Matt, having looked around for a while, I think yours is the best RU-vid channel for watercolour. Sensible length videos, to the point and great advice. Inspiring too. Thanks very much!
I use a powder brush for cosmetics as mop brush, also an eye liner brush for very small details. Cosmetic brushes are very often offered for a smaller price.
My brush collection would overwhelm yours! We learners are always looking for the magic brush to make us successful. Good lesson here. I was a friend of the late Ron Ranson who espoused a hake, a round like yours, a flat, and a rigger. That's all. He thus encouraged thousands to "give it a go".
I'm a HUGE fan of Ron Ranson and his mastering of the Hake brush. I've been giving it a go for a year now, and it's getting better and better every day. I'm always looking for a new brush, so thank you, Matthew for your suggestions.
I’ve always been fascinated by watercolour painting and only today, a couple hours ago, decided to take action. I found your video particularly helpful for an absolute beginner as you connected the brushes to the order in which they are used and for what. Thanks for keeping it simple yet informative 🎨✨
I have over 25 brushes....some are 30 years old. They all do different things at different times. But maybe it's time to simplify. Your landscapes are an inspiration. I do portraits of pets and people. I see in your work, a beautiful freedom of expression. Thank you for your videos.
Matt, you’re doing such a great job! You’re so clear to understand and professional. I really enjoy watching your videos and wish there were more. I’m still struggling with the 3 different layers of a painting. Maybe you could make more videos about this…
When I was buying brushes I said to myself remember you doesn't even have fair quality of brushes and didn't even know how to use them but you were doing great Best is to create art in your limits
I have only been painting a short time, but have found several really helpful tutorial options. You have quickly risen through the ranks in a very short time. I find your advice helpful, your demeanor comforting and encouraging. You have already become one of my most frequently watched video producers online. Thank you for taking me new places in learning this medium!
I was really struggling with the brushes I had, and invested in Silver Black Velvets. They are my go to for landscape painting! I may try the mop brush you recommend. The one I have loses too many hairs, and it was not cheap!
I wish I had found you when I first started this journey. I have taken classes in person, online, etc. Every class had a different brush for beginners. Different paint, paper, etc. And I still didn't know how to paint. I get more instruction on RU-vid than all the money I've spent. So thank you! I just started watching you and I feel like I'm learning something, especially the tip to start small. Stay safe!
Hello i find your tutorials very helpfull. I am from turkey here we can not find good quality supplies. And the one we can find are high as rent prices. My house rent is 10.000 tl. A brush is 2800 tl. 3 brushes and a little arches 300 gram cotton paper 11.000. Just over one month. I buy the paper. Must buy.,because quality paper is not available here. I use very cheap brushes. You can never get used to cheap paper but can get used to cheap brushes. But i still want one quality brush. If one of my friends go to Europe or USA. Can you recommend me a brush that i must have. That they can buy easily from the place that they go. Thank you.
I'm 81 years old, disabled, with only social security income. No way i can afford to pay $20 to $45 EACH for the brushes you recommend. I MIGHT consider a SET of brushes for $20 but not more! Looks like I can't afford your instruction! 😊
You don’t need large brushes unless you’re painting on large canvases/ paper. Most beginners/ hobbyists don’t go higher than 9x12. I never use a brush over size 10/12
45 dollars a brush?? You dont need top of the line brushes to start. 45 dollars a brush is a LOT. Get like a 3 or 4, a 6, and a larger brush, and that total might be 45.
What I did, and I highly recommend, is buy one high quality brush that’s a good size for the painting you’ll be doing. It really makes all the difference when you have quality paint supplies. But, there’s no reason to purchase more than one at a time when just starting. I would invest in a round brush that has a nice pointed tip, as it’s the most versatile and can be used for washes and detailing. Don’t give up!
I’m just starting out with watercolour, and painting in general. This is exactly the information I needed Matt. Straight and to the point. I’ve bought a medium and smaller oval brush, but bought a oval wash brush instead of mop(before seeing this vid!!). Hopefully still ok for washes?
Thanks for sharing Matt, great advice as I am just starting to learn the medium myself. What sizes do you suggest for smaller-sized paintings? Like mostly ~A5-sized and occasionally A4-sized ones. I like to do landscapes and cityscapes. I already have a nice #8 (around 5mm hair diameter at the ferrule) synthetic round brush, so the most versatile mop brush size that I can go for is my first priority.
Thanks Matthew! I'm getting a birthday present and I been wanting a quill/mop brush but I already have a silver black velvet 3/4" oval. Is there much difference and do I need both?
