I have been putting some new brushes through their paces and I'm rather pleased with them. I still love my Winsor & Newton Series 7's for the finest work (that will never change) but this set from Artmaster are working out very nice indeed, and at a fraction of the cost. I bought these at a craft show in Kent a couple of weeks ago and have been experimenting with them on a few small projects.
The set of 6 precision brushes come in 10/0, 5/0, 3/0, 2/0, 0, 2 sizes and are designed for use with Watercolours, Acrylics and Oil Paints. They have 'easy grip' triangular handles which is a bit odd but actually makes for a comfortable and precise grip. My set cost me less than £10 which is less than the cost of one Series 7 Brush.
They sound good, price wise anyway.
ReplyDeleteThe quality seems pretty good, certainly as good as any alternative I have used over the years. I don't think they will have the same longevity as my set of Series 7's (some of which have been in service for a decade and are still going strong) but for the price they were a pretty good purchase.
DeleteIt's interesting to hear about long lived brushes. Tip erosion always gets to mine in the end, even the Series 7s. Primed metal tends to hammer the bristles, and we're not talking about dry-brushing or anything like it. Or, maybe I've just got a heavy handed painting style?
ReplyDeleteI only use my Series 7's for the fine detail work and always clean them with brush soap after use.
DeleteGood advice. It's tempting to use the Series 7 for the heavy lifting too. The brushes win not only with that lovely unsplitable point but the paint-carrying capacity.
DeleteInteresting investment. I'm looking forward to hear how they work.
ReplyDeleteOne man and his brushes, There is a TV show there I think, well if not there should be. The only question is will you get the time to paint more often?
ReplyDeleteI wish. To be honest the problem is motivation at the moment. I'm sort of between projects and trying to look for something to work on. Maybe Operation Torch (the US amphibious landings in North Africa late in 1942) or maybe something outside this theatre entirely. Inspiration will strike eventually and then the credit card will come out to play again!
DeleteI can give you some figures to paint if you're stuck? ;0)
DeleteLol...not sure you'd appreciate my ham fisted painting all over your figures!
DeleteI swear by Windsor & Newton brush cleaner for prolonging my brush life and keeping the crud out of the base of the bristles.
ReplyDeleteUsually my brushes fail when they finally start to flare out due to wear or excessive crud in the bristles that I can't clean out with the W&N cleaner.
My brush wash station has two sections. One with plain water and one with the W&N cleaner. When using enamels for metallics I clean the brushes straight into the W&N cleaner. With it you can switch between acrylics and enamels with ease. I swear by the stuff.
It ain't cheap, but it's worth it.
I use Masters Brush Soap. Works wonders on natural hair bristles and has kept my W&N brushes in top condition for years.
DeleteNice!
ReplyDelete