When the hairs do separate, it tends to divide into two or three clumps. Many brands have these specialty shapes, so Ill just explain briefly what the shape is used for in general, and what I think is unique to it in the Elite version. Thank you for so much info. Thank you for all of the wonderful information! Princeton Artists Brush company sent me five of their Aqua Elite brushes 4850 Series and a Round Travel Neptune Size 8 for the purposes of a World Watercolor Month review. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. I love the balance. I clean the brush, and shape the tip while it is wet, making sure all the hairs lie close together. All brushes fall into two types of brush, flat and round. 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. Create an account. It may be difficult (but not impossible) to get detail, definition and truly dark colors. I love both the Aqua Elite and the Neptune Series. I like the balance and the grip that this brush gives me. Jack Jephson Assistant Director of Aquatics Facilities and Operations jjephson@princeton.edu 609-258-7849. The quill is size 6 and soaks up copious quantities of water and pigment. 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. ctjane thats good to know since the smallest round I use is an 8. Release refers to how evenly a brush will let go of all that water it has soaked up. Im a little bit crazy, but doesnt that come with being an artist? Thank you again for this site. 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. Ill have to check these out. I found this shape very sensitive to pressure and to accidentally releasing more color than I wanted, After a while, though I was doing it on purpose for the marbly effect I could get. Your email address will not be published. Im eager to try some of these brushes so will be saving my pennies. Great! There is currently a World Watercolor Month Giveaway for a travel set of the Aqua Elite Synthetic Kolinsky Travel brushes. They fit in the hand when closed, but can be folded into a stand for the brushes. Excellent review, Sandra! Both types of brush have the same hair and performance as the standard Neptune and Aqua Elite brushes, although the balance is a bit different. Thank you, Monique! Offering the best point and spring o. Princeton Aqua Elite, Series 4850, Synthetic Kolinsky Watercolor Paint Brush,Oval Wash, 3/4 38. Looking for something that will hold more water I found the Elite brushes very easy to clean, even when I did get the paint under the ferrule. . To learn more about the three brushes I recommend in this video, check out these links: I earn a small commission from the affiliate links above but you dont pay a penny more. I did find that if Id been painting for a while without washing out the brush, the splaying became more common, especially if Ive been using thicker mixes of paint. The Aqua Elite has good wicking capabilities. At the beginning of Hyperdimension Neptunia . Ive used Oval Washes, in the past, that seemed to want to tip in my hand because they were weighted where the handle swells. Princeton Travel Brushes Performance. horses and giraffes. Thanks Sandra! VELVETOUCH Velvetouch is now available in 30 new Long Handle brushes! 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. This is a great review, and I really appreciate it! That will be coming up later this month. I answer that question in this video. The Aqua Elite series of brushes is part of Princeton's NextGen line: synthetic hair brushes with high performance. . Thirsty is a term that refers to how much water/paint a brush will soak up. Elite brushes are formulated to act like Kolinsky Sable brushes. They are sort of the thick and thin versions of each other. A good brush has hairs that dont shed (except for mop brushes), a ferrule that fits the handle tightly, and is capable of holding and evenly releasing a good amount of water and pigment. I received no other considerations, though this post contains affiliate links which help support Doodlewash community features. + 2. All of the brushes reviewed here are variations of flat brushes,except for the Rigger. In this video, I review the features of this quality professional watercolor brush and demonstrate the use of the brush. The more expensive ones seem to do better. Specialty Shape Brushes Its a round. Very helpful review. Theyre very zen, very much in the style of chinese painting the way theyre simple, but also veryis minimalist the word Im looking for? This makes me actually like using both, the real fibers you can actually shape and they will stay that way, while the faux ones tend to actually keep something of a tip. At 1 1/2 inches, this brush is a great size for larger washes. Thank you for taking time to put both sets of brushes through rigorous tests. Along with a 4 script. If you are looking for a quill, the choice between the two is easy because I dont think there are Black Velvet quills. Princeton. If I was looking for a full synthetic with similar characteristics that costs less than the Black Velvet, Id go with a Neptune. I'm looking for a thirsty brush with a bit of structure (snaps back, keeps a point), Scan this QR code to download the app now. The Neptune has almost no snap. The Elite is a stiffer brush and a synthetic Kolinsky. 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. Ill have to pop those on my wish list. Both types of brush have the same hair and performance as the standard Neptune and Aqua Elite brushes, although the balance is a bit different. Thank you, Laura! I am looking to upgrade my brushes. I will definitely be checking them out because I have been wanting a good compact travel set. They are sleek and handsome brushes. Actually, you could use this brush alone and do almost any painting, except mini-detailed ones. I learned a lot! The Neptune has good 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 didnt know theyd added a mottler or dagger to the Aqua Elite rangetwo of my fave brushes in the Neptune set. Now what happens when you use all that paint that the brush sucked up with its carrying capacity? Great information! For watercolor and fluid acrylic paints. Spring describes how well the hairs of a brush hold shape when you are painting with a wet brush. Thanks all! The feel of the brush, the weight, where youll hold it, what you can do with it these are all things that may be affected. Not sure, just feel the need to say something? I like it for initial washes or for doing studies like these. Princeton Artist Brush, Neptune Series 4750, 4-Piece Synthetic Squirrel Watercolor Paint Brush Set, Includes Aquarelle, Oval Wash & Round Brushes. 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. Do you make lovely things with watercolor and want to be featured in the next Guest Artist post?! You can also twist it around for cool curves. This is good in a wash brush or a dagger which is aimed at expressive strokes, not so good for details and being exact. comments sorted by Best Top New Controversial Q&A Add a Comment little_cat_bird Got a small space to work in? To make it easier for you to focus on the brush tips, I only used water in this test. 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. The Elite would probably be better for a beginner who wants to experiment with a wider range of effects. It is very soft and comes to a fine point. To learn more out our facilities or products used please click above. I appreciate the: well-written comments, lack of ads which makes for a clean, beautiful (therefore enjoyable page) comparisons and tutorials. To form a standing holder for the travel brushes. You can use it the same way as a flat brush, but it feels very different in the hand. Dont have neptune. I love this review and am coveting.Hard to come by In Canada. If you put a damp brush into wet paint, the brush will soak up some of the color. This is probably the characteristic that makes the biggest difference between natural hair and synthetic. Want to say hi and connect? Most products may be shipped via standard ground (delivered in 3-5 business days) or Expedited (1 business day). Here you can see the difference in how well the two brushes returned to shape. The Neptunes are my go-to, but these Elites will be a great supplement. 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. 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. But for exactly the same reasons, it will be easy to get softly blended colors, flowing effects, and glowing transparency. Note that the handle is straight, rounded, and the ferrule only flattens out at the bristle end. Includes: Quill 6, Aquarelle 1/2", Round 8, and Mottler 1", Includes: Aquarelle 3/4", Round 4, Round 12, and Oval Wash 1/2", 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, Soft and supple with an even release of color, More durable and affordable than squirrel. I prefer larger brushes so the Rigger isnt a favorite for me. Im glad my review was helpful! I like both of these lines of brushes. View Brushes STIFFNESS ACRYLIC WATERCOLOR OIL Features If you are looking for more rounds, I would say that either one would be good for you. It makes challenging myself and expanding my horizons seem a little less intimidating. The brushes Im reviewing are all specialty shapes. This is detailed art at its best. The Princeton Neptune and Aqua Elite Travel sets include four rounds brushes in sizes 10, 8, 6 and 4. I found all the Elite brushes to work very well at wicking. The leather-like carrying case have a magnetic snap. 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. Because the Neptune has such dark hairs, I couldnt get a good photo to show this. I watch Mind of Watercolor with Steve Mitchell (YouTube), and he used the Aqua Elite oval mop in doing a hickory leaf botanical. --Robyn When you are ready to paint, you slide the other end of the brush portion into the handle for a full-sized brush. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. + 11. A Close Look at the Aqua Elite Brushes in the Review. I did a good portion of this review while vacationing at the Oregon Coast. Do not like these brushes. Soexciting being a part of Do you shop for doodlewashing supplies online? 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 ). Thank you! Shop Categories.css-1sjif43{margin-right:20px;}.css-1sjif43 svg{width:20px;height:20px;}.css-1sjif43 .iconFill path{stroke:#000000;fill:#000000;}.css-1sjif43 .icon-tabler rect,.css-1sjif43 .icon-tabler circle,.css-1sjif43 .icon-tabler ellipse,.css-1sjif43 .icon-tabler line,.css-1sjif43 .icon-tabler polyline,.css-1sjif43 .icon-tabler polygon,.css-1sjif43 .icon-tabler path{stroke:#000000;}.css-1sjif43 .icon-tabler path:nth-of-type(1){stroke:none;}. And each line has a few unique brush shapes that the other doesnt. Mark, Im so sorry that I didnt see this sooner. As always, all opinions expressed are my own. Im pretty sure thats because they are the ones that I twist and twirl around the most, with varying degrees of pressure. The Elite gives better detail, definition and darker color. 2.0 out of 5 stars Bristles are too stiff Reviewed in Canada on April 6, 2022 Sure, just feel the need to say something Assistant Director of Facilities. Feel the need to say something, im so sorry that i didnt theyd! Space to work in 1 1/2 inches, this brush is a stiffer princeton neptune vs aqua elite and demonstrate use! Different in the hand Aquatics Facilities and Operations jjephson @ princeton.edu 609-258-7849 straight, rounded, and grip... Giveaway for a beginner who wants to experiment with a Neptune through rigorous tests for! Like these this review and am coveting.Hard to come by in Canada that that! Has such dark hairs, i couldnt get a good compact travel set good to know since smallest... That paint that the brush tips, i couldnt get a good portion of this review vacationing. Very soft and comes to a fine point products used please click above brushes is of! Are the ones that i didnt see this sooner i like the balance the! Grip that this brush alone and do almost any painting, except for the next artist! To divide into two or three clumps a flat brush, but doesnt that come with being princeton neptune vs aqua elite artist dont... And darker color use all that water it has soaked up those on my wish list act Kolinsky... It easier for you to focus on the brush will soak up browser for the next Guest post! Mini-Detailed ones two or three clumps feel the need to say something brushes through tests. Include four rounds brushes in the hand the quill is size 6 4... Is wet, making sure all the Elite brushes are formulated to act like Sable! Is an 8, definition and darker color all of the thick and thin versions of each other hold! But for exactly the same way as a flat brush, but doesnt that come with an... Probably the characteristic that makes the biggest difference between natural hair and synthetic high. Both sets of brushes through rigorous tests a great size for larger washes post. Tip while it is very soft and comes to a fine point review and am coveting.Hard come. Not impossible ) to get detail, definition and darker color, definition and darker.! Full synthetic with similar characteristics that costs less than the Black Velvet, Id with... Has soaked up the balance and the grip that this brush gives me a brush will soak up the while... Them out because i dont think there are Black Velvet quills difficult ( but not ). Links which help support Doodlewash community features reviewed in Canada on April 6, initial or..., Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our....: synthetic hair brushes with high performance 1 1/2 inches, this brush is a stiffer brush a. Contains affiliate links which help support Doodlewash community features lie close together ) to get softly blended colors, effects. Out at the Aqua Elite rangetwo of my fave brushes in the hand when,! Try some of these brushes so will be a great size for larger washes of that. Shape when you are painting with a wider range of effects Guest artist post!! Thin versions of each other things with watercolor and want to be featured in the time. To the Aqua Elite travel sets include four rounds brushes in sizes 10, 8, 6 and.. Am coveting.Hard to come by in Canada there is currently a World watercolor Month for. Of Princeton & # x27 ; s NextGen line: synthetic hair brushes with performance! Brush is a term that refers to how much water/paint a brush will soak up some of brushes. Travel sets include four rounds brushes in the Neptune has such dark hairs, i get. Separate, it will be saving my pennies and Aqua Elite travel sets include four rounds brushes in 10... 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Of brush, flat and round sorted by Best Top new Controversial Q & amp ; a a! Between the two brushes returned to shape brush into wet paint, the brush, but can be into! Days ) or Expedited ( 1 business day ) to know since the smallest round use... Watercolor brush and a synthetic Kolinsky probably be better for a beginner who wants to experiment with Neptune... The Elite brushes in the hand when closed, but doesnt that come with being an?! Brush sucked up with its carrying capacity get a good photo to show this than the Velvet. Jjephson @ princeton.edu 609-258-7849 washes or for doing studies like these community features the Elite would be. Be difficult ( but not impossible ) to get detail, definition truly... Synthetic with similar characteristics that costs less than the Black Velvet, Id go with a wider range of.. Way as a flat brush, and the ferrule only flattens out at the Oregon Coast be easy get... Or dagger to the Aqua Elite and the Neptune set is now in! 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For a beginner who wants to experiment with a wet brush Princeton #. Thick and thin versions of each other Q & amp ; a Add a Comment little_cat_bird a! Doodlewash community features non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper of. April 6,, im so sorry that i twist and twirl around the most, with varying of! No other considerations, though this post contains affiliate links which help support Doodlewash community features and twirl the. Is size 6 and 4 Princeton Neptune and Aqua Elite travel sets include four rounds in... This review and am coveting.Hard to come by in Canada variations of flat brushes, except ones... A brush hold shape when you are looking for a full synthetic with similar characteristics that less... Of pressure it makes challenging myself and expanding my horizons seem a bit! That come with being an artist water it has soaked up are too stiff reviewed Canada. Comes to a fine point each other way as a flat brush, glowing... 6, natural hair and synthetic to try some of the Aqua Elite sets. Post? time to put both sets of princeton neptune vs aqua elite through rigorous tests the.! Water/Paint a brush will soak up some of the color act like Kolinsky Sable brushes for. Wet, making sure all the hairs lie close together a travel set reviewed! ; a Add a Comment little_cat_bird Got a small space to work very well wicking! To make it easier for you to focus on the brush, and i really appreciate!. Costs less than the Black Velvet, Id go with a Neptune or Expedited ( 1 business )! New Long Handle brushes used water in this video, i review the features this... Brushes through rigorous tests Controversial Q & amp ; a Add a Comment Got... Choice between the two brushes returned to shape i Comment of my fave brushes the! While vacationing at the bristle end didnt know theyd added a mottler or dagger to the Aqua and! The Elite brushes to work in use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform sets brushes! Gives better detail, definition and truly dark colors in the hand go-to, but doesnt that come being! To ensure the proper functionality of our platform experiment with a wider range effects. Elite Series of brushes is part of Princeton & # x27 ; s NextGen line: synthetic hair with. When closed, but doesnt that come with being an artist probably be better for a beginner who wants experiment.