The Best Brushes You'll Ever Use

[Curryman]

The more experienced painters in the audience have no doubt heard of the excellent Winsor & Newton Series 7 brushes already, but for the benefit of the uninitiated I have written a review on my blog. I rarely gush, but these are without doubt the finest brushes I've ever used. They're not inexpensive, but with proper care last practically forever. If you're using a cheap hobby store brush you should definitely read the article and find out what you've been missing!

http://thescreamingalpha.com/2009/09/02/review-winsor-newton-series-7-brushes/

[Orctrader]

The more experienced painters in the audience have no doubt heard of the excellent Winsor & Newton Series 7 brushes already, but for the benefit of the uninitiated I have written a review on my blog. I rarely gush, but these are without doubt the finest brushes I've ever used. They're not inexpensive, but with proper care last practically forever. If you're using a cheap hobby store brush you should definitely read the article and find out what you've been missing!

http://thescreamingalpha.com/2009/09/02/review-winsor-newton-series-7-brushes/

Good review.  But...

The best brushes I have ever used - and still do - are "Rosemary" LINK

Series 33. Pure Kolinsky Sable
Series 93. Pure Sable Spotters
Series 92. Micro Red Sable

I have used W&N Series 7 but I prefer the Rosemary.  As, from what I have read in other forums, do many other figure painters.  And I am sure some have tried them and don't like them.  Brushes are quite a personal thing for painters.   

[Hammers]

I also use prefer kolinsky sable but I am not picky about the brand. W&N always deliver quality, IMO. I shun synthetics, they may look good but they wear out like that *snaps fingers*.

[WillieB]

The Mrs and I have been using Winsor & Newton brushes since the 70s and always be very happy with them.
I personally prefer the 7 series and MJ is a big fan of the 7 Miniature.

However, since about two years we've discovered Rosemary brushes and frankly I don't think I'll ever go back to W&N.
Cost for a comparable brush is much less than a W&N and at least equally good.
Series 33 in general and a few 22s, for me and 323 for MJ.
Shiraz and Mongoose Filberts and long flats for drybrushing ( yes, you can drybrush with oil paint!)

I know Kolinsky brushes aren't ideal for oil paint, but if you take care, you can keep 'em for years. And nothing ever produces the same results.

[Curryman]

Very interesting. I had not heard of Rosemary. I may need to see about getting my hands on some. Thanks for sharing.

[Calimero]

Nice review of the W&N brushes.

I only paint with dirt cheap synthetic brushes so far as I wasn’t able to get my hand on better ones… or wasn’t really able to afford them… 

I’ve just put an order to Rosemary's for 4 brushes. I’ve ordered series 33 size 10/0, 2/0, 0 and 1. I’m eager to see if it will make me a better painter!

[Orctrader]

Very interesting. I had not heard of Rosemary. I may need to see about getting my hands on some. Thanks for sharing.

Now being sold in the CMON shop.  So in the US check there first in case they work out cheaper.

[Curryman]

@Calimero Congrats for stepping up to quality brushes. I think you'll be amazing how much it helps your painting. One thing I discovered when I went to my W&N is that I just about stopped using the tiny 5/0 and 10/0 brushes for all but the tiniest detail work because the Series 7 number 0 holds such a sharp point that I can do just about anything with it.

@Orctrader Thanks for the tip! I bet it will come out cheaper if I just want one or two brushes to try out, given what Rosemary charges for shipping.

[Bako]

Interesting, I've never heard of either of these brands. But I do love the ones I have and have had them for a few years and still in excellent condition. If I ever need a replacement I may just look into these, but none too soon.

[Curryman]

A user on TMP asked for guidance on the best places to buy W&Ns in the UK, either online or in London/Sussex. Could any of our British friends offer some suggestions?

[Todosi]

I swear by W&N and I found them MUCH cheaper here:

http://www.dickblick.com/products/winsor-and-newton-series-7-kolinsky-sable-miniature-brushes/

[Svennn]

http://www.artsupplies.co.uk/brushes-w&n-series-7-miniature-kolinsky-sable-watercolour-brush.htm

Quite often have larger discounts too

[Curryman]

Thanks, Svennn. I'll pass that along.

[Hammers]

http://www.artsupplies.co.uk/brushes-w&n-series-7-miniature-kolinsky-sable-watercolour-brush.htm

Quite often have larger discounts too

I read that these particular W&N Ser 7 brushes have a shorter brush out of the ferrule. Is that a good thing? To mee that would be a brush with a shorter life.

[Svennn]

That was the first page I came to H. They also do, and I prefer, std. length

http://www.artsupplies.co.uk/brushes-series-7-kolinsky-sable-watercolour-artists-brush.htm

A good thing about Ken Bromley is that they ship in the plastic tubes rarely seen in art shops.

I must add though that I feel the quality/life of W&N S7's is not what it used to be. I use a mix of these and Rosemary.