I’ve really enjoyed this whole series, and it got me to researching a bit…. Jacksons Artica line is made by Escoda, and looks exactly like the Perla, and is made from the same fiber, Toray nylon, which is a polyamide. Their price is really good, especially when they have a sale. I have found from reading that the hooking is pretty much a trademark of synthetic brushes. Most are made from Taklon, which is a polyester derivative. Black taklon is the softest and most absorbent, usually used in synthetic squirrel brushes. Gold or brown taklon is medium softness and medium absorption, and white taklon is the stiffest. It is not the same as the white nylon. Polyester and polyamides will have different properties, my polyamide perlas and articas have been holding their tips really well. Thanks Lizzie!
Now this IS interesting, the lin between the Jacksons arctica and the Escoda lines. I may have to try one after all. Yes, it does seem that the Toray nylon works well for me. So glad to have found it! And its also encouraging that your perlas and articas havent hooked too much yet. Its like the pieces of a jigsaw are fitting into place. Thanks for the info and feedback!
I know, Im long overdue! I did make a film but the client asked me not to publish it until the book it appears in is published, and other work has got in the way since then. But it's top of my list to do! Thankyou.
Hey Lizzie, glad to be a part of your fifth episode brush testing or at least I feel I’m a part of it! So I haven’t finished watching yet, I was guessing that you would like the Escoda, especially the Perla, so I need to see what happens… Back again- I have never tried Escoda. They are expensive in the USA but I think I will try one of those 2 - will need to watch them 1 more time & pick 1. I was so glad to see you found 3 you were so comfortable with ( but not quite as fun to watch without any cursing). Very happy you liked the Velvetouch as that is one of the brushes I use and recommended to you. I think the name came about due to the soft feeling that was added to the handle. It feels almost cushiony. Thanks for the last brush video! SARA PS your hair looked great!
Hi Sara, thanks for being so loyal through my quest. Yes, the Escodas were a pleasant surprise to me! The velvet in velvet touch prob does come from the softness, Id not thought about it. And I know, so much better when I have to try not to swear loudly on film! Thanks for the feedback and good luck with the Escodas!
I did this also. I found a super cheap brush that actually heald up well over a year now with no hook and does an amazing job. I was quite surprised with it as I was reviewing Amazon brushes.. and well I don't expect much from them. Transon round #1 fine crisp lines like the Princeton velvet touch. Not sure how soft is too soft for you but my lines are super crisp and I'm not scared of damaging them since they're very inexpensive brushes. They're what I take in my travel sets
I am so glad to watch you paint with these brushes, many of which I have also tried, and see that they are different or difficult for you to use and that it isn’t just my own inexperience. 😂
Oh my god! I want to cry. What a beautiful painting. Thank you so so so much for sharing the technics with us with such details so we can try ourselves. My warmest regards
Thank you for sharing your tests with us. I found it hugely helpful. I have been using synthetic brushes for years but am always on the quest for the perfect one and have bought a few of the brushes in previous videos. I have the Princeton Neptune already but I'll need to try some of the Escodas too 😁
Brilliant. Thanks I’ve been going round in circles trying to commit to one or two new brushes. . These wonderful demonstrations have helped tremendously. Great to see and breath with each brush stroke. THANKYOU so much. Hugs and happiness for bumble bee rescuex😊
Glad it was helpful! I thought there would be lots of people in a similar situation, and its good to know that my tests transfer. Each person paints so individually I did wonder how helpful a brush review might be. For what its worth, the one I use now is the Princeton Velvetouch, at least as much as my series 7.
Cheers Ineke! Can you email me your postal address (info@lizzieharper.co.uk), I want to write a little thankyou card for the lovely package that just arrived yesterday! xx
Hi Lizzy. Marialena's here. Well the Princeton Velvetouch is by far the most suitable for your painting style, but the Escoda Perla gave you very sharp results as well. It seems that you are a white taclon synthetic bristles child and it is good to know that because it will make things easier for you if any of these two brushes is ever discontinued. The white taclon toray ( or whatever they call it ) is after all the most common type of synthetic brush fiber. I'm not saying this to scare you the exact moment that you've found something that works for you, but because that is something that happens very often with the watercolour synthetic brush lines. So it is good to know which type of synthetic bristles work for you, and go for the same type if God forbid any of these companies discontinues any of these brush lines. Also from all these brushes that you've tested it seems that there are some brushes that worked better with certain types off paper and some others that didn't. It is not only the type of bristles that work or not for you, but also the type of paper that works better with the individual bristles. The synthetic bristles blend of the Princeton Velvetouch and the White Toray (taclon) Escoda Perla work well with the hard sizing of the Fluid 100 paper. I would suggest to keep some notes with a pencil on the illustrations. The type of paper and on which part of the illustration you used each brush for future reference. If you don't remember where you used what rewatch the videos, keep notes and store these illustrations in a plastic paper sleeve for future reference.... just in case. Better safe than sorry ( retesting a hell of brushes all over again). Don't rely on your uploaded videos because YT is not reliable either.
Hi Marialena, don't worry, I have evrythign labelled and all the films and photos I did are backed up all over the place. I never trust things like youtube, either... OK, so taclon synthetic are the way forward for me. I will remember that, Id not noticed the similarities, thanks. And yes, the sizing does make a difference. Currently Im back on Stonehenge aqua as I need to order in more Fluid 100. Its all good though. Thanks so much for all your feedback through ALL of these films, really appreciate it. x
Nope, they went under the radar. Im sticking with my Escoda Prado, perla, and Princeton Neptune for now, but if they mess up maybe Ill add Hanover into the mix.
Have you recently ordered a new Winsor & Newton Series 7 brush? I ask because the complaint is over the internet (RUclips Video's too) regarding how the quality is way, way down. Dick Blick gave replies to one customer about the W&N sable source, because of Russia and the war, is not the same. I contacted W&N to ask and they replied supplier has changed and with climate change, etc - not quite the same sable as they used to get. I was thinking of ordering more W&N series 7 brushes. I agree with you they are amazing. But mine or older and I am hesitant to order the new stock, especially based on Teoh Yi Chie's review of two years ago.
Oh crikey, no Ive not topped up for the last 6 months (I tend to buy then in big batches of 5 or 6 at a time and have 2 left). Ugh. That sounds perfectly possible and very troubling. Curses! But I have reordered within the last year, with no noticable fall in quality....
It would be very interesting if you ended up switching to Velvet Touch brushes, simply because in the States they are a staple moderate to low end watercolor and craft brush, sold at large chain craft stores. Good luck with your quest.
This is a really good point, actually. Lots of these synthetic brushes are cheap and readily available. Yes, Im excited to see how I get on with the Velvet touch long term too!
This has been most helpful - thank you! Seven months on, have any of these finalists failed you? I'd heard the Neptunes lose their points very rapidly....
Hi Lisa, Good question. The one I now use daily, alongside my W&N sable, is the Princeton Velvetouch. I have ordered new ones in and am really pleased with them. Such a relief to have a winner!
![KSI - Dirty [Official Visualiser]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/VoDh1h1dPUE/mqdefault.jpg)
I’ve really enjoyed this whole series, and it got me to researching a bit…. Jacksons Artica line is made by Escoda, and looks exactly like the Perla, and is made from the same fiber, Toray nylon, which is a polyamide. Their price is really good, especially when they have a sale.
I have found from reading that the hooking is pretty much a trademark of synthetic brushes. Most are made from Taklon, which is a polyester derivative. Black taklon is the softest and most absorbent, usually used in synthetic squirrel brushes. Gold or brown taklon is medium softness and medium absorption, and white taklon is the stiffest. It is not the same as the white nylon.
Polyester and polyamides will have different properties, my polyamide perlas and articas have been holding their tips really well.
Thanks Lizzie!
Now this IS interesting, the lin between the Jacksons arctica and the Escoda lines. I may have to try one after all. Yes, it does seem that the Toray nylon works well for me. So glad to have found it! And its also encouraging that your perlas and articas havent hooked too much yet. Its like the pieces of a jigsaw are fitting into place. Thanks for the info and feedback!
Hope to see more full length painting videos soon
I know, Im long overdue! I did make a film but the client asked me not to publish it until the book it appears in is published, and other work has got in the way since then. But it's top of my list to do! Thankyou.
Hey Lizzie, glad to be a part of your fifth episode brush testing or at least I feel I’m a part of it!
So I haven’t finished watching yet, I was guessing that you would like the Escoda, especially the Perla, so I need to see what happens…
Back again-
I have never tried Escoda. They are expensive in the USA but I think I will try one of those 2 - will need to watch them 1 more time & pick 1. I was so glad to see you found 3 you were so comfortable with ( but not quite as fun to watch without any cursing).
Very happy you liked the Velvetouch as that is one of the brushes I use and recommended to you. I think the name came about due to the soft feeling that was added to the handle. It feels almost cushiony.
Thanks for the last brush video!
SARA
PS your hair looked great!
Hi Sara, thanks for being so loyal through my quest. Yes, the Escodas were a pleasant surprise to me! The velvet in velvet touch prob does come from the softness, Id not thought about it. And I know, so much better when I have to try not to swear loudly on film! Thanks for the feedback and good luck with the Escodas!
Thank you for making these videos - they're extremely helpful, especially because you have actually shown us how they perform when painting. 🤩
Happy to help! And Im really glad they're useful. Just hope Ive not misrepresented any of the brushes!
Brilliant, beautiful!! Thank you for your diligent research!
My total pleasure, glad its helpful.
Big thank from Vietnam. I have learned a lot of things from you video. Agian, thank you for creating the video❤❤❤
Ooh! Someone from Vietnam watching my films! That's wonderful, thank you so much!
I did this also. I found a super cheap brush that actually heald up well over a year now with no hook and does an amazing job. I was quite surprised with it as I was reviewing Amazon brushes.. and well I don't expect much from them. Transon round #1 fine crisp lines like the Princeton velvet touch. Not sure how soft is too soft for you but my lines are super crisp and I'm not scared of damaging them since they're very inexpensive brushes. They're what I take in my travel sets
Ive never even heard of them! That is interesting. I will look them up and maybe have a play....
I am so glad to watch you paint with these brushes, many of which I have also tried, and see that they are different or difficult for you to use and that it isn’t just my own inexperience. 😂
It's so easy to blame yourself not the equipment. Have faith in yourself, even if you havent got tons of experience. x
Thanks Lizzie, I could watch you paint all day! Such beautiful work
Thank you so much 😀
Oh my god! I want to cry. What a beautiful painting. Thank you so so so much for sharing the technics with us with such details so we can try ourselves. My warmest regards
Thank you so much 😀 Its a treat to be able to share my stuff with people as grateful and nice as you!
This was fun, and I'm not surprised by the results.
Thankyou. And Im still using Princeton velvettouch, even though the film was made a few months back! Must be a good sign. x
Thank you for sharing your tests with us. I found it hugely helpful. I have been using synthetic brushes for years but am always on the quest for the perfect one and have bought a few of the brushes in previous videos. I have the Princeton Neptune already but I'll need to try some of the Escodas too 😁
Ooh thats great to hear, Gillian! Let me know how you get on wtih the Escodas.
Beautiful painting
Thanks!
Brilliant. Thanks I’ve been going round in circles trying to commit to one or two new brushes. . These wonderful demonstrations have helped tremendously. Great to see and breath with each brush stroke. THANKYOU so much. Hugs and happiness for bumble bee rescuex😊
Glad it was helpful! I thought there would be lots of people in a similar situation, and its good to know that my tests transfer. Each person paints so individually I did wonder how helpful a brush review might be. For what its worth, the one I use now is the Princeton Velvetouch, at least as much as my series 7.
This is a huge help. Thank you
My absolute pleasure
Weldone! 😘 very informative! However as you said it is a very personal to choice for painting. Just keep it up and enjoy all of your chosen brushes.
Cheers Ineke! Can you email me your postal address (info@lizzieharper.co.uk), I want to write a little thankyou card for the lovely package that just arrived yesterday! xx
Mr Bumblebee says thank you for saving him from the big gnashy spider!
I'm always up for rescuing a bumble bee! But I felt bad for the spider.....
Hi Lizzy. Marialena's here. Well the Princeton Velvetouch is by far the most suitable for your painting style, but the Escoda Perla gave you very sharp results as well. It seems that you are a white taclon synthetic bristles child and it is good to know that because it will make things easier for you if any of these two brushes is ever discontinued. The white taclon toray ( or whatever they call it ) is after all the most common type of synthetic brush fiber.
I'm not saying this to scare you the exact moment that you've found something that works for you, but because that is something that happens very often with the watercolour synthetic brush lines. So it is good to know which type of synthetic bristles work for you, and go for the same type if God forbid any of these companies discontinues any of these brush lines.
Also from all these brushes that you've tested it seems that there are some brushes that worked better with certain types off paper and some others that didn't. It is not only the type of bristles that work or not for you, but also the type of paper that works better with the individual bristles.
The synthetic bristles blend of the Princeton Velvetouch and the White Toray (taclon) Escoda Perla work well with the hard sizing of the Fluid 100 paper. I would suggest to keep some notes with a pencil on the illustrations. The type of paper and on which part of the illustration you used each brush for future reference. If you don't remember where you used what rewatch the videos, keep notes and store these illustrations in a plastic paper sleeve for future reference.... just in case.
Better safe than sorry ( retesting a hell of brushes all over again). Don't rely on your uploaded videos because YT is not reliable either.
Hi Marialena, don't worry, I have evrythign labelled and all the films and photos I did are backed up all over the place. I never trust things like youtube, either... OK, so taclon synthetic are the way forward for me. I will remember that, Id not noticed the similarities, thanks. And yes, the sizing does make a difference. Currently Im back on Stonehenge aqua as I need to order in more Fluid 100. Its all good though. Thanks so much for all your feedback through ALL of these films, really appreciate it. x
❣️
Bello y didactico. Agradable voz.
Gracias!
Have you tried any of the Handover synthetic brushes? I believe they have a line of synthetic sable.
Nope, they went under the radar. Im sticking with my Escoda Prado, perla, and Princeton Neptune for now, but if they mess up maybe Ill add Hanover into the mix.
@@LizzieHarperillustrator Thanks! I think there is wisdom in avoiding new brands. No fun, but a lot of wisdom 🤣.
Have you recently ordered a new Winsor & Newton Series 7 brush? I ask because the complaint is over the internet (RUclips Video's too) regarding how the quality is way, way down. Dick Blick gave replies to one customer about the W&N sable source, because of Russia and the war, is not the same. I contacted W&N to ask and they replied supplier has changed and with climate change, etc - not quite the same sable as they used to get. I was thinking of ordering more W&N series 7 brushes. I agree with you they are amazing. But mine or older and I am hesitant to order the new stock, especially based on Teoh Yi Chie's review of two years ago.
Oh crikey, no Ive not topped up for the last 6 months (I tend to buy then in big batches of 5 or 6 at a time and have 2 left). Ugh. That sounds perfectly possible and very troubling. Curses! But I have reordered within the last year, with no noticable fall in quality....
It would be very interesting if you ended up switching to Velvet Touch brushes, simply because in the States they are a staple moderate to low end watercolor and craft brush, sold at large chain craft stores. Good luck with your quest.
This is a really good point, actually. Lots of these synthetic brushes are cheap and readily available. Yes, Im excited to see how I get on with the Velvet touch long term too!
This has been most helpful - thank you! Seven months on, have any of these finalists failed you? I'd heard the Neptunes lose their points very rapidly....
Hi Lisa, Good question. The one I now use daily, alongside my W&N sable, is the Princeton Velvetouch. I have ordered new ones in and am really pleased with them. Such a relief to have a winner!
ProArt Prolene Plus are not available in the UK?!! How?!
It might be. But just not when I looked...
@@LizzieHarperillustrator Thanks!