A full guide on the best brushes to use for watercolour painting. 

You amaze me with your versatility. I’ve been hopskipping and jumping all over RU-vid watching other artists but you’re the only artist who seems to have a complete series of lessons to benefit beginners. Thank you.

Paul I can't tell you how glad I am that I found your channel. You're not a RU-vidr who wants to talk about watercolor, you are a true watercolor artist who shares his knowledge. Would you please make a guide on choosing watercolor paints? The videos for paper and brushes saved my life, I was struggling too much until I found your channel Thank you

I have watched at least a dozen of the lessons and tips so far. Thank you so much for sharing so generously. I just bought the 3 main primaries today and can’t wait to start a new painting!!

Well Paul, what can I say....... I have enjoyed painting using, oils, acrylics and charcoal for most of my life but shyed away from using watercolours. Stumbling my way across your videos has been an absolute gamechanger for me. The information you have provided, from the right paper to use, the brushes to give the best effects and watercolour techniques to practice, and all free at that, is second to none and I think I have now watched most of the videos, and have spent many many hours during lockdown experimenting with colours and techniques that I never thought possible and guess what - have now begun to sell some of my work! Just wanted to thank you for giving me the boost I needed to enjoy painting in watercolour and the bravery to be experimental with colour................ thank you so much.

Every time I have a watercolor question I find the answer in one of your videos. Thanks Paul!💜

Thank you Paul - as a relative beginner, brush selection can be overwhelming - personally, I need to simplify my brush collection - this video helped a lot

Very helpful, thanks a lot Paul! It is good to see that just a few brushes are actually needed.

I’m binged watching your videos Paul! I’m so blessed to have found you here! Thanks for this informative video!

I really enjoy your tutorials. Your color theory lesson was amazing and easy; this one on brushes was also quite helpful. I looked for a rigger brush yesterday but I guess I have to keep looking. If my husband hadn't thoughtfully bought me a bunch of good brushes for Christmas to support my new hobby, I would order your set.

Just placed an order yesterday, can’t wait to try them out! Thank you so much for your tutorials🙏 very inspiring 👍😊

Paul, you have inspired me to follow my yearning to paint in watercolour, I absolutely love your videos and I have learnt so much from you. I'm improving all the time and am proud of what I have acheived so far - Thank you so much.

I am new to water colour and choosing brushes is rather confusing! Thank you for simplifying this for us newbies! Much appreciated :) !

Thank you SO MUCH for guiding us about watercolor brushes. That was really nice!!!! 🙂👍❤🙂

Paul, I've just ordered your full set of brushes (heck you probably see my order just come through). I bought your brushes, the full set, as my thank-you and contribution for your many youtube videos. I think if you put out so much free content then it's the very least I can do in return. One day I'll buy the book too, but I'll go through some RU-vid tutorials first.

Although I have bought so many brushes over the years and always searching for that magic brush; your tutorial on brushes is so practical and MAGIC! Thanks for all your wonderful tutorials; trying to put them to the test! ❤️

I ordered your brushes and am looking forward to using them. Thank you!

You really post extremely informative videos and deserve a larger following. Hope your subscribers grow. Thanks for all you do!

Thanks, your tutorial was the best I found!!!

Paul, you are a great teacher. Thanks a lot.

Thank you Paul your video was so informative and helpful and I loved the humour call out from the other room - very funny - well timed and set up.

Thanks for the nice overview. Every time I’m in our art supply store I feel like a kid in a candy store (with way too little pocket money) gazing at those brushes. I’ve got a selection of brushes ranging from synthetic to squirrel and kolinsky. I really fell for the Casaneo series by Da Vinci. These synthetic brushes have a great retention and I even prefer some over my squirrel/kolinsky brushes. From round to flat, from riggers to quill brushes; it’s a great animal friendly line.

Love all your work! Thank you! 😊

Thank you Paul, I had asked concerning the brushes you use and suggest to be good brushes. Thank you for this tutorial. I have lots of brushes and was not sure if I could continue to them or if I needed to find out what would be some better choices. I am very excited to finally be informed on your stance of an exceptable Water Color brush to use. I have been similar to the lady with the " cheap brushes ", not really knowing what to use. I value you artistry and your expertise in the field of Water Color Painting. Since I've started following you I have learned much-needed information as to how to continue on this much journey of Water Color Painting. Thank you.

thank you so much for your tutorials!!!!!! very grateful and appreciative.

So grateful for your videos, I've been learning so much. Just found you last week so I'm binge watching them. You'll probably get tired of hearing from me but I'm trying to leave my comments as asked.

Your sample paintings are all jaw dropping beautiful!👏👏👏

Thanks for your answer Paul, very helpful

Fabulous information! I always thought your brush was a fancy sable! Now I have brush envy.

I bought your brush set and absolutely love them! I find myself using the round 12 for everything! Really great brushes. Thank you.

I so enjoy your videos. It's delightful to click on a video that I know won't just leave me better-informed, but lighter-hearted as well. You and your wife have gentle humor down to an art (pun intended)! Thank you for the time and trouble you take, sharing your knowledge.

I’m new to watercolor and I usually don’t exceed a4 size paper as I draw on the go, so for me a size 8 (silver brush) is more than enough big. My favorite size is number 4 because I’m still clinging to details and overworking area. Loving your videos and learning how to tame a bigger sized brush!

my favorite brush is a raund pointed 8 PANART.Thank you.u are the best.

You are an amazing artist and wonderful teacher, I realy thank you for sharing such a precious knowlede and experience with us.

Thanks again for a great video. I'm a haven't started painting, but finally pencil sketched your Blue Door not realizing you have it in your book!... I love watching... no materials yet, so this was timely... now I'll still watch, so I can be familiar with the art phrases. I really needed to watch these... fun and beautiful! From a grateful gramma in San Diego Cty. (California) Have a great week.!

This was excellent information! Thanks as I have purchases SO MANY different brushes but tend to use only about 5! Being a novice of only about 6 months, it's helpful to know the types of brushes that give specific effects.

I recently purchased Paul Clark brushes. I absolutely love them. I didn't realize what a difference a brush could make with my paintings. Thank you Paul.

Thank you for brushes info too - very helpful

Thank you, just found your channel. I’m a beginner (absolute) in watercolour, just started about 5 months ago. Enjoy the talk and information. Excellent.

Fabulous and informative! Thank you. I’ve ordered your brushes and looking forward to using them.

Wow, it touches my heart when I see u paint. Thank you ❣️

Thank you for the lesson sir.. God Bless you. People like you make this universe peaceful and colorful

You are incredibly talented and have an awesome personality! So thrilled I happened upon your youtube, Painted in the early 70s and now 70 years young and found my passion in retirement!! Enjoy all your explainations, information, funny statements and tutorials. I'm having a grand time practicing techniques you instruct. Thank you, thank you THANK YOU for making these available w/o asking for $ to watch and learn from you, You are my inspiration to continue. JB Venice Beach, Calif.

Thank you for sharing, I will be sure to check out your brushes.

What a most informative video, thank you so much!

I’ve been really pleased with my synthetic Rosemary and Co. brushes. Sharp tips, hold a lot water and spring back to shape. A 1 inch synthetic flat wash from Princeton rounds out my go to brushes.

Thanks for this video! My favorite synthetic brush is a #9 Betty Hayways, available only from Chelsea Paper Co. Wow, works like a sable. My other favorite is a #5 DaVinci Maestro round with a fine point. It's a sable brush, and it's marvelous. Love your videos and your humor!

Very useful explanation! thanks!!

Just starting out and need all the help I can get , thanks for the information on brushes very helpful cheers.

Thanks for the helpful video, Paul. I love the escoda perla brushes, but I recently rediscovered the da vinci casaneo brushes. The soft bristles give a certain lightness to every painting.

thank you paul I have some brushes but I want to test yours. Because I think you are a honest teacher! Ihave watched a lot of tutorials and I feel so comfortable with yours Im so glad you are teatching at you tube ❤❤❤ once more Thank you

I have been very pleased with Trekell and Co. brushes. I use the synthetic Protege line vs. sable and the Onyx line vs. squirrel. So pleased in fact these are now my go to brushes.

Hi Paul, thank you so much for this video. The information was so helpful. You are a real blessing. Phil from Ohio

It's great information about brushes, thank you.

Nice to hear fellow Brit! You are now m new favourite…just done your skies tutorial…and m now listening to your views on paper and brushes.

I’ve just ordered your gold brush set..... so exciting! X

Just superb.😀

Great information . Thank you Doll !

Just what I have been looking for. Recently retired and the boss said "I must find a hobby" ! Always enjoyed art and thinks to himself how hard can it be. (Yeah right!) Really like the humour you introduce into your lessons Paul, but above all your no nonsense advice and experience. Thank you. Now lets check out your brushes

Paul, I’m truly enjoying your videos. Thanks for sharing your wealth of knowledge… All the best.. Cheers ! Tony

Like the video on brushes, thanks appreciated your informative detailed Paul,.Stay safe

Good morning Paul. I was very confused about the watercolor brushes. Now after seeing your video I'm very clear about the brushes. Thank you sir.

Magnífica su selección pequeña de pinceles. Lo difícil es dominarlos con su excelente maestría y experiencia. Gracias por su tutorial !

Love your sense of humour ☺️☺️ Thank you for all the brilliant tips

I just love everything you painted sir. super favourite this all tutorial and techniques am exactly looking for... God bless sir more Videos in the future

im glad for this video, simple and valuable informations with a little humour, thank you :)

Great advice. Thanks!

Thank you for the wonderful detailed information on brushes. It is so confusing for a beginner like me to walk into my local art store and try to buy what I need. You have made it so easy Paul. Thank you. I am headed to your store ( well not literally) on the web to purchase your brushes.

Excellent advice as usual Paul. I have been a traditionalist when it comes to brushes. I was spoilt as a teen, inheriting my grandfathers precious sable brushes that I had forbidden to touch as a child. They were a collection of well used but awesome WN and Diana Kolinski brushes. I remember about the time I was in college, trying the new Dalon brush from Daler Rowney, advertised to be "just like sable" and was not impressed at all. As I've got older, I have become more ethically conscious... and tighter of pocket! I love my Rosemary and Co. No.12 sable mix,(my current go to brush) but in the last few years there has been exciting breakthroughs in synthetic hair fibre. Some can even emulate the "belly" of natural hair, offering the holding capacity and the flow control missing in conventional tapered round synthetics. A few years ago, I would have argued blind that we were still a decade off something that would match the performance of sable but I'm wrong. There are a few real gems out there right now from the likes of Da Vinci and Escoda, they are not cheap by any means but the technology is out there now and will be more widely available as more people choose to avoid animal products.

Hi Paul, very useful tutorial as usual 😊👍 I wish you had it on line when I started watercolor one and a half years ago ... it would have saved me a few quids ! I have dozens I hardly used ... one of my favorite are a black velvet stripper 1/4 and a synthetic set of 3 large round and pointed brushes from Meeden size 10,14,18 ... but practice comes first if one wants to improve 🤗👍 see you soon 😎

I'm a huge fan of the Silver Black Velvet brushes and use them most of the time, but for a really good alternative that's not as expensive, I've also found the Jackson Art's Icon range to work beautifully, particularly their Quill range.

So interesting , I’ve only been painting for a year and half and I bought myself a Windsor Newton #6 , I thought it would be my favorite but I always go back to my cheap Masters Touch #4 round , ( it’s a house brand ) , I like the rigger #3 you have , looks great for those fine lines , thanks for sharing , very useful info xoxo

Upon thinking I think I will buy brushes from you, Paul, since your paintings are so beautiful. Also, as a big thank you for basically FREE LESSONS-TUTORIALS. NOT MANY PEOPLE DO SUCH INFORMATIVE AND GREAT THINGS FOR FREE. I THANK YOU FROM MY HEART. I HAVEN’T GONE TO YOUR WEBSITE YET BUT ASSUME YOU SHIP TO US.

Big big help. Excellent explanation.

Thank you, Paul, you are amazing 🌹

Thank you!!!! Amazing!

amazing videos and the best watercolor teacher❤❤❤ love all your videos just started watercolor painting

Thank you for this clear helpful information.

Fabulous concise presentation. I have subscribed! Thanks!

As a beginner I am thankful for your help.

Paul, I'm new to watercolors, and I arrived here through pen and ink. I use pretty much fountain pens exclusively for my inking. I ran into a gent who uses a semi-waterproof ink to get a nice wash around a line without eradicating it. He uses a water brush or brush pen for his pocket kit. I tried this and found it works fairly well, and I had to try it with actual watercolors. So I got a little Windsor & Newton pocket set and tried a little painting with just the small water brush. To my great surprise, it worked very well. I could mix colors, do washes, clean the brush, by squeezing the handle and pushing water into the bristles. Now the painting isn't fantastic. I used the wrong paper entirely, my Moleskine pocket sketchbook. Buckled everywhere! But I saw enough promise in it to start studying in earnest. And I have 4 sizes of water brush in my kit along with some nice squirrel brushes. I must have clicked the wrong item after that, because I wound up with a set of Windsor & Newton acrylic brushes instead of watercolor brushes, but I might fiddle with acrylics someday, so I just put them aside. The desk easel I got came with some acrylics, so they all went into a box together for another day. I might make do with the squirrel brushes I got for a time, and just add a couple extra, like a mop and maybe that rigger. Or I may try to find that set of sable brushes for watercolors that I _meant_ to click. Or I might check out yours.

very informative .short and crisp.thank you

I'm watching this video to learn the basics of water coloring with my three year old daughter and we both enjoyed your video! Elora thinks you're really cool and funny :)

Dear Paul, what a lovely, useful, tactful and very funny film. Thanks a lot for your generosity in helping others progress with your great channel.

Great tips! Thankyou

A great tutorial on brushes…thank you. I am a plein air painter. I love using Princeton brushes. I have also used several of Richeson’s Grey Matters rounds. I use one Richeson travel brush, a round (#6) when I paint outside, especially when sketching or doing a thumb nail sketch. Like you, I really use only the same few brushes as I am familiar enough with them that I know how to use them and what they can do.

I do mostly realistic portraits, and my absolutely go-to are the Da Vinci Spin Synthetics. I just love those!

Thank you for the video!!!! I use Silver Brush and Escoda for most of the artwork, and some Plantec and Casan too...I ADORE brushes!

I love my Silver Black Velvet size 8 the most. I have Escoda, DaVinci, Princeton, but nothing like the Silver Black Velvet. Thank you for sharing.

Gosh Paul, when you showed the art store with thousands of brushes, i thought i died and gone to Heaven!! WOW! All just waiting to be touched and purchased. Thanks for sharing that and all your brush wisdom is wonderfully amazing ! I"ve learned so very much on your channel, thank you for faithfully sharing. God bless. ~:)

I just purchased some Princeton Aqua elite and am really liking them. Glad Princeton was on your list.

so very helpful!!!

Brilliant to take on such a mammoth subject and pare it back to the bare bones - or bristles! I have a plethora of brushes because over the last few years as I was following different tutors they all recommended different brushes, some very expensive and some not so much which I duly purchased! As a result of this I have a good overall selection of Black Velvet brushes which I love and I also sometimes use a Hake which was very cheap and is good for foliage or bushes. Chinese calligraphy brushes are also really inexpensive and the small ones work almost like a rigger as they have a great point and hold a lot of paint.

Again... very useful. Thank you

I love my Princeton Aqua Elite brushes!

Always looking for your tutorial

Thanks Paul. I have loads of brushes but seem to use the same ones over and over again.

🤣Nice to know Missus keeps you in line, does she paint also, Paul? My fav brushes are Princeton's, Aqua Elite, Velvet Touch and Snap. I also like Loew-Cornell Ultra Round. My background in painting started with Decorative Folkart painting with acrylics. I always loved the look of watercolour and tried many, many years ago before internet and wonderful online artist's that share their skills & knowledge - I failed miserably as I'm a visual learner but now with the internet and being able to watch the techniques I do much better and enjoy it more. Thank you for your generosity in sharing tutorials and tips and tricks. All of us that follow you really appreciate it and the cheeky British humour.

Wow, this is so amazing 😍😍😍😍

Dar paul, I'm so happy to find your channel. ⚘⚘⚘

I was always confident in doing sketches and avoided watercolour painting because it was my biggest weakness. But now thanks to your channel my watercolour art has improved and i feel more confident now with paints. Thank you, sir.