Vegan Brushes for Watercolor Escoda Ultimo, Escoda Versatil

Today I'm going to share with you some of my new favorite synthetic brushes
If you are interested, you can get them here: (affiliation links)
Escoda Ultimo: Synthetic Squirrel Hair #18
www.jacksonsart.com/en-us/esc...
Escoda Ultimo: Synthetic Squirrel Hair #14
www.jacksonsart.com/en-us/esc...
Escoda Versatil: Synthetic Kolinsky #14
www.jacksonsart.com/en-us/esc...
Escoda Versatil: Synthetic Kolinsky #10
www.jacksonsart.com/en-us/esc...
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[@BarbrajoanOriginals]

Eric , I’m with you 100%. I’m trying to do the same thing . We’re on the same planet. Thanks for the video.

[@amberdean7581]

OMG this morning I was like "let's look up vegan watercolor brushes on KZbin" literally a minute after you posted. Perfect timing. Great review. Thanks so much!

[@Cafewatercolor]

Yay, so glad I made this video :)

[@artistcdelights0931]

Café Watercolor - Eric Yi Lin Me too.

[@IndigoPlans]

Thank you so much Eric for spreading the message of compassion for animals! I love these brushes; no need to harm animals to express ourselves 🐿🦡🦦🐾

[@Cafewatercolor]

It feels great =) and cheaper too, win for everyone!

[@IndigoPlans]

Café Watercolor - Eric Yi Lin 🙏 I suggest you try the Princeton Neptune Faux Squirrel series (also available at Jacksonsart.com); they’are amazing for soft edges, gradients, etc. There are many vegan wc paints; my go-to is Holbein

[@Cafewatercolor]

@@IndigoPlans I'll definitely check them out thank you! =)

[@glenda7921]

👏👏👏👏👏👏👏. It’s time, thank you Eric for showcasing the possibilities, all with no cruelty

[@Cafewatercolor]

Yes! and the exciting news is my brush set that's coming out this year is all synthetic hair , no cruelty =)

[@pranjalshelar3830]

Talking about safety of animals makes you a brilliant good hearted artist... A big fan of your work and your tutorials.... Thank you... Plz Keep making stuff for us...

[@Tonisfarm2024]

I recently purchased the Escoda Versatil size 8 travel brush. I LOVE IT! For the type of painting I like to do, this brush holds the perfect combination of water and paint. Holds a fantastic point for tiny detail work, side strokes lay a beautiful flat wash and being a travel brush I can put the cap on and toss it in my bag and I always have my favorite brush everywhere I go.

[@jocinevelasco6]

Thank you for putting all this time teaching us about these things. As a novice watercolor painter, I appreciate all of your suggestions and careful instructions!!!

[@janicesutton8301]

In Kelowna (and other cities in BC) we have wonderful art stores called 'Opus'. Their Galiano synthetic watercolour brushes are very nice, from about $5-$22 for sizes 2-22. I love my Escoda Ultima's as well. Next time you're in Victoria check out the Opus store on Herald Street! And thank you for recommending vegan brushes to your audience, synthetics have made great strides in quality and performance, there's no need for animal hair usage.

[@marycatyoung2143]

Incredible video. Gee, Eric, there you are, such a gifted artist and now i see a gifted human as well. Thank you for the information and inspiration.

[@davidbriggs5778]

Eric, Thank you this is a very valuable and thorough review.

[@grandmablue131]

Yes, Thankyou for sharing your information with us 🎨🖌

[@InspireHealthSystem]

These Escoda brushes look fantastic, thanks for sharing Eric! ❤ My favourite synthetic brushes are Raphael SoftAqua, they perform extremely well (almost as awesome, as their natural hair version). It’s a French company, which is easier to find in my country 🇨🇦 than the Escoda brand. It’s so exciting to see these synthetic alternatives, which are definitely more affordable! 😊

[@renren4988]

Great videos as always. Thank you for explain so good.

[@brittathrane4663]

Thank you for using vegan brushes. I have uset Escoda versatil and Escoda Prado for nearly a year, and they are so good.

[@Maya.6868]

Yessss ! I made a good decision when I bought these brushes ! I got them in may, they are precious ...

[@celiasantosmedeiros1283]

Thanks for the demonstration and comparison !

[@virginiarinkel7544]

Thank you for your opinion on all these brushes. I've learned a lot. I have some Isabey squirrel brushes I love also.

[@ralvindizon1140]

I've got a Escoda brush collection myself.. I do have, Reserva, Aquario Red, Versatil, Optimo and Prado....and with your video.. Perla is going to be in my list again... Thanks...

[@fsh9057]

Thanks so much for your complete explain.

[@riverbeee9643]

Thank you for this indepth look at these synthetics. I try to eliminate as much animal products as possible. These brushes look great for me!

[@Cafewatercolor]

What's your favorite synthetic brush? Have you tried Jackson's Art Supplies? :)

[@Drumaier]

I order from Jackson's to Argentina all the time. Currently i have a Jackson's Artica brush on its way (fingers crossed) that is just a Perla as far as i know so i'm looking forward to try that one. So far my favorite Synthetic is the jackson's raven mop which is a synthetic squirrel imitation. The 10/0 is amazing for A4 sizes despite being small (but holds tons of water anyways), i highly recommend you that particular brush. Also receiving a pro arte swordliner medium synthetic brush which i feel will be one of my favorite brushes (mostly because of the design. Btw, amazing video!! the 1:1 comparisons you just made couldn't be any more scientifically accurate and fair (and useful). Cheers!

[@artistcdelights0931]

I live in the United States and I’d like to buy my brushes here. Due to COVID-19, Jackson’s Art Supply is closed until further notice. At least that’s the website message. There’s such a price difference between what I can find on Jackson’s Art Supplies website versus Amazon and eBay. Do you know of another place that offers the brushes at similar prices to that of Jackson’s?

[@artistcdelights0931]

I had been struggling with how to start this endeavor, just a basic step-by-step approach. Well, often by the time I formulate a question, the answer seems to appears out of thin air. In this case, today I watched two of your earlier Coffee Talk videos: 1) Are you asking your the wrong question? and 2) 3 ways to become a better artist FOR FREE, and now I have the direction for which I was searching. I have other paint supplies and I can start now. I’ll begin by working on my drawing. Thanks for the videos, they answered my “Where and How to start” question.

[@scout3444]

Thank you for doing this video!

[@rachelchan2215]

Very useful, thanks for your sharing!🙏🏻

[@VivMBSR]

Thank you again, synthetic brushes are important to me

[@ArtistYellow]

Synthetic brush have improved over the years. Which is nice for the animals and people who like them. ❤️💕 🐿

[@UJB123]

The people eating up all the vegetation from the animals they claim to love … sure

[@AAWOLFE-zc6ly]

@@UJB123 what the vegans and veterinarians don't know… 26 million birds per year in the USA alone die from pesticides to put plants on their plates, that does not include, rabbits, squirrels, deer, cats, dogs, etc... these people need to learn their true place in the cycle OF LIFE! [I come from a farming family btw]

[@anetajohnson8446]

Mr. Yi lin, several years ago there was another well known artist who specializes in watercolor painting totorials. He mentioned he really likes his "Kalinsky brushes, witch were made with "Mink" hair. They kept a beautifull shape with much use. bounced back nicely, and kept a fine point! but very expensive! He showed the same painting done with a differant brush, and you could see the mink brush held the colors better, and just overall the painting with the mink brush looked more proffesional. just thought id mention that to you. Thank you, for sharing your expert knowledge, ...From a fellow watercolor artist! Ken, J. Anetas husband. I noticed, that if i use a good grade of paper, and use good brushes, my paintings turn out bettter!

[@Cafewatercolor]

Thank you ☺️

[@41rgm]

Eric, I have Escoda Perla 6, 10, and 14. and they came from Jackson's. They are the ones I paint with most. I noticed so many professionals are using these. My Princeton Aquaelites 6, 10 and12 are new freebies I haven't used. I also have Kalish 12, 8, and a rigger, all Kolinski which have not been used in quite a while The 12 holds so much water! I wish now I would have got a smaller one since I seldom paint over a 1/4 sheet.

[@ivanakubikova8827]

Ahoj Eric, děkuji za super videa! Zdravím tě z Prahy. Czech rep. :-)

[@leehwanart9507]

와 진짜 해 보고싶은 스케치 여행 항상 즐겁게 구독합니다 ^^

[@65sunnyday]

Eric, my favorite brushes are Escoda Versitile and Princeton Elite.

[@AlvarPernroth]

Thanks, I got these now and look forward to testing them. Do you also have any suggestions for vegan rough paper? I have some Saunders Waterford but apparently they use gelatin so I’m looking for options.

[@cyendsj]

Great info!

[@annabiing2570]

At 4:15 natural brush line is still having a wet bead and even a bit of wetness on the lower line. On the other hand the synthetic brush lines are almost all dried. I think if you like to paint dry/wet you may consider natural to extend wet time 🤷 6:15 Looks like Versail holds more water but releases it faster where Reserva releases it more gradually even when holding a bit less water.

[@garymcguire8529]

My favourite synthetic brush is Da Vinci.

[@HitherandYarn]

When I look on Jackson's Art I see Ultimo Tendo, is that the same line you talk about in this video? Thanks so much.

[@5studios1room]

Great, thank you

[@kennyju3402]

Hi Eric, I also use Escoda Ultimo #14 and #18 for a while. I've been using "vegan" brush since I start painting watercolor two years ago. Unfortunately, they are not popular and rare to buy in Taiwan. As for a rigger brush, do you find a good synthetic one?

[@tlembro]

I think these vegan brushes have improved drastically over the last several years. Not a vegan myself…..but the cost is attractive for sure!

[@skillsunlimitedbyprescyg.t7503]

Again, thanks for sharing uses of different brushes... with even comparable cost of brushes. God bless, "Pogi"or "gwapong lalake in Filipino means--Handsome, man.

[@kaileilani22]

I LOVE YOU ERIC!💋💋💋

[@Nicawe]

Thank you!

[@Fortunados1]

Escoda... Los mejores

[@drendelous]

thank you for choosing vegan options

[@AAWOLFE-zc6ly]

sigh... what the vegans and veterinarians don't know… 26 million birds per year in the USA alone die from pesticides to put plants on their plates, that does not include, rabbits, squirrels, deer, cats, dogs, etc... these people need to learn their true place in the cycle OF LIFE! [I come from a farming family btw]

[@staffanscherloff4596]

I bought an Ultimo mop as you think is a good alternative, and it can hold a lot of water and pigment, which is great. However, I find it tricky to control the water flow onto the paper. My old mop with goat's hair works better for me. Maybe brushes with a mix of synthetic and natural fibers work better, but I prefer investing in squirrel mops.

[@mssmiley5691]

What a timely video! I just received my three Escoda Versatil brushes in the mail today. I like a brush with a little more snap, so I think I’ll like these. I’m not sure about a brush with white bristles as in the Perla. Just doesn’t seem right to me. 😬

[@Cafewatercolor]

they are likely nylon =)

[@mssmiley5691]

Café Watercolor - Eric Yi Lin Permanently phthalo blue nylon? 😂

[@brendismuke8149]

Love vegan brushes!

[@chuckweatherall9568]

How does the effective lifetime compare?

[@jaquelinedeponce5251]

I have an enormous collection of fine watercolor brushes. I am always experimenting with different lines of brushes. I’ve notice that you have included two different series under the Escoda Versatil line. While I’m familiar with the natural hair Escoda lines, I’m interested in trying their synthetics. Which is the correct series for the Versatil brushes and do the two different series have different properties? Is the belly larger or is one more pointed than the other vs. rounder? Please advise. I’m a bit perplexed in the direction to go. Also what sizes would you recommend. Thank you as always, you’re an inspiration to many artists.

[@Cafewatercolor]

I use the one that I provided the link :)

[@jaquelinedeponce5251]

Café Watercolor - Eric Yi Lin I just noticed you had replied.. I’ve spent the evening trying to figure out which one’s to order. I was extremely disappointed with my Rosemary brand of Kolynski brushes. Every time I see them the are all opened up. I’ve tried everything to shape them. They were highly recommended by several artists for their high quality.and along with that was their expensive price. They come from the U.K. Thank you for your response.

[@eileengoldenberg270]

I have bought a few escoda synthetics, versatile, perla.. I find that all of the ones I bought got that little hook at the end of the bristles. I even had escoda replace the versatile. Same thing happened..I love the perla, but I can see that it is developing that hook. Nothing helps, hot water, shaping the brush etc..

[@lunakat5763]

Eric did the prices really go up this much? I'm looking at Jacksons site the #10 Reserva is 50.64. I have a few Versatil I like them as much as my Kolinsky brushes.

[@donnacarraway9182]

I am not positive but I heard today that Jackson’s will ship an order of only brushes for free. I hope that is true and that it helps someone! Thank you for sharing your video!

[@chopin4525]

I am no vegan but once I discovered and tried Escoda line of synthetics I never looked back. Ultimo, Perla, Versatil, Prado is the gradation when I need to move from washes to details or from softness to more snapback. I have a Raphael's Kolinsky brush as well but it hardly gets any use as of right now.

[@Cafewatercolor]

chopin4525 yes! Especially Ultimo, it’s amazing how great it feel and being so affordable ☺️

[@sallyb7472]

What is the synthetic fibers and how does it break down? Are we certain no animals are harmed due to trying to save animals?

[@friedadewerker1899]

🙏🏻❤️

[@didly3529]

Thank you for the kind video to promote vegan brushes. I am really upset as I have a few fur brushes and just recently found out how the little animals was trapped and killed in order to make these brushes. Sincerely regret !!! I will definitely move to Vegan brushes from now on.

[@ollie54able]

Excellent information about the different composition of these brushes. Very helpful to have when purchasing brushes. Thanks. PS Nice twist of using "vegan" term.

[@carlabutler1608]

How have these brushes held up after 2 years? Do you still like both the Ultimo and the Versatil?

[@Cafewatercolor]

they still hold up pretty well. might lost a bit of point if you use the tip to paint a lot, but overall still very good :)

[@catherinelevison3310]

Synthetics last longer too. I use Escoda Versitil and I use several levels of Princeton brushes. I wonder how the Vegans paint on non-Vegan paper? I’m personally a lifelong vegetarian but the watercolor paper we routinely use has gelatin in it.

[@IndigoPlans]

Catherine Levison Fabriano Artistico is vegan, some Strathmore also, and some other brands

[@catherinelevison3310]

Cristina Marinelli ... wow, thanks!

[@beckbabej]

Cason Heritage, and Moulon De Roy 100% cotton watercolor papers are vegan.

[@catherinelevison3310]

myreality ... thank you.

[@moonlightgator541]

I have never tried natural brushes but as I heard from Russian artists the synthetic brushes wears off much faster compare to natural fibers. Have you noticed it?

[@Cafewatercolor]

It is true in some brushes. Pearls wears off faster especially if you paint with the tip a lot. I don’t know about Versatil and Ultimo though, so far they hold up pretty well.

[@moonlightgator541]

@@Cafewatercolor Thank you Eric.

[@yanglyu5396]

Where should I find these brushes if I live overseas...

[@Cafewatercolor]

Where do you live?

[@milenabriganti3245]

Thanks for your choice, no animals should be harmed.

[@CufflinksAndChuckles]

Another good metric I'd like to know when purchasing is a brush's average lifespan. We at least know that the Perla doesn't last as long as the others. If anyone reading this would know the brush's average lifespan, please let us know!

[@amberdreams_0]

Thanks for this - I knew Princeton have vegan brushes, and Silver Velvet are vegan too, but it's good to know there is even more choice out there!

[@zombiana]

Silver Velvet brushes are not vegan.

[@amberdreams_0]

@@zombiana Oh sorry, I thought they were! Damn, I'll have to look again.

[@zombiana]

Amberdreams “The Black Velvet® series is made with a blend of natural squirrel hair and black synthetics” however it looks like the company may have other brushes that are made without animal hair. Jackson’s has a vegan filter, it usually works pretty well. They also have a “brush finder” where one can check off only “synthetic” if they want to avoid animal hair. The vegan brushes are confirmed to not only be free of animal hair, but any animal ingredients in the glues or lacquers (like shellac).

[@geslinam9703]

I’ve tried a lot of the “vegan” brushes. I’m not ready to give up my sables....but, if one wants to, you can make these cruelty free brushes work. The Escoda Prado is my favorite. I think it performs the best out of all the synthetics I’ve tried. The Versatil, I have one in a size 4, loved it when it was brand new, but it didn’t keep its point. The outer bristles splayed away from the center ones.

[@rentedtux1883]

No animals are harmed in the making of any brushes. They mainly a food source. and the hair is a byproduct of it. Like glue or a leather coat. They don't raise animals simply for making brush tips.

[@AAWOLFE-zc6ly]

what the vegans and veterinarians don't know… 26 million birds per year in the USA alone die from pesticides to put plants on their plates, that does not include, rabbits, squirrels, deer, cats, dogs, etc... these people need to learn their true place in the cycle OF LIFE! [I come from a farming family btw]

[@Walboro]

Actually the prices are closer to £23 for the natural and £18 for the synthetic. I think I can live with spending the extra.

[@janinacooper4199]

Great message, thank you! I feel like it is not very common to hear Watercolor artists taking about avoiding real hair. It seems like a mostly tolerated subject, that animals have to give their life and tail to be turned into brushes. It's necessary and important to talk about this and create a space of awareness so everybody can make a sensible choice when purchasing brushes.

[@geslinam9703]

I wonder why they can’t just shave the animal’s tails to get the hair....why do they have to kill them?

[@peterjlewis9497]

@@geslinam9703 Thank you. I could not have phrased that better.

[@zombiana]

Geslina M because they use wild animals that do not survive well in captivity. They would rather kill them in traps then go through the expense of keeping animals alive long enough to regrow their tail hair. Even the idea of holding an animal down to shave THEIR fur off disgusts me.

[@jipe4618]

It is not the brush that does the painting but the hand. A great artist can make a masterpiece out of a leek (personal opinion). However, I really like your videos. (personal opinion from France translate with Google)

[@mariwinkler.r]

"They don't eat anything" it's not funny but is nice that you said afterwards that is about not to hurt the animals.

[@MrSonic1953]

How can I make brushes for Art Painting with hair from animals I can find dead on the trails? I do not kill animals perse but I do eat meat of ALMOST any kind of animal (my daughter's opinion is that since I eat meat I promote the killing). Oh well, so be it. Back to my question, how can I use the hair on animals I find dead to make paint brushes?

[@Cafewatercolor]

I am not a brush maker so I don't have an answer for you. The reason I promote these brushes are mostly because they are cheaper and just as good. :)

[@rafaellalobato1249]

Does anyone know what they do with animals, how they collect their hair to produce these brushes? I was very naive and bought animal hair brushes believing that they would never trap or kill animals, I believed that they only took hair from dead animals, which had died of cold or hunger, to use the hair, but even then no one would have the right of raping a dead animal, but just burying it and then saying a prayer, who would have the courage to kill a squirrel?

[@RainbowLiberty]

I could never justify the cruelty in making animal hair brushes so synthetic will always be the only choice.

[@timonjino1542]

Cruety free vegan

[@AAWOLFE-zc6ly]

really... think again... and btw organics also use pesticides what the vegans and veterinarians don't know… 26 million birds per year in the USA alone die from pesticides to put plants on their plates, that does not include, rabbits, squirrels, deer, cats, dogs, etc... these people need to learn their true place in the cycle OF LIFE! [I come from a farming family btw]

[@pinkbeautytwinkle]

I don't agree. It's all marketing. If you use synthetic, you are adding more plastic to this world so people will say you are a polluter. I like both natural and synthetic for different reasons.

[@UJB123]

Are people eating their brushes now? 😂 Nice “synthetic” brushes, btw.

[@AAWOLFE-zc6ly]

i was hopping they were made from actual vegans. jiji

[@zacharysolis1808]

I really hate the work vegan brushes but a that price why not Still the stupidest thing I heard all day.

[@jamesdolph437]

vegan brushes ... come on ... how about synthetic ... I once grew my beard hair out and made a fine brush from my chin whiskers ... no Dolph was harmed in the process