Which is the BEST Brush - Princeton Aqua Elite or Neptune?

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Күн бұрын

Do you have questions about watercolor supplies? Join my free Getting Started in Watercolor course at: studio.krisdebruine.com/getti...
I use Princeton Watercolor Brushes in my watercolor studio. I love both the Aqua Elite and the Neptune Series. However, I am often asked which of these two brush types are the BEST? I answer that question in this video. I also give my recommendation of three great brush purchases for the beginning watercolor artist. #princetonbrushes #watercolorsupplies #bestbrushes
To learn more about the three brushes I recommend in this video, check out these links:
Princeton Neptune Quill #6 - amzn.to/3DYvQq7
Princeton Aqua Elite Round #12 - amzn.to/3FNlawY
Princeton Aqua Alite Long Round #8 - amzn.to/3FNlewI
To learn more about the Princeton Watercolor brand and see all of their brushes go to:
amzn.to/3zLhd8c
I have other videos on this channel that provide in-depth reviews of both the Aqua Elite and the Neptune series of brushes by Princeton. Check out these videos here:
Aqua Elite - • Watch this BEFORE Buyi...
Neptune Quill - • My Favorite Quill Wate...
If you found this video to be helpful, please hit the "Like" button and subscribe to my channel. I publish new videos every week! I am on a journey to grow in watercolor. I enjoy sharing my journey with you. :-)
This channel is all about tools, tips and tutorials for growing in watercolor. If you would like to watch all of the videos on my channel, you can find them here:
• Watercolor
Basic supplies in my watercolor studio include:
Baohong 140lb Cold Press 100% Cotton Paper - amzn.to/3Kk34T0
Arches 140lb Cold Press 100% Cotton Paper - amzn.to/2AoQzGj
Stephen Quiller Porcelain Palette - amzn.to/2Zugg2u
Daniel Smith Watercolor Paints - amzn.to/2LrwmBK
M. Graham Watercolor Paints - amzn.to/2YZbY3c
Princeton Neptune Watercolor Brushes - amzn.to/33L1oRH
Princeton Aqua Elite Watercolor Brushes - amzn.to/3KrzJWD
Princeton Neptune Quill Brushes - amzn.to/3GK3bF3
Mijello 2-Liter Water Bucket - amzn.to/2ySbz7N
Stephen Quiller Color Wheel - amzn.to/3fDCE0v
If you'd like to learn more about how I set up my watercolor studio watch: • Watercolor Artist Stud...
I am not paid to review the products in this video. However, I receive a small commission for sales resulting from the links above. Thank you for supporting this channel. Have a great day!

Пікірлер: 83

@KrisDeBruineStudio Жыл бұрын

Want to learn more about watercolor supplies and materials? Check out my free course - studio.krisdebruine.com/getting-started-in-watercolor

@evolvvartstudio Жыл бұрын

It took a while, but I've managed to collect the entire Neptune series. There was a learning curve with them because they are so soft and can hold so much water, but once I got used to them, they became my main brushes. I keep some snappier brushes around, but rarely pull them out. The Neptunes are versatile, and I think the trick is learning their properties and experimenting with varying water levels in the bristles depending on what you need the brush to do.

@KrisDeBruineStudio Жыл бұрын

I completely agree. I love these brushes. I also agree you have to learn how to use them. Thanks for leaving feedback. And WOW...you've collected ALL of them. That's amazing.

@riceg0bblr 4 ай бұрын

I was given a gift card to Michaels and needed this video! They had a 40% off everything sale this week so I bought several from both aqua elite and neptune thanks to your informative video. Thank you!

@KrisDeBruineStudio 4 ай бұрын

I hope you love them.

@luckycharm1611 Жыл бұрын

I subscribed after reading your subject and opening sentence. It made a lot of sense and none of the confusion caused by some other "expert" videos on KZfaq

@KrisDeBruineStudio Жыл бұрын

Welcome to the channel.

@lorijones9579 Жыл бұрын

I really like Princeton brushes and I have a bunch of them. My favorite, most essential brush is a 1/2" flat (and a 1/4" flat too), but I've also re-purposed makeup brushes for watercolor, and old eyeshadow palettes for watercolor paint palettes. It doesn't hurt to experiment!

@KrisDeBruineStudio Жыл бұрын

Thanks for adding your feedback, Lori. I agree. Use whatever works for you! Have a great day and keep on painting!! :-)

@kashbash9645 5 ай бұрын

Repurposed makeup brushes is a great idea!!

@wendychampness1901 Жыл бұрын

I wish that I could have heard this advice 2 years ago when I was getting started and buying brushes, fairly randomly 😂 ❤

@KrisDeBruineStudio Жыл бұрын

I hear ya. I did the same thing. Then I learned from some "masters" and found out most people only use Rounds. Some soft and some stiff bristles...in various sizes. Pretty simple

@megperry5586 Жыл бұрын

Great comparison and appreciate your suggestions

@KrisDeBruineStudio Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching and thanks for the feedback.

@user-gl4zf4db7m 7 ай бұрын

Very helpful, glad I found you!

@KrisDeBruineStudio 7 ай бұрын

So glad! Welcome.

@biancathomas7934 Жыл бұрын

This was a really helpful video Kris. It answered the questions I've been wondering about for a couple months.

@KrisDeBruineStudio Жыл бұрын

You're very welcome. Thanks for watching and leaving feedback.

@SarahAndBoston Жыл бұрын

Great video! I have both kinds but didn't realize the different kinds of fur they're meant to mimic. I always learn something new from your videos. Thanks!

@KrisDeBruineStudio Жыл бұрын

Wonderful!!! I'm so glad you found the video helpful. As usual...thanks for the feedback and thanks for watching.

@melyssa528 3 ай бұрын

This was exactly what I was looking for and I found it VERY helpful..thank you!

@KrisDeBruineStudio 2 ай бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

@dianadoyle7085 7 ай бұрын

Great info thank you as I want to get started in watercolor painting ❤

@KrisDeBruineStudio 7 ай бұрын

You’re welcome 😊

@margaretzee8162 11 ай бұрын

Great information! And I love that you actually recommended your top 3. Many others on YT are “sponsored” and won’t really make recommendations. Thanks!

@KrisDeBruineStudio 11 ай бұрын

You're welcome. And yes, I am not sponsored by any brand. I seek to give my honest opinion. Have a great day.

@SusanaCE-ART Жыл бұрын

Good recommendation. I haven't tried those brushes but was thinking about buying some. Thanks.

@KrisDeBruineStudio Жыл бұрын

I've tried lots of brushes, including some of the less expensive brands. But, I have settled on the Princeton brand, for the combination of quality and reasonable price. I've used mine for years now, painting almost daily, and they have held up well. I hope you find what you are looking for.

@alevel79 9 ай бұрын

Very clear to understand the difference between them 👏🏻

@KrisDeBruineStudio 9 ай бұрын

I'm glad you found it helpful. Thanks for watching.

@lindathaxton1994 Жыл бұрын

So far Neptune’s are my favorite ! Thank you for sharing 🙏

@KrisDeBruineStudio Жыл бұрын

You are so welcome Linda. I love the Neptunes too.

@ingam3310 7 ай бұрын

This was good information. I haveca few of both Aqua Elite and Neotune, but could never figure out when to use which. Thanks for clearing this up!

@KrisDeBruineStudio 6 ай бұрын

Great. Yes. They are quite different and you need to know when to use them.

@viktoriazuban3575 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for this video! I have Neptune and Velvetouch and was thinking of buying some Aqua elite as lots of artists recommend them. And your video explained the difference perfectly! I use my Neptune for big washes and for blending sharp edges, love them!

@KrisDeBruineStudio Жыл бұрын

I'm glad you found the video helpful. Thanks for the feedback. Have a great day!!!

@annewatman677 Жыл бұрын

Very helpful. I have both, and like both.

@KrisDeBruineStudio Жыл бұрын

Glad to hear you like them. Have a great day.

@sugarcane9425 10 ай бұрын

Thks for review. I like your recommendation as I had Question in mind. I will soon get the quill and the 12 as I had the 8 already.

@KrisDeBruineStudio 10 ай бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

@nicole127x Жыл бұрын

I bought my first serious brush today, a Princeton Aqua Elite long round 8, on your recommendation.

@KrisDeBruineStudio Жыл бұрын

Yes!! I love that brush. Used it for detail work just yesterday

@purrcinn8 Жыл бұрын

Good information. Thanks, Kris. Most of my brushes are Princetons and I like the Velvetouch and Heritage series, also, though I couldn't explain the differences as you have. I just seem to go with what feels right at the moment, but then I'm not really an artist.

@KrisDeBruineStudio Жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing! I have heard of the Velvetouch and Heritage but haven't used them. I think you are exactly right....go with what works for you in your practice. Thanks for watching. Have a great day.

@VoxUrania Жыл бұрын

I have a Princeton Neptune 1/2” cat’s tongue 💜 and a 3/8” dagger brush. I would get a snappier dagger brush next time, to take advantage of the unique shape. My favourite round brush is a very snappy art store brand, which provides balance to the Neptunes. I use a Hake brush to wet large areas. The Hake is hog’s hair and I won’t repurchase animal hair brushes. So thank you for covering these synthetic options. Very helpful ideas.

@KrisDeBruineStudio Жыл бұрын

Thanks so much for sharing your favorites Sharon. It is nice to have a variety of brush shapes and levels of stiffness. I recently purchased a Mottler for doing large washes. I like that a lot. It is similar to a Hake, but a bit softer. Thanks for watching.

@lindathaxton1994 Жыл бұрын

Although I have some aqua elites & enjoy them too. I just ordered an Aqua Elite size 10

@KrisDeBruineStudio Жыл бұрын

Nice choice. I use mine all the time.

@GONZOFAM7 5 ай бұрын

I use the heritage line but my son bought me a Neptune quill wow! I received a set of small aqua elite wow!

@KrisDeBruineStudio 5 ай бұрын

I agree. WOW

@pilasumana4410 Жыл бұрын

Thanks so much for this brushes review. I am a newbie watercolor learner in need of reliable advise on how to ease my learning process of painting with watercolors. I am going to review your videos, as I can tell that I can trust your guidance. Hi from Florida & belated a Thanksgiving Hug!

@KrisDeBruineStudio Жыл бұрын

I'm so glad you found the video helpful. I really do love these brushes. They combine quality with affordability. There are other really nice brushes out there. But they can get quite pricey. Happy Thanksgiving to you too.

@KrisDeBruineStudio Жыл бұрын

PS...let me know if you have any other questions. I love to help newbie watercolor artists. :-)

@Saahrish Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for this video. It was so helpful since I was confused between the two. Now I know which one I should buy for my style. Have you used velvet touch from princeton?

@KrisDeBruineStudio Жыл бұрын

I'm glad to hear you found it helpful. Thanks for watching.

@Saahrish Жыл бұрын

@@KrisDeBruineStudio I absolutely love watching your videos! They are always so helpful. Your reviews are full of much needed information without it being too much.

@KrisDeBruineStudio Жыл бұрын

@@Saahrish Wow! I'm so glad you think so. Thanks for the kind remark.

@EliiiArt 10 ай бұрын

Thanks

@KrisDeBruineStudio 10 ай бұрын

You're welcome! Thanks for watching.

@Rosyv__ 5 ай бұрын

Hi kris! I cant find neptune quill in my area. Do you have other brush suggestion that does the same job? Lots of love from philippines! You have the best watercolor vids and im learning a lot fr you ❤

@KrisDeBruineStudio 5 ай бұрын

Hi. Thanks for watching. The Neptune Quill is a synthetic squirrel hair. Other squirrel hair brushes that I have used include OOKU and Dugato brand. I believe they are made in China and may be more available to you in the Philippines. You could also ask around in your country (a local art store maybe) if they have a source for synthetic squirrel hair watercolor brushes. I wish you the best!!!

@Anonymoi Жыл бұрын

Great, concise video. Can you explain the difference between quill brushes and round brushes, in usage? Or is there a video you have which explains this? I have quill brushes in several different sizes, but the only round watercolor brushes I have are very small. If I have quill brushes in a range of sizes, would adding in some similarly-sized round brushes increase the type of marks I can make, or are they pretty similar to quills? (Note, I like to work quite loosely and don’t paint controlled/stylized florals, for example, which rely on specific brushes to create certain shapes.)

@KrisDeBruineStudio Жыл бұрын

I have a video review of Princeton Neptune Quill brush here kzfaq.info/get/bejne/oaihqcSfx82RfGQ.html&feature=share8

@KrisDeBruineStudio Жыл бұрын

The quill brushes I have seen are usually made from squirrel hair, so they are soft and hold tons of water. If compared to a similar sized round brush with squirrel hair, they would behave similarly. You can compare them on this Princeton Neptune site: princetonbrush.com/neptune-series-4750-princeton-brush-company-brush-4750/ A Neptune Quill #6 is comparable in size to a Neptune Round #18. The numbering system is completely different for some reason. Hope this helps. ~Kris

@KrisDeBruineStudio Жыл бұрын

Hi Subscribers! Do you own any Princeton brand brushes? If so, which series? Which specific brush? Do you like them? Why or why not? Thanks for sharing your experience and helping to build this watercolor community.

@susanweber6861 Ай бұрын

I am just starting out - I have a Princeton Neptune 12 round, Princeton Aqua Elite 8 round. I’m trying to decide what to use for writing with watercolor - I want to get a 2 and a 4?

@Kwood10 5 ай бұрын

I have both and prefer the Aqua Elite. I just like snappy brushes .

@KrisDeBruineStudio 5 ай бұрын

Yes. Great brushes.

@tribalstyle138 Жыл бұрын

interesting, the neptune I have- its a 8- doesn't feel like it holds water well. I guess it holds water- but doesnt release it at all. I think the aqua elite is way better and the neptune is nothing like real squirrel (edit- it is floppy). I think your recommend for the finer brushes being AE is solid. I will not be buying anymore neptune unless its a large sz. However, theres a really cheap 60/ 6 quill by Silver (not BV) and its the most thirsty brush Ive ever seen!!!

@KrisDeBruineStudio Жыл бұрын

Thanks so much for sharing your experience and perspective with the channel. I appreciate it.

@susanosullivan3048 9 ай бұрын

Hello Kris :). I wanted to buy a quill, but got mixed up and have ordered an Aqua elite size 6 instead of the Neptune. Do you think it will matter enough that I should try to change the order?

@susanosullivan3048 9 ай бұрын

I found the answer in the comment section of one of your other videos. Soft is more practical for big washes - so Neptune 👌

@KrisDeBruineStudio 9 ай бұрын

I would probably change the order. A #6 Aqua Elite is quite small. I don't tend to use brushes that small...except a liner. A #6 Quill is quite a bit larger.

@KrisDeBruineStudio 9 ай бұрын

See my reply below.

@BrendaIlianaCastelan 8 ай бұрын

I prefer da vinci

@KrisDeBruineStudio 8 ай бұрын

I should try those sometime. I don't have any

@supme7558 2 ай бұрын

I find Michels over rates i like silver black velvet

@KrisDeBruineStudio 2 ай бұрын

Yes. That's a great brand. I have a few of those brushes. Thanks for watching and leaving feedback.

@supme7558 2 ай бұрын

Nither

@KrisDeBruineStudio 2 ай бұрын

:-)

@marlenaamalfitano2727 11 ай бұрын

Don't like neptunes

@KrisDeBruineStudio 11 ай бұрын

Some people find the Neptunes to be too soft. However I like them for the BIG wash areas, especially at the beginning of the painting. Thanks for sharing your perspective.

@supme7558 2 ай бұрын

Because? Not very helpful