Last year I picked up an Army Painter Brush Set
and was surprised at what a difference using a dedicated set of miniature painting brushes made. The Army Painter set included a "Standard Hobby Brush" which I assume is size 1, and a smaller "Hobby Detail Brush" (size 0?) and a flat tipped "Drybrush" brush. The Standard Hobby Brush became my work horse, with the Detail Brush helping out with facial highlights, edge highlights, piping and shield patterns. After a year of use (far better than my usual cheapy brushes) the Army Painter "Standard Brush" is kaput, its tip frayed and splayed. It's time for a replacement.Coincidentally, Monty at Twin Cities Gamer happened to mention how happy he was with his brushes. I was all set to pick up his favorites, a Raphael Kolinsky Sable size 0
and Raphael Kolinsky Sable size 1
when I read a comment to his post suggesting a Winsor & Newton Series 7 Kolinsky Sable size 0
and Winsor & Newton Series 7 Kolinsky Sable size 1
. I'd heard of Winsor & Newton from miniature painters before, but really hadn't put much thought or research into them.So fellow painters, what do you recommend?
I've been using W&N series 7 brushes (2, 1 and 0 are my workhorses; the 1 being the most heavily used) for the last 18 months or so, but that is mainly because I can easily pick them up from an art shop near work.
ReplyDeleteI've heard a lot of good things about other ranges such as those from Rosemary & Co.
The main thing is to maintain them properly by cleaning them at the end of each session. I use Masters Brush Cleaner and Preserver but other people use the pink brush soap.
ReplyDeleteI use a W&N 1 for most stuff down to 6mm. If you keep it clean, it'll keep its point for a long time. I use a 0 for really fiddly work, but the 1 is my workhorse.
FMB
Pro Arte Renaissance are my standard brushes with 2,1, 0 and 00 being the most commonly used. I tend to use cheaper acrylic brushes for dry brushing etc and will basically buy what I get in that market.
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Ross
Should have also said I clean the brushes regularly too. Standard brush soap being my preferred option here.
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Ross
The Raphael 8404 and Winsor & Newton Series 7 are both excellent brushes. I use both but I give a slight edge to WN7.
ReplyDeleteI'll echo the others - I use a Windsor and Netwon Series 7, size 0. Skip the "Miniature" line and just get a normal one.
ReplyDeleteA Windsor and Newton series7 is an excellent brush, but expensive. IMHO Rosmary & Company offer the best brushes for your money and many would argue(me included) they are just as good as the series 7 if not better and much cheaper.
ReplyDeleteI prefer the pure Kolinsky sable series 33 located in the oils.
http://www.rosemaryandco.com/
However, you are spoiled for choice as they offer a huge selection to choose from.
A interesting discussion was had over the Rosmary brushes on the LAF forum here:
http://www.lead-adventure.de/index.php?topic=16034.0
Cheers
Christopher
I use the Raphael series 8404 brushes and I couldn't be happier with them. Absolutely brilliant.
ReplyDeleteThanks all! Just ordered a pair of Raphael Kolinskys. Looks like the next painting technique I need to research is proper brush care. I thought a quick swirl in some fresh water was enough to clean my brushes.
ReplyDeleteI use The Masters brush cleaner and preserver.
Deletehttp://inevitablespark.blogspot.com/2012/12/the-masters-brush-cleaner.html
Highly recommended and easy to get at your local art supply store