about the problems, sorry to see they're true for you. I love Escoda.

[@cocoroach_ok]

My first "fancy" brush is Kolinsky brush from brand named "Xpression/Bali Artist". It's local brand (I think?) in Indonesia. And it behave exactly like this WN Series 7. The bristle spread like crazy, you can't get a nice point, it holds a lot of water but I can't really control it, and overall very disappointing. Thank God it's cheap

[@LeeAngold]

Ooof that's really unfortunate, especially given the high price of these brushes. Years ago I bought a few series 7 brushes and loved them all, until one day I got a defective one that shed half it's hair in the first few uses. My non-defective Series 7 brushes all snapped back to a perfect point through years of use. I do feel like Winsor and Newton as a company seems to rest on their laurels and has not been as innovative or focused on improvement as other brands Since then I've switched to Rosemary brushes and I love them. The price can't be beat, they offer a variety of different shapes of kolinsky sable, and the quality control is excellent.

[@annamaria239]

Hi! which rosemary seria is Best?

[@PureXLR8tion]

Thank you so much for your awesome and super helpful review!

[@Tennishead21]

This is unforgivably bad from Winsor and Newton, especially since the replacement brush performed no better than the first. Winsor and Newton has been sitting on its name and so-called 'reputation' for far too long, bolstered only by its own inflated and arrogant sense of self-importance.

[@geslinam9703]

I do NOT get the hype over the Series 7 line. I have a few small ones, and from day one I dealt with splayed bristles and basically unimpressive, ho-hum results. There are plenty of other brands out there that make much better quality brushes. Nice to hear about Jackson’s having good customer service.

[@maverickspirit208]

I wish I would have watched your video before I recently purchased a W&N 7 brush. I was heartbroken when I tried to use it, no tip and doesn't hold much water.

[@ostelaymetaule]

Nevskaya palitra is a really nice brand in my experience, though a bit biased. Their watercolor is also really nice. Sadly it’s hard to get by outside of Russia

[@nicholascaldwell6079]

The quality of Kolinsky sable is very dependent on having sufficiently cold winters in Siberia so I think from now on it's going to pure luck as to what we get. W&N isn't going to be the only company with increasingly unreliable brushes. Edit to add that I think W&N's popularity probably means we're seeing more new stock more quickly than we might from other makers. The note about not licking the brushes was probably because a lot of war-game miniature figure painters lick them like crazy and are going to poison themselves.

[@josedelaguerra3688]

Same situation with my collection of 7 series. Price too high and I don’t enjoy very much compared to Escoda reserva.

[@tinglestingles]

Her Majesty would not be amused!

[@ochagirls]

Hello Teoh in Indonesia we have Art Shop called Artemedia they have a pure red sable series and it's very cheap compared than winsor (lmao so expensive here) I have using them since and they are pretty excellent . Also they have a Kazan mop brushes are very excellent maybe you can try and give it a review.

[@JoyDiPaola]

I was also disappointed with the Series 7 I had tried (just a size 2). It never came to a point and would split weirdly. Rosemary and Escoda all the way for me. Thanks, Teo!

[@jackhumphreymusic]

I managed to improve a winsor newton series 7 by washing it with a silicone free conditioner

[@teohyc]

I've used this for a few more times and it's getting better but it still can't taper to a point.

[@KatherineStarbird]

I'll try that. Bought 2 brushes, one is fine, the other splays out and won't point.

[@chloesartsycreation7623]

I really realllllyyyy love your drawing styleeee

[@EstudioBrigitArte]

Thanks for the review, two brushes in a roll none were good....and expensive! ☹️

[@jeffreywelch9360]

Miniature painter here. These are our preferred brush. Not sure how they actually are for water color.

[@teohyc]

Maybe the smaller brushes work better

[@sstang2030]

Adoi, the "cucumber" strokes! 😱 Thanks for this great video review! Now I treasure my cheaper no-brand brushes even more. At least mine can taper and transfer colour well.

[@pheebs2083]

Thank you for doing this review.. I was contemplating for the longest time whether the series 7 was truly worth the price tag. I have a da Vinci which I love but unfortunately I bought a size I hardly use :( Have you ever tried the Princeton kolinsky brushes? Would love to know what you think! :)

[@teohyc]

I’ve not tried Princeton. You can’t go wrong with Da Vinci, Escoda or Rosemary

[@SUSSDUE]

I have tried several other brads of kolinsky sable brushes and always go back to my trusted Winsor & Newton 7 size 2. You have apparently had the misfortune to get a bad one- something that has never happened to me and I have been buying these brushes for a long time. I haven´t tried the larger sizes, they might not be as good as the smaller ones I use ( but I would be very surprised if that is the case), but if anyone gets discouraged by this video from buying W&N nr 7 in sizes 000 to 4 I can only say they miss out on getting a very good brush. But if it was about the watercolours I would agree, there W6N let the quality slip when they moved production from the Uk to France ( ans some say, horror , to China...).

[@capyboppy]

Charlotta Due I’ve just posted about my 000 & 1 sizes if you want to have a look. Not that impressed I’m afraid.

[@teohyc]

Maybe the smaller brushes are better. But I'll be shocked if these brushes weren't at least tested before they were packed to sell. The basic quality control is lacking.

[@capyboppy]

Teoh Yi Chie I agree. So disappointing. I encourage you to pursue a refund and not an exchange: they are too expensive to be lying around gathering dust. I wish looking back to last year I had done this, but I was too inexperienced to realise.

[@teohyc]

@@capyboppy It's okay. That WN brush will show up in many future videos where I will continue to warn people about it.

[@capyboppy]

I bought 2 series 7 last year (000 & 1) and although not as bad as this I was disappointed with them. They do not splay out like yours Teogh, but there is an issue with one of them with a couple of hairs. One is ‘bent’ and another is very short. I’m reluctant to cut these faulty ones off as I read somewhere you shouldn’t do this as it causes further problems. They hold water and paint okay, but the general feel of them was very disappointing, with my synthetic brushes feeling much better. I could ill afford the brushes and had saved up for them, along with battling my own ethical thoughts with using sable. They do go to a point but not as easily as other brushes. After all the hype and trying them out my verdict is that I feel I will ‘have’ to use them, rather then ‘want’ to use them. As you have now had a second faulty brush Teogh, I would contact Jacksons or Winsor &Newton and ask for a full refund. I am a hobbyist and even I could see the issues were still mostly there. When buying expensive supplies we expect them to be up to quality.

[@teohyc]

I'll keep this and use it as a mop brush and mention it in every video that the brush makes an appearance to warn others.

[@gaelhillyardcreative]

Winsor and Newton are a shadow of what they were. I think another company that has gone the way of putting profits before quality and rely on a former reputation (such as Dr Marten's boots, Neal's Yard, Derwent, and in particular Daler Rowney). They are not wholly awful like I find DR to be though. W&N's Cotman range is not bad and some of their watercolours - their cobalt turquoise light is wonderful, their canvases, and spiral bound books are still as good as ever. I am surprised you don't have a Rosemary sable brush - I've heard they are superb (I am a veggie so try to avoid natural fibres). But well done Jacksons - they are a really great company.

[@thinkihveamnesia]

Cane right here when notification came:) i love my sakura koi watercolour from overjoyed when i bought on Thursday and I forgot to buy new brushe😭😭

[@gabriellemadsen3971]

I thank you for such an excellent review and comparison. Sadly I have just experienced exactly the same results. I may contact my lovely supplier (Opus in British Columbia) but I will try dipping the brush in boiling or hot water to see if that helps. Perhaps soap...I would surmise that the brush hairs are either treated or Not and hence why the sable hairs are actually shedding water. But in your summary I have identical experience and this is a pricey experience but I believe there is no reflection on the seller and not about quality control from Winsor & Newton. I will contact them directly to see if they have any information. Such a shame that their Cotman 111 round is so superior to this. I will report back if I learn more!

[@teohyc]

I've been using the brush for several months now and there's no improvement. I would like to say that I'm using it as mop brush but my actual mop brushes actually have sharper tips.

[@Philtho]

Upsetting. W&N S7 are renowned for their amazing brushes for miniature painting. (Sizes 0 & 1) However, there have been counterfeits and poor quality versions sold as well. When you get a good one, they are so much better than the competition that you will use that brush for years and never consider trying another brand. It's sad to see their larger brushes perform so poorly here.

[@ap_po]

check out the raphael 8404 series

[@pikame921]

I don't want to be funny but, my series 7 brushes have been working for me for the past 6 years. I brought a new one in July and that brush is good. So maybe you got some brushes new people were learning how to make brushes and probably didn't take out the fur that's stubby, they use soft fur, and brush it and didn't take out the damaged fur, which they are surposed to do. Normally those brushes are tested first before going on market, that's how they do things in the factory. Maybe you got the brushes that was surposed to redo or thrown away.

[@teohyc]

It’s lousy quality control. And the company is willing to risk their reputation on this.

[@ChickenxBoneless]

I love their paint, I will never use their brushes. Thank you for saving us time and money!

[@sincostanian]

Wow, I've never seen such a bad brush.