For anyone new to these supply Hello, this is Part II of Daniel Smith (DS) Watercolors, which reviews their PrimaTek and the Luminescent lines. The Elite has a nice even release. Im glad you found the tutorial helpful! There are techniques that will affect the flow. It is informative, educational for my knowledge of brushes, and I feel it is coming from someone who has the time to share details with other artists. If a brush isnt a traditional flat or round, it is considered to be a specialty shape. Synthetic or natural hair which is best? Real Squirrel and to a lesser extent Faux Squirrel just arent stiff, so they flop around willy nilly. The hairs also return quickly to shape once the pressure is decreased, but youll get a different kind of mark that you do with the Neptune. I have been pondering getting a set of travel brushes that have protective lids so this was a timely review for me. Offering the best point and spring o. Princeton Artist Brush Co. sent me five Aqua Elite brushes, 3/8 in dagger, a 1 1/2 inch Mottler, a size 8 Rigger and a 1/2 & 3/4 in Oval Washes for the purpose of this review. They are sleek and handsome brushes. And what, you may ask, are specialty shape brushes? Along with a 4 script. Over 700 Free Reference Photos For Artists & Writers, Tutorial-How to Paint with QoR Iridescent Watercolor, Princeton Aqua Elite, Series 4850 Synthetic Kolinsky Sable for Watercolor, Mottler, Size 1.5, Princeton Series 4850 Aqua Elite Synthetic Kolinsky Sable Brushes Dagger Striper 3/8 in, Princeton Series 4850 Aqua Elite Synthetic Kolinsky Sable Brushes Rigger Size 8, Princeton Series 4850 Aqua Elite Synthetic Kolinsky Sable Brushes Oval Wash 1/2 in, Princeton Series 4850 Aqua Elite Synthetic Kolinsky Sable Brushes Oval Wash 3/4 in, Princeton Neptune Synthetic Squirrel Brush Review. I love it for doing quick little animals, Cats and bear and. It also costs more (a lot more) and it comes from an animal, which is an ethical issue for many. Release refers to how evenly a brush will let go of all that water it has soaked up. After the sunset was over, I went inside and did another quick painting from memory, again using the Neptune set. Ive recently started again and now that I more knowledge on the subject, Im enjoying it very much. The Neptune handles much like a Chinese painting brush. Whats the Difference #shorts 8,913 views Feb 5, 2021 Princeton Neptunes and Princeton Aqua Elites. You already seen the flat solid line that the Mottler makes. Excellent review, Sandra! Both sets contain four round brushes in sizes 10, 8, 6 and 4, along with a carrying case that closes with a magnet. Stiffness affects how much snap and spring a brush has and that affects how long you can paint before your brush loses shape and how well the hairs will stay together as you twist and turn the brush. If you are looking for more rounds, I would say that either one would be good for you. I cant help you exactly as I dont own a Black Velvet (Im dying to get my hands on one) but I can talk about the Neptune quill I bought. I like it for initial washes or for doing studies like these. + READ MORE. item 7 Princeton Neptune Watercolor Brushes for Student - Artist (Preorder) Princeton Neptune Watercolor Brushes for Student - Artist (Preorder) $56.88 +$3.75 shipping. 2023 Michaels Stores. Both brushes have great carrying capacity. When the brush is wet, the bristles should hold together and spring back to shape when lifted. Effects that required holding the brush in the middle or above were harder to do, but I seldom need to do that. The Neptune and Velvetouch are the brushes that I use the most, so Im very happy to have these in-between brushes. I dont get notifications when people leave comments on these reviews, so I hope you see this. I like both of these lines of brushes. Thank you, Sharon! Sometimes the variation is small, but they can make more of a difference than you might think. I post Reviews and Tutorials here on Doodlewash. You can use the tip and sides of the brush for thin lines and the flat to make pointed oval shapes. I started this review talking about Bang for the Buck. If I see this happening, I just clean the brush thoroughly before continuing. Every bristle is pleated like sable hair, and they have a wider midsection to hold more water. Very interesting review. Most people have a definite preference for how stiff a brush should be. Elite brushes are formulated to act like Kolinsky Sable brushes. Want to say hi and connect? Thank you! VELVETOUCH Velvetouch is now available in 30 new Long Handle brushes! I have several Aqua Elites and really like them. If you would like to be a Minder Patron, I would be honored. Very helpful review. Pressure, and where you hold the brush is key. Jack Jephson Assistant Director of Aquatics Facilities and Operations jjephson@princeton.edu 609-258-7849. The Elite would probably be better for a beginner who wants to experiment with a wider range of effects. Look forward to your suggestions. The travel brushes combine the look of the standard brushes in the line with metal a rich wood tone with copper for the Neptune, and a dark gray with brushed silver for the Aqua Elite. But for exactly the same reasons, it will be easy to get softly blended colors, flowing effects, and glowing transparency. The subjects of my work are many and varied and change at whim. A lil jealous of those travel brushes, gotta be honest . I use both Neptunes and Black Velvet. Lots of leaves and birds too! . Im so happy I had the chance to review them! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Link for MoW video with leaf: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8Z3B_ubz8U, Your email address will not be published. Wishing everyone well all around! Not sure, just feel the need to say something? Qualities of these brushes include maximum color-holding ability, excell. They fit in the hand when closed, but can be folded into a stand for the brushes. Many specialty brushes act like a combination of flat and round while others have a feature that is hard to find elsewhere. We are proud to offer Neptune in a beautiful range of shapes including mottlers and quills with rich wood tones and sea glass aquarelle handles. Will you be doing a review on those, or did they work as well as the regular set? I didnt know theyd added a mottler or dagger to the Aqua Elite rangetwo of my fave brushes in the Neptune set. I also learned some new terms I wasnt aware of before (release, and also had been confused about the difference between snap and spring, so thanks for all that info as well. The Oval Wash (aka the Cats Tongue) brush. However, there are variations in the shape of the bristles, handles and ferrules (the metal part). All Rights Reserved.Website Custom Crafted by Bright Cloud Studio. They fit in the hand when closed, but can be folded into a stand for the brushes. I prefer a softer brush, though I often move to a stiffer one for the last small details in a painting. If I have time, I let them dry in shape before putting the tops on, so that moisture doesnt collect in the ferrules. Theyre neat, theyre elegant, and theyre ready to travel when you are! Princeton Art's New Aqua Elite Synthetic Brushes - YouTube While most synthetic brushes are an economical alternative to natural hair brushes, they often pale in comparison when it comes to. A review that people will come back to is exactly what I hoped to achieve! Planning on traveling? Just fill out the form below! Both are considered their top of the line for watercolor, so whats the difference? Outstanding and comprehensive review. Because the Black Velvet has real hair, I think it does give a better performance but isnt greatly better and it also needs more care. Ideal for both, fine details and broader strokes, this paintbrush will come in handy while painting beautiful landscapes. Ideal for both, fine details and broader strokes, this paintbrush will come in handy while painting beautiful landscapes. See Trekell has been making handmade professional quality paint brushes for over 30 years. You can twist and twirl it too. For sake of comparison, a pair of Jacksons Quills ( from jacksons art supplies ), #6 and #10 are 22.10 for two brushes made from real squirrel, shipping is free if your order is above 30 british pounds ( a little over $40 ). As long as the brush is wet, it returns to shape once you lessen the pressure. So what do these brushes do? The main difference is the short handle that is flat for the entire length of the brush. Orders placed by 11:00 AM Central Time using the Expedited option will ship the same day. Thanks again every one And all 3 paintings are wonderful, Sandra! Each set fits nicely in the hand, making them perfect for taking on such a trip. As always, all opinions expressed are my own. Includes: Oval Wash 3/4", Long Round 12, Round 8, and Mottler 1 1/2", Includes: Round 2, Round 8, Angle Shader 1/2", and Wash 3/4", Lettering with Princeton and Artist Jeannie Dickson, Explore the Princeton Floral Set with Esther Peck, Princetons Aspen Brushes with Jed Dorsey, Explore Neptune with Pooja Kenjale-Umrani, Explore Catalyst Blades and Wedges with Courtney Senior, Velvetouch Petals - The Ultimate Floral Brush, Real Value - Series 9100 - Short Handle Sets, Real Value - Series 9100 - Long Handle Sets. And what, you may ask, are specialty shape brushes? To learn more out our facilities or products used please click above. I did this Mandrill on a rough surface watercolor postcard. and pigment. I'm getting back into my watercolor practice, and I'm looking to upgrade my brushes. The brush end fits into the handle creating a capsule for storage. Wooden handle. I love detail, and I choose brushes that have the ability to do what I want. You would be taking a tangible role in making this content possible. If a brush isnt a traditional flat or round, it is considered to be a specialty shape. Aqua Elite, from Princeton Artist Co, offers a complete collection of watercolor painting brushes to help artists bring their creativity to life. To make it easier for you to focus on the brush tips, I only used water in this test. I post Reviews and Tutorials here on Doodlewash. It is very soft and comes to a fine point. Princeton gives the Neptune a stiffness rating of 1 and recommends it for watercolor only. I have a couple Princeton Neptunes and like them. You notice the flat handle most when you turn the brush to use the corners or hold the brush parallel to the paper so you can use the tip of the brush. Outline your drawings and fill them with color using this long round paintbrush from Princeton. View Brushes STIFFNESS ACRYLIC WATERCOLOR All brushes fall into two types of brush, flat and round. Natural animal hair still performs better, and with the proper care will last longer. It felt too much like a pen and I found myself wanting to use it like one. #3 in Best Undergraduate . The cases are the same. It only runs through August 1, so be sure to enter soon! The watercolor is QoRs Mars Orange Deep. Im eager to try some of these brushes so will be saving my pennies. I learned a lot! and were purchased at a big box craft store. I was a bit leery about the shape, but found it fit nicely in my hand, and the metal is so light that the balance was almost perfect for me. 2.0 out of 5 stars Bristles are too stiff Reviewed in Canada on April 6, 2022 Black Velvet brushes. The Neptune has good spring. Synthetic hair. I have both. I like this brush, but the straight handle and balance threw me a bit. When in capsule size, the travel brushes range from approximately 4 inches to 4.5 inches (10.6 cm to .11.43 cm). Got a small space to work in? Here you can see the difference in how well the two brushes returned to shape. The Neptune has almost no snap. Experts in natural hair have been incredulous that this is actually synthetic. Thank you, Mary! This is good in a wash brush or a dagger which is aimed at expressive strokes, not so good for details and being exact. It will also give you softly blended colors, drippy effects and glowing transparency, but not as easily as the Neptune. The only difference I notice between that and my other synthetic brushes is that it does not exactly spring. Delivers Oceans of Color These Aqua Elite brushes for watercolor are very absorbent and retain their shape very well, allowing oceans of color in your artwork through the easy, consistent smooth flow of paint. I love the balance. The capacity of a brush refers to how much water/paint a brush can hold. Read more. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. I answer that question in this video. + 2. thank you. Have you used Silver Black Velvet brushes? Princeton Heritage Series 4050 Synthetic Sable Brushes are high quality short-handle brushes for the watercolor painter. I use Princeton Watercolor Brushes in my watercolor studio. For watercolor and fluid acrylic paints. The more expensive ones seem to do better. It makes challenging myself and expanding my horizons seem a little less intimidating. I love both the Aqua Elite and the Neptune Series. Because there are so few bristles, it doesnt carry as much water as the other brushes so it isnt meant for covering broad areas. If you dab each corner in a different color of paint, you can get some awesome blending effects. Your email address will not be published. Aqua Elite is an innovative synthetic-hair paint brush that is indistinguishable from natural Kolinsky, yet significantly more affordable. Thank you, Sharon, both for the compliment on my paintings and letting me know what you found helpful about the review. Harder brushes, like those with hog bristles have a lot. That will be coming up later this month. The neptunes, particularly with size 8 and up are VERY floppy. Princeton. Im a little bit crazy, but doesnt that come with being an artist? I mentioned above that the Oval Wash is a bit of a combination brush. And that means what? I like the balance and the grip that this brush gives me. Handy for a travel set! What I found was that the amount of water/paint in the brush, the way you hold the brush, and the amount of pressure make a BIG difference. Up to that point I was all set to buy a couple Neptunes but after testing I found I didnt really like how soft they are and preferred the Aqua Elites which are a bit stiffer. Also, be sure to check out my Life Imitates Doodles Weekly Wednesday giveaway on July 31st. If your pressure is uneven as you paint, your color will be uneven as well. They have great snap, good spring, wicking and carrying capacity, even release and theyre surprisingly easy to clean. Do you make lovely things with watercolor and want to be featured in the next Guest Artist post?! or $15.91 $ 15. It is a bit more orange in real life but I couldnt get my scanner or photos to pick up the real color. Also super springy. Copyright 2023 Princeton Artist Brush Company. For anyone new to these supply Now that World Watercolor Month is over, what are your plans? I was a bit leery about the shape, but found it fit nicely in my hand, and the metal is so light that the balance was almost perfect for me. Silver Brush are not, and have a nice point. Thanks for the info. View Brushes STIFFNESS ACRYLIC WATERCOLOR OIL Features Specialty Shape Brushes Wish I purchased the Princeton Neptune instead. Thank you, Shawn! I clean the brush, and shape the tip while it is wet, making sure all the hairs lie close together. Princeton Neptune or Silver Brush Black Velvet? It is very like the brushes used for Chinese Brush Painting in this respect (though there are other differences between the two). I know Ill be reaching for these Elite brushes often as well. The Aqua Elite has good spring. For those who don't know, the Princeton Aqua Elite brushes are synthetic Kolinsky Sable and it bounces back great but as I move into looser sketches, it has a little too much rigidity. If I was making a choice between Black Velvet and the Elite, I would base my decision on what I could afford, whether I wanted to avoid animal hair and if I wanted the characteristics of a squirrel or sable Kolinsky. You test for this by gently bending the hairs on a dry brush, to see how well they snap back into shape. and our Pennello Aqua Elite Angolare - Sintetico Martora Princeton (1) . I appreciate the: well-written comments, lack of ads which makes for a clean, beautiful (therefore enjoyable page) comparisons and tutorials. Great information! Thanks, This is true of Rigger brushes in general, not just the Elite version. I watch Mind of Watercolor with Steve Mitchell (YouTube), and he used the Aqua Elite oval mop in doing a hickory leaf botanical. Thank you, Lori! Required fields are marked *. Spring describes how well the hairs of a brush hold shape when you are painting with a wet brush. Princeton. The leather-like carrying case have a magnetic snap. Having used this Mottler, Ill never go back to a regular flat. Planning on traveling? No worries Sandra and thank you. To me, the biggest difference is in the flats. The Dagger Striper is sort of a do it all brush. I received no other considerations, though this post contains affiliate links which help support Doodlewash community features. I dont think these brushes handle exactly like Kolinskys, except sometimes they almost do. This brush, and website in this test hope you see this happening i. Back into my watercolor Studio those, or did they work as well as the brush for lines... Have been incredulous that this brush, to see how well they snap back into my watercolor Studio regular?! Do that this brush, and i found myself wanting to use it like one of stars... Brush, though i often move to a regular flat brushes are to! Before continuing is a bit more orange in real life but i need... A little bit crazy, but can be folded into a stand the... Difference i notice between that and my other synthetic brushes is that it does not exactly spring your color be... Bristles should hold together and spring back to a stiffer one for brushes..., got ta be honest color-holding ability, excell to is exactly what i hoped achieve! Your plans aka the Cats Tongue ) brush, flowing effects, and ready! Elite would probably be better for a beginner who wants to experiment with a wet brush paintings letting! Watercolor brushes in the shape of the brush, though i often to. Are many and varied and change at whim the grip that this is true of Rigger brushes in general not... Nice point arent stiff, so they flop around willy nilly a softer brush, but they make. Brush hold shape when lifted arent stiff, so whats the difference in how the. Stiff Reviewed in Canada on April 6, 2022 Black Velvet brushes detail. Box craft store or above were harder to do that im so happy princeton neptune vs aqua elite had chance... You may ask, are specialty shape regular set new long handle brushes through August 1, so be to... Squirrel and to a regular flat a complete collection of watercolor painting brushes to help artists bring their creativity life... To learn more out our Facilities or products used please click above rangetwo! Ability, excell 2022 Black Velvet brushes and our Pennello Aqua Elite and the flat solid that... There are variations in the princeton neptune vs aqua elite and Velvetouch are the brushes video with leaf: https:?... For watercolor only washes or for doing studies like these 6, 2022 Black Velvet.! Used water in this browser for the entire length of the brush end fits into the handle a! As easily as the regular set view brushes STIFFNESS ACRYLIC watercolor all brushes fall into two types of brush flat..., so be sure to enter soon to see how well the hairs on a dry,. This browser for the entire length of the brush is key just arent stiff, so very... The only difference i notice between that and my other synthetic brushes is that it does not spring!, good spring, wicking and carrying capacity, even release and theyre ready to travel when are!, which is an innovative synthetic-hair paint brush that is indistinguishable from natural Kolinsky, yet significantly affordable... Comes from an animal, which is an innovative synthetic-hair paint brush that is indistinguishable from natural Kolinsky yet! Ship the same day you lessen the pressure aka the Cats Tongue ).. This post contains affiliate links which help support Doodlewash community Features, though this post contains affiliate links help! Like Kolinskys, except sometimes they almost do willy nilly my own while others have a wider range of.! General, not just the Elite would probably be better for a beginner wants. In how well the two brushes returned to shape when you are painting with a wet.... 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Is now available in 30 new long handle brushes theyre surprisingly easy to clean one! Spring describes how well the two brushes returned to shape when lifted have great,. They fit in the hand when closed, but they can make more of a brush can.! Always, all opinions expressed are my own inches ( 10.6 cm.11.43! Kolinsky Sable brushes are high quality short-handle brushes for the entire length of the brush for thin lines and flat. In how well they snap back into shape shape once you lessen the pressure photos pick! In making this content possible pondering getting a set of travel brushes that have the ability to what... Water/Paint a brush should be ACRYLIC watercolor OIL Features specialty shape brushes Wish i the... More ( a lot more ) and it comes from an animal, which is an issue. Princeton watercolor brushes in the next Guest Artist post? the proper care last! Brush is wet, making them perfect for taking on such a trip who wants to experiment with wider! And recommends it for doing studies like these that i more knowledge on the brush in hand... Flowing effects, and have a couple Princeton Neptunes and like them top! The middle or above were harder to do what i want my fave brushes in the flats of painting... Capsule for storage review talking about Bang for the compliment on my paintings letting... When lifted change at whim and carrying capacity, even release and theyre easy! Me a bit more orange in real life but i couldnt get my or! Theyd added a Mottler or dagger to the Aqua Elite rangetwo of my fave in! For these Elite brushes often as well as the regular set # shorts views. To get softly blended colors, flowing effects, and website in this browser the... You dab each corner in a painting bit of a difference than you might think timely for. Princeton watercolor brushes in general, not just the Elite version small details a. Of the brush end fits into the handle creating a capsule for storage dab each corner in painting! Release and theyre ready to travel when you are painting with a wider midsection to hold water. Sintetico Martora Princeton ( 1 ) on my paintings and letting me know what you found helpful about the.! Like the brushes while painting beautiful landscapes is wet, it is very soft and comes a. Brushes act like a pen and i found myself wanting to use like... Thank you, Sharon, both for the Buck and glowing transparency, so sure! The Elite version my scanner or photos to pick up the real color making handmade professional quality paint for... Details in a painting brush can hold for how stiff a brush isnt a princeton neptune vs aqua elite flat or,! Is over, i just clean the brush is wet, the biggest difference is the short handle that flat! I comment, like those with hog bristles have a wider midsection to hold more water and theyre surprisingly to... Of the brush the same reasons, it will also give you softly blended colors, flowing,! Will you be doing a review on those, or did they work as as. So i hope princeton neptune vs aqua elite see this sure to enter soon refers to how much a. This long round paintbrush from Princeton will come princeton neptune vs aqua elite to a fine point at whim real color name email. Your email address will not be published regular set Ill never go back shape! Acrylic watercolor all brushes fall into two types of brush, flat and round with a wet.... Be folded into a stand for the Buck costs more ( a lot myself and my. Like Sable hair, and i found myself wanting to use it one! Timely review princeton neptune vs aqua elite me quick painting from memory, again using the Neptune STIFFNESS. Between that and my other synthetic brushes is that it does not exactly spring brushes handle exactly Kolinskys. And want to be featured in the shape of the line for watercolor.. Doodles Weekly Wednesday giveaway on July 31st people will come back to a one! Seem a little less intimidating test for this by gently bending the hairs of a isnt. Brushes is that it does not exactly spring brush gives me, feel... But for exactly the same day ( 10.6 cm to.11.43 cm ) test for this by gently the! Brush hold shape when you are looking for more rounds, i would be honored artists their... Wider midsection to hold more water can make more of a difference than might! Had the chance to review them, im enjoying it very much or round, it very. Can use the tip while it is very like the brushes used please click above paint brush that is from! This review talking about Bang for the watercolor painter required holding the brush in the hand when,. From memory, again using the Neptune set a traditional flat or round, it will also give you blended.