Which is the BEST Brush - Princeton Aqua Elite or Neptune?

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

Want to learn more about watercolor supplies and materials? Check out my free course - studio.krisdebruine.com/getting-started-in-watercolor

[@riceg0bblr]

I was given a gift card to Michaels and needed this video! They had a 40% off everything sale this week so I bought several from both aqua elite and neptune thanks to your informative video. Thank you!

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

I hope you love them.

[@artomelets]

It took a while, but I've managed to collect the entire Neptune series. There was a learning curve with them because they are so soft and can hold so much water, but once I got used to them, they became my main brushes. I keep some snappier brushes around, but rarely pull them out. The Neptunes are versatile, and I think the trick is learning their properties and experimenting with varying water levels in the bristles depending on what you need the brush to do.

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

I completely agree. I love these brushes. I also agree you have to learn how to use them. Thanks for leaving feedback. And WOW...you've collected ALL of them. That's amazing.

[@luckycharm1611]

I subscribed after reading your subject and opening sentence. It made a lot of sense and none of the confusion caused by some other "expert" videos on KZbin

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

Welcome to the channel.

[@lorijones9579]

I really like Princeton brushes and I have a bunch of them. My favorite, most essential brush is a 1/2" flat (and a 1/4" flat too), but I've also re-purposed makeup brushes for watercolor, and old eyeshadow palettes for watercolor paint palettes. It doesn't hurt to experiment!

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

Thanks for adding your feedback, Lori. I agree. Use whatever works for you! Have a great day and keep on painting!! :-)

[@kashbash9645]

Repurposed makeup brushes is a great idea!!

[@wendychampness1901]

I wish that I could have heard this advice 2 years ago when I was getting started and buying brushes, fairly randomly 😂 ❤

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

I hear ya. I did the same thing. Then I learned from some "masters" and found out most people only use Rounds. Some soft and some stiff bristles...in various sizes. Pretty simple

[@margaretzee8162]

Great information! And I love that you actually recommended your top 3. Many others on YT are “sponsored” and won’t really make recommendations. Thanks!

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

You're welcome. And yes, I am not sponsored by any brand. I seek to give my honest opinion. Have a great day.

[@hollyhagen-c6j]

Thank you! This was so helpful.

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

You're so welcome! Thanks for the feedback.

[@SarahAndBoston]

Great video! I have both kinds but didn't realize the different kinds of fur they're meant to mimic. I always learn something new from your videos. Thanks!

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

Wonderful!!! I'm so glad you found the video helpful. As usual...thanks for the feedback and thanks for watching.

[@ingam3310]

This was good information. I haveca few of both Aqua Elite and Neotune, but could never figure out when to use which. Thanks for clearing this up!

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

Great. Yes. They are quite different and you need to know when to use them.

[@NicoleLan622]

I bought my first serious brush today, a Princeton Aqua Elite long round 8, on your recommendation.

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

Yes!! I love that brush. Used it for detail work just yesterday

[@biancathomas7934]

This was a really helpful video Kris. It answered the questions I've been wondering about for a couple months.

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

You're very welcome. Thanks for watching and leaving feedback.

[@alevel79]

Very clear to understand the difference between them 👏🏻

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

I'm glad you found it helpful. Thanks for watching.

[@lindathaxton1994]

So far Neptune’s are my favorite ! Thank you for sharing 🙏

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

You are so welcome Linda. I love the Neptunes too.

[@SistahRev]

Thank you, so very very clear and helpful!🌹

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

I'm so glad you found it helpful!

[@saharm2454]

Thank you for sharing really helpful information.. I have some of the Neptune brushes and absolutely agree with you as I sometimes struggle with the fact that they don’t spring back to their shape. I appreciate the dome of the rock painting behind you

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

Thanks for watching. I really like having a variety of brushes, so I can get a variety of effects. I wish you the best in your watercolor journey.

[@Viktoria-77598]

Thank you for this video! I have Neptune and Velvetouch and was thinking of buying some Aqua elite as lots of artists recommend them. And your video explained the difference perfectly! I use my Neptune for big washes and for blending sharp edges, love them!

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

I'm glad you found the video helpful. Thanks for the feedback. Have a great day!!!

[@Fluorite-Fox]

I have a few of both of these and also have like 12 of the da vinci casaneo brushes

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

Thanks for watching!!

[@VoxUrania]

I have a Princeton Neptune 1/2” cat’s tongue 💜 and a 3/8” dagger brush. I would get a snappier dagger brush next time, to take advantage of the unique shape. My favourite round brush is a very snappy art store brand, which provides balance to the Neptunes. I use a Hake brush to wet large areas. The Hake is hog’s hair and I won’t repurchase animal hair brushes. So thank you for covering these synthetic options. Very helpful ideas.

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

Thanks so much for sharing your favorites Sharon. It is nice to have a variety of brush shapes and levels of stiffness. I recently purchased a Mottler for doing large washes. I like that a lot. It is similar to a Hake, but a bit softer. Thanks for watching.

[@LilRosi81]

Thank you for sharing this! I found it very helpful! I've been using Princeton's Velvetouch brushes (which I love), but I'm wanting to try something new. I think the quill brush is exactly what I'm looking for!

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

I think you'll love it. Have fun!

[@lindathaxton1994]

Although I have some aqua elites & enjoy them too. I just ordered an Aqua Elite size 10

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

Nice choice. I use mine all the time.

[@annewatman677]

Very helpful. I have both, and like both.

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

Glad to hear you like them. Have a great day.

[@sugarcane9425]

Thks for review. I like your recommendation as I had Question in mind. I will soon get the quill and the 12 as I had the 8 already.

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

Glad it was helpful!

[@GONZOFAM7]

I use the heritage line but my son bought me a Neptune quill wow! I received a set of small aqua elite wow!

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

I agree. WOW

[@melyssa528]

This was exactly what I was looking for and I found it VERY helpful..thank you!

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Natalie-l3q]

Very helpful, glad I found you!

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

So glad! Welcome.

[@sokinecola9361]

Glad I own both ! Almost 200 brushes

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

Wow. You have more brushes than I do. :-)

[@jstones9872]

have you tried the Escoda Chronos? i use princeton heritage but just got a Escoda #16 mop game changer

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

No. I haven't tried it. Maybe I will have to look into that.

[@Anonymoi]

Great, concise video. Can you explain the difference between quill brushes and round brushes, in usage? Or is there a video you have which explains this? I have quill brushes in several different sizes, but the only round watercolor brushes I have are very small. If I have quill brushes in a range of sizes, would adding in some similarly-sized round brushes increase the type of marks I can make, or are they pretty similar to quills? (Note, I like to work quite loosely and don’t paint controlled/stylized florals, for example, which rely on specific brushes to create certain shapes.)

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

I have a video review of Princeton Neptune Quill brush here kzbin.info/www/bejne/oXPUp5Skl8xggpI&feature=share8

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

The quill brushes I have seen are usually made from squirrel hair, so they are soft and hold tons of water. If compared to a similar sized round brush with squirrel hair, they would behave similarly. You can compare them on this Princeton Neptune site: princetonbrush.com/neptune-series-4750-princeton-brush-company-brush-4750/ A Neptune Quill #6 is comparable in size to a Neptune Round #18. The numbering system is completely different for some reason. Hope this helps. ~Kris

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

Hi Subscribers! Do you own any Princeton brand brushes? If so, which series? Which specific brush? Do you like them? Why or why not? Thanks for sharing your experience and helping to build this watercolor community.

[@susanweber6861]

I am just starting out - I have a Princeton Neptune 12 round, Princeton Aqua Elite 8 round. I’m trying to decide what to use for writing with watercolor - I want to get a 2 and a 4?

[@SusanaCE-ART]

Good recommendation. I haven't tried those brushes but was thinking about buying some. Thanks.

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

I've tried lots of brushes, including some of the less expensive brands. But, I have settled on the Princeton brand, for the combination of quality and reasonable price. I've used mine for years now, painting almost daily, and they have held up well. I hope you find what you are looking for.

[@megperry5586]

Great comparison and appreciate your suggestions

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

Thanks for watching and thanks for the feedback.

[@kevinlim6275]

Thank you for making this video, this clarify my needs for both of the brush, the question is do you have a recommendation for the size if I usually use an A5 size sketchbook? I'm thinking to get number 6 aqua elite for the first, what do you think? I usually only use ink but wanna try to watercolor on my sketchbook too to make it more colorful 😆

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

I usually don't paint that small. I usually use A4 or A3 size paper. However, the Princeton Aqua Elite Quill #6 has such a fine point, I can paint small details with it.

[@kevinlim6275]

Thank you for your answer! I bought the aqua elite size 6 yesterday from a local shop and it's great! The tip is so fine and it holds a decent amount of water. I use A5 (A4 when opened flat to sketch a spread) sketchbook because I usually do urban sketch and it's the perfect size for me to bring outside 😁

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

I'm glad you like the brush. I hope it works well for you in your urban sketching adventures!!

[@dianadoyle7085]

Great info thank you as I want to get started in watercolor painting ❤

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

You’re welcome 😊

[@purrcinn8]

Good information. Thanks, Kris. Most of my brushes are Princetons and I like the Velvetouch and Heritage series, also, though I couldn't explain the differences as you have. I just seem to go with what feels right at the moment, but then I'm not really an artist.

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

Thanks for sharing! I have heard of the Velvetouch and Heritage but haven't used them. I think you are exactly right....go with what works for you in your practice. Thanks for watching. Have a great day.

[@pilasumana4410]

Thanks so much for this brushes review. I am a newbie watercolor learner in need of reliable advise on how to ease my learning process of painting with watercolors. I am going to review your videos, as I can tell that I can trust your guidance. Hi from Florida & belated a Thanksgiving Hug!

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

I'm so glad you found the video helpful. I really do love these brushes. They combine quality with affordability. There are other really nice brushes out there. But they can get quite pricey. Happy Thanksgiving to you too.

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

PS...let me know if you have any other questions. I love to help newbie watercolor artists. :-)

[@EliiiArt]

Thanks

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching.

[@Rosyv__]

Hi kris! I cant find neptune quill in my area. Do you have other brush suggestion that does the same job? Lots of love from philippines! You have the best watercolor vids and im learning a lot fr you ❤

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

Hi. Thanks for watching. The Neptune Quill is a synthetic squirrel hair. Other squirrel hair brushes that I have used include OOKU and Dugato brand. I believe they are made in China and may be more available to you in the Philippines. You could also ask around in your country (a local art store maybe) if they have a source for synthetic squirrel hair watercolor brushes. I wish you the best!!!

[@tribalstyle138]

interesting, the neptune I have- its a 8- doesn't feel like it holds water well. I guess it holds water- but doesnt release it at all. I think the aqua elite is way better and the neptune is nothing like real squirrel (edit- it is floppy). I think your recommend for the finer brushes being AE is solid. I will not be buying anymore neptune unless its a large sz. However, theres a really cheap 60/ 6 quill by Silver (not BV) and its the most thirsty brush Ive ever seen!!!

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

Thanks so much for sharing your experience and perspective with the channel. I appreciate it.

[@Saahrish]

Thank you so much for this video. It was so helpful since I was confused between the two. Now I know which one I should buy for my style. Have you used velvet touch from princeton?

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

I'm glad to hear you found it helpful. Thanks for watching.

[@Saahrish]

@@KrisDeBruineStudio I absolutely love watching your videos! They are always so helpful. Your reviews are full of much needed information without it being too much.

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

@@Saahrish Wow! I'm so glad you think so. Thanks for the kind remark.

[@susanosullivan3048]

Hello Kris :). I wanted to buy a quill, but got mixed up and have ordered an Aqua elite size 6 instead of the Neptune. Do you think it will matter enough that I should try to change the order?

[@susanosullivan3048]

I found the answer in the comment section of one of your other videos. Soft is more practical for big washes - so Neptune 👌

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

I would probably change the order. A #6 Aqua Elite is quite small. I don't tend to use brushes that small...except a liner. A #6 Quill is quite a bit larger.

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

See my reply below.

[@Kwood10]

I have both and prefer the Aqua Elite. I just like snappy brushes .

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

Yes. Great brushes.

[@Joecool64-x8m]

I prefer da vinci

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

I should try those sometime. I don't have any

[@supme7558]

I find Michels over rates i like silver black velvet

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

Yes. That's a great brand. I have a few of those brushes. Thanks for watching and leaving feedback.

[@supme7558]

Nither

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

:-)

[@marlenaamalfitano2727]

Don't like neptunes

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

Some people find the Neptunes to be too soft. However I like them for the BIG wash areas, especially at the beginning of the painting. Thanks for sharing your perspective.

[@supme7558]

Because? Not very helpful