After discovering that the Winsor & Newton Series 7 Kolinsky Sables were back in stock (see Kolinsky Relief), an order was fired off to Dick Blick to grab a few before someone changed their mind. Ordered were a half dozen brushes with a mix of W&N Series 7 of sizes 00 and 0. As long as my other W&N 7s have lasted, these brushes may represent a lifetime supply.
W&N offers two styles of the Series 7: Pointed Round and Miniature. From the website photos, the Miniature style appeared to have a shorter and less full bristle. Having never tried the Miniature before, I wondered if it might offer a figure painting brush for fine work? When the package arrived, I laid out the two styles for comparison. The Round Pointed is the top brush with the Miniature below. As seen from the photo, the fibers on the miniature are shorter and less robust. The Miniature might, indeed, make for a good detailing brush. I will see soon!
On the painting desk are a myriad of figures. In work are several Impetvs stands for the Reconquista project, 10mm Confederate infantry (boy! it has been a very long time since this project has seen action on either the gaming table or the painting desk), First Afghan War British infantry, and ancient Celts. Much activity with results trickling out soon. Still awaiting a chance to give the Chadd's Ford battle a run-through.
That's very kind of you to say Jonathan! I'm going to get Mai to buy me some better quality brushes for christmas to see how they do. Just never progressed to quality brushes from when I started painting.
Well, after your last post I tracked down a source in New Zealand for Winsor and Newton and purchased one. I figures I'd try and get a brush a month because they seriously bite into my monthly budget. I've used it once and the bristles started to part... but we'll see if they hold better next time around after the breaking in.
That is hard to believe. I have been using two of the WN7s for years and they both still look great. Did you get a Series 7 brush? Maybe quality has changed since the my last purchase? I will give one of the new brushes a try and see if I experience the same.
Fresh supplies! I think you will find the miniature brush more consistent in shape and point over time, but I'll await your final judgment. According to my experience the long haired brushes have a tendency to react like Natholeon describes above, or a least 50% of them will do this after a while. Solution; I do like you, buy plenty :0) Happy painting Jonathan!
Brushes! These are a bane and blessing - I've yet to get a set of decent ones - the only "name-brand" I have is a "Insane Detail" Army Painter brush. The rest from either Walmart or JoAnn's (with sale coupon). They definitely are examples of "you get what you pay for." Probably will need to spend more time (& money) for a replacements someday.
Great purchase and post, Jonathan! I too love my quality sable brushes. I'm now down to 2 primary lines-my W & N 000 for the small stuff and my Raphaels 00-1 for the rest. They all get heavy use and have perfect tips.
I think it might have the late Brigadier Young who recommended the Windsor and Newton brushes decades ago. They have always been difficult to find, at least in the pre internet days. I should order a few !
In the Compendium, Henry Hyde reports a lot of complaints about brushes not holding their point and speculates it is due the transition from Oils to acrylics, thus lacking the residual "oil" in the brush to keep its shape. Perhaps!
Way beyond me Jonathan, I pick the cheapest set from the local paints shop, maybe should pay more attention to the make of brush I use?
ReplyDeletePaul! With your talented brushwork, any brush is likely sufficient. Me? I need every advantage I can muster!
DeleteThat's very kind of you to say Jonathan! I'm going to get Mai to buy me some better quality brushes for christmas to see how they do. Just never progressed to quality brushes from when I started painting.
DeleteI keep meaning to try these out. I await your review with interest.
ReplyDeleteWell, I think they are great brushes but read Natholeon's comment below for a different view.
DeleteWell, after your last post I tracked down a source in New Zealand for Winsor and Newton and purchased one. I figures I'd try and get a brush a month because they seriously bite into my monthly budget. I've used it once and the bristles started to part... but we'll see if they hold better next time around after the breaking in.
ReplyDeleteThat is hard to believe. I have been using two of the WN7s for years and they both still look great. Did you get a Series 7 brush? Maybe quality has changed since the my last purchase? I will give one of the new brushes a try and see if I experience the same.
DeleteFresh supplies! I think you will find the miniature brush more consistent in shape and point over time, but I'll await your final judgment. According to my experience the long haired brushes have a tendency to react like Natholeon describes above, or a least 50% of them will do this after a while. Solution; I do like you, buy plenty :0)
ReplyDeleteHappy painting Jonathan!
I look forward to giving the Miniature brush a go especially following Natholeon's comment above.
DeleteSplitting and curling is something I experienced with synthetic brushes but never with the Kolinsky sable. Now, I never touch a synthetic brush.
Shiny! New brushes are always handy!
ReplyDeleteIndeed!
DeleteBrushes! These are a bane and blessing - I've yet to get a set of decent ones - the only "name-brand" I have is a "Insane Detail" Army Painter brush. The rest from either Walmart or JoAnn's (with sale coupon). They definitely are examples of "you get what you pay for." Probably will need to spend more time (& money) for a replacements someday.
ReplyDeleteBut Dean, you could put out miracles using a toothbrush!
DeleteGreat purchase and post, Jonathan! I too love my quality sable brushes. I'm now down to 2 primary lines-my W & N 000 for the small stuff and my Raphaels 00-1 for the rest. They all get heavy use and have perfect tips.
ReplyDeleteHey Monty!
DeleteFor me, the W&N7s maintain a point much better than the Raphael 8404s I use. Both are great brushes, for sure!
I think it might have the late Brigadier Young who recommended the Windsor and Newton brushes decades ago. They have always been difficult to find, at least in the pre internet days. I should order a few !
ReplyDeleteIn the Compendium, Henry Hyde reports a lot of complaints about brushes not holding their point and speculates it is due the transition from Oils to acrylics, thus lacking the residual "oil" in the brush to keep its shape. Perhaps!
Interesting bit of history!
DeleteMy experience with the W&N7s is that they hold their point very well. Since I only use acrylics, I cannot comment on oils.
With W&N7s available once again, time to pick up one or two, Peter!
Order placed for four last night :-)
DeleteExcellent!
Delete