What are best name brands of watercolour brushes to buy?

Question

There seems to be a lot of different brands of watercolour brushes to chose from.
So Watercolour Artists!
Please some advice on what to choose. Have WN paints, several different series, pallett etc. now I need brushes. Help

Answer 1

First, do you want to use natural hair brushes or synthetic brushes? The advantage to natural hair is that they hold liquid better and hold their edge (or point) better. The disadvantage to natural brushes is that they wear out quicker.

Second, how much will your budget allow you to spend? A Raphael brush will cost you five times as much as a Winsor-Newton. Very good brushes in the mid-price range are Robert Simmons and Isabey brushes.

If you're just starting out I wouldn't worry too much about top of the line brushes. Often local art supply stores will put certain brands on sale. Check out the sales.

One thing you must consider if you want to do fine detailed work is if a brush will maintain it's 'point'. Here I strongly suggest you go with a natural brush. But one way to test if a bush will make and hold it's point is to put it in your mouth, get it wet, twirl it to it's finest point, then place it on some smooth surface and treat it as if you were actually using it to paint.

And, yes, do this at the store before you buy it! Just try to make sure a store worker isn't watching.

Hope I've been able to help?

Answer 2

Holbein makes awesome brushes. they're kind of pricey but the best brushes i've ever used