Brushes, Gencon, and shopping

[saxondog]

I will again be attending Gencon this year and was wondering about the availability of Windsor and Newton brushes. Does anyone know of a booth that will be selling them this year. Thanks in advance.

SFK

[PPS_Matt DiPietro]

The place to get W&N 7 is DickBlick.com they are cheaper and come to your door. The three sizes that are most useful are #1 and #2 in the regular series and a #1 in the mini series for eyes and freehand. The regular #2 is by far the most useful brush you will own. I'm not sure about GenCon... you may try the Coolminiornot booth but in the end you'll end up paying more compare to DickBlick

[saxondog]

Thanks for the answer Matt. I know about Blick's but have been using other brand brushes for years. I was hoping to actually see and handle the Windsor's before buying. Probably just break done after Gencon and buy one to see if they live up to the hype.

SFK

[phulcrum]

They do live up to the hype. Best brushes (for miniatures) I've even owned.

[Oniichan]

The only thing that's kept me from ordering anything from **** Blick is the prices on shipping - I know the Windsor and Newton's are pricey, and even at **** Blick prices I can't really afford to get more than 1 brush, and then pay $10 in shipping costs. Going to stick with my cheaper brushes for the time being.

[saxondog]

They do live up to the hype. Best brushes (for miniatures) I've even owned.

Do you think they are 2 to 3 times better than other brushes. I have used Floquil sable hair and recently started using Princeton art and brush co. brushes. They both work well for me. I would personally rather spend the extra money on more minis.

SFK

[Parintachin]

I think they're well worth the money. The main point of them is that the point is so very pointy, and it stays pointy for a long, long time...

[DemonCalibre]

SaxonDog

While I can't speak to those brushes, I am not a superpro painter by any means, and I would using the GW stuff for quite some time, and really didn't care about what brushes I used.

When I got my Series 7s, What blew me away, was the fact that me, as a novice painter, could immediately tell the difference in quality. Instantly, I knew that they performed better and held better points.

Though speaking of that, I really should get some new ones, I have abused mine pretty harshly, so I need to get some more.

[phulcrum]

Do you think they are 2 to 3 times better than other brushes.

Well...


SaxonDog

While I can't speak to those brushes, I am not a superpro painter by any means, and I would using the GW stuff for quite some time, and really didn't care about what brushes I used.

When I got my Series 7s, What blew me away, was the fact that me, as a novice painter, could immediately tell the difference in quality. Instantly, I knew that they performed better and held better points.

That pretty much sums up how I feel as well.

[Llael'sHope]

You know, we are a fairly large city here in Indianapolis. We do have hobby stores and the like. = ) Seriously though, just go into any of the great stores we have here and look at them, I know I have seen the Windsor-Newtons at either Michaels or Hobby Lobby (which are right next door to each other). And we do have specialty model, train, and gaming stores that carry them as well. I'm currently working my way through some Reaper and Army Painter brushes but will prolly be getting some WN's myself before to long.

[NightMoor]

Hi, just to confirm - are you guys talking about the "Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolor Round Series 111" brushes that are listed on the DickBlick.com site in Size 1 and 2? Also, which brush from the site is the Miniature size 1 one you're talking about? I'm having some trouble finding it all. I've been looking for some high quality brushes as my stash is getting haggard, just want to make sure I'm buying the right things - thanks in advance!

[randall3rd]

They are referring to the Series 7 brushes
http://www.dickblick.com/products/winsor-and-newton-series-7-kolinsky-sable-pointed-round/

[NightMoor]

Ah, thanks so much!

[PPS_Matt DiPietro]

I can assure you that you'll notice a difference in performance and a instant improvement in your painting. I know this is a steep claim but I still remember when I purchased my first W&N7 brushes and I've seen it happen over and over with others. You feel you may have leveled out in improvement Or are struggling with higher level techniques this could be the catalyst for becoming a better painter. There is a certain point that a miniature painter can't improve past without artist grade tools. Another lesser known brand of artist grade brushes is the Raphael series 8404 available fro dickblick they have equally fine points as W&N7, with a bit less spring so they may feel floppy if used to series 7, but have more belly (holds more paint). For those who two-brush I highly recommend the Raphael 8404 size 3 for use as a exclusive blending brush. The extra belly helps hold more "blending medium" for better two-brushing.

[Valander]

Matt, do you know of any local shop that carries either the W&N or Raphael brushes? I haven't seen the Series 7 W&N at Dakota or the UW Bookstore, but haven't really looked around other art shops much.

While I haven't yet gotten my hands on a WNS7, I can attest to the difference upgrading in brush quality makes. Stuff that I used to struggle with when using cheap Citadel brushes suddenly got a lot easier when I started using better, sable brushes (like the Vallejo kolinsky sables). While tools don't make the craftsman, a craftsman with better tools can build better stuff than he could with cruddy tools. ;)

EDIT: Holy cow! We have a Blick store here in Seattle now! Not sure when it opened, but:

http://www.dickblick.com/stores/washington/seattle/

Edit 2: Just got off the phone with them, and verified they do carry Windsor & Newton Series 7. Guess I know where I'm going after work. ;)

[Zorlath]

Buy the best brushes you can afford.

When I started painting I read some crappy guides that told me to just get cheaper brushes until I learned to paint, even other painters told me I didn't need super quality brushes when just starting out. They're so wrong. Even absolute newbies will notice a difference in their results when using high quality brushes such as the Winsor Newton, Da Vinci, and Raphael brushes.

If you still want to be cheap check these out - http://www.rosemaryandco.com/pure-kolinsky-sable-series-pure-kolinsky-pointed-c-77_84.html
I have a 0, 1, 2, 3 in the Rosemary Series 33 and they can do everything my WN Series 7 can. The Series 7 is a bit more stiff, it took a little getting used to the softness of these, but they're great. I'm assuming they won't last as long, that's the only reason I can guess they're so cheap. They're also great travel brushes that I don't care so much about losing or lending to people.

[Mifsuud]

Most store have the Series 7 locked up so you may have to aske for them. I never see them open on a shelf here in Phoenix. They are stocked locally running 7-9 bucks o the miniature use sizes.

They may seem more expensive but that is only today. I have Series 7 brushes which have 5 years of sevice and keep going. No Princeton brush will match that. 5-7 Princeton brushes maybe but then you have spent more money on brushes. You have to look at cost over time when evaluating brushes, not today's cost alone. Buy 1 great brush rather than 3 poor quality ones

[PPS_Matt DiPietro]

@Valander
There is a new Blick art store on capital hill Broadway and Pike I believe. This may be your best bet. I didn't know you were local... if you want to stop by my painting group send me a PM.

[PPS_Matt DiPietro]

One more thing: I'd strongly recommend the regular series over the mini series. They come to nearly the same fine points and have way more belly so that you're not constantly having to add more paint to your brush and spending forever covering medium to large areas. I use a mini series size 1 or 2 but only very selectively for super fine details like eyes and tiny freehand. Though they are well suited to juicing where having less paint on the brush is a good thing.

[Valander]

@Valander
There is a new Blick art store on capital hill Broadway and Pike I believe. This may be your best bet. I didn't know you were local... if you want to stop by my painting group send me a PM.
Yup, I'm local.

And sent. ;)

Honestly, though, it's hard for me to get out to other places to paint. I have my workstation set up including 3 paint-tier 80s and a bunch of other stuff, making it a little hard to move around. Still might try stopping by at some point, though.

[teejayv]

Buy the best brushes you can afford.

When I started painting I read some crappy guides that told me to just get cheaper brushes until I learned to paint, even other painters told me I didn't need super quality brushes when just starting out. They're so wrong. Even absolute newbies will notice a difference in their results when using high quality brushes such as the Winsor Newton, Da Vinci, and Raphael brushes.

If you still want to be cheap check these out - http://www.rosemaryandco.com/pure-kolinsky-sable-series-pure-kolinsky-pointed-c-77_84.html
I have a 0, 1, 2, 3 in the Rosemary Series 33 and they can do everything my WN Series 7 can. The Series 7 is a bit more stiff, it took a little getting used to the softness of these, but they're great. I'm assuming they won't last as long, that's the only reason I can guess they're so cheap. They're also great travel brushes that I don't care so much about losing or lending to people.

Seconded, STRONGLY!!!!!!

[mathieu]

When I started painting I read some crappy guides that told me to just get cheaper brushes until I learned to paint, even other painters told me I didn't need super quality brushes when just starting out. They're so wrong. Even absolute newbies will notice a difference in their results when using high quality brushes such as the Winsor Newton, Da Vinci, and Raphael brushes.

If you still want to be cheap check these out - http://www.rosemaryandco.com/pure-kolinsky-sable-series-pure-kolinsky-pointed-c-77_84.html
I have a 0, 1, 2, 3 in the Rosemary Series 33 and they can do everything my WN Series 7 can. The Series 7 is a bit more stiff, it took a little getting used to the softness of these, but they're great. I'm assuming they won't last as long, that's the only reason I can guess they're so cheap. They're also great travel brushes that I don't care so much about losing or lending to people.That's pretty much on par with what I wrote earlier today on the other "brushes" thread (only a lot more detailed), so I couldn't agree more :)

The one thing I'll add is that buying in person (as opposed to online) and giving the brush a try will spare you the frustration of getting the occasional stray hair or split end. Which is nowhere close to rare even with high quality brushes.

[iurbina]

@Valander
There is a new Blick art store on capital hill Broadway and Pike I believe. This may be your best bet. I didn't know you were local... if you want to stop by my painting group send me a PM.
It's a very well-stocked Blick, as well. Definitely my new stop for art supplies in the city.

[saxondog]

You know, we are a fairly large city here in Indianapolis. We do have hobby stores and the like. = ) Seriously though, just go into any of the great stores we have here and look at them, I know I have seen the Windsor-Newtons at either Michaels or Hobby Lobby (which are right next door to each other). And we do have specialty model, train, and gaming stores that carry them as well. I'm currently working my way through some Reaper and Army Painter brushes but will prolly be getting some WN's myself before to long.

Enjoy the benefits of living in a major city. Checked both Michaels and Hobby Lobby in my second tier city. Neither stock them or are willing to try and order them.

Actually have a friend in the local gaming group who has several unused extras and will give me one to try. Starting with a series 7 #2.

After doing a web search I also found out that I drive by a Blick's store whenever I drive into Chicago to game.

Thanks to everyone for all the input.

SFK

[Akashi]

One question I have after being somewhat convinced to try better brushes after this thread...What do you have to do to keep them in good condition for years? Mine normally last a month or so depending on how much I am painting. They are cheap brushes granted, are these premium ones really that much higher quality or are there tips tricks to keeping them in good condition for the long term?

[phulcrum]

Lick your brushes.

[Debris]

One question I have after being somewhat convinced to try better brushes after this thread...What do you have to do to keep them in good condition for years? Mine normally last a month or so depending on how much I am painting. They are cheap brushes granted, are these premium ones really that much higher quality or are there tips tricks to keeping them in good condition for the long term?

"The Masters" brush cleaner and preserver. Use it and your brushes will last forever. My W&N's are going on 7 years old and still work like brand new.

Here are some other tips:

Don't leave your brushes soaking in water, especially if the water is above the ferrule (crimped metal sleeve that hold the brush fibers to the handle).
Never store your brushes bristles down.
Don't soak up so much paint that it gets more than 2/3rds of the way up the bristles. Paint will dry inside the ferrule and your brush will have trouble keeping a point.
Rinse and wash your brushes often. Remember "The Masters" I told you about earlier? Use it often.
When you're done painting, put a brush conditioner on your brush. Again, "The Masters" is great for this. Just put a little clear foam on your brush, shape it to a point and then put it away to dry.

[Valander]

Everything Debris said, especially the brush soap. I make sure that I always wash out my brushes at the end of a paint session with it.

Also, I find that if you are using pretty thin paint, it can have a tendency to start creeping up towards the ferrule if you're painting the same color for a while, and it can also start to dry out in the brush if it's really thin. Doing a quick rinse every once in a while will help keep it from getting into the ferrule and prevent it from splaying.

And I plan to hit that Blick store today after work, since I didn't make it yesterday. ;)

[Nion]

I was just up at the Seattle Blick store on Saturday, they were completely out of the Series 7 size 2, and my friend bought the last size 1. I was a little bit sad that I didn't leave with a new brush.

[Marz]

I ordered my Series 7 #00 and #1 from Miniature Market. I bought a few things from them so my total got me free shipping. P3 paints under $3 and the brushes $10-12. Locally AC Moore did not carry them and Pearls probably sells em for $12-16.

[Valander]

I was just up at the Seattle Blick store on Saturday, they were completely out of the Series 7 size 2, and my friend bought the last size 1. I was a little bit sad that I didn't leave with a new brush.
Yup, that would be my fault. I grabbed the last size 2 they had Saturday morning. Hopefully they'll get more in soon. I was a little disappointed they didn't have the 'mini-rounds,' but I think the 0, 1, 2 will probably be fine. :)