Ha! yes a good laugh.
I use a lot of 4/0 and 3/0 tiny brushes. I reduced a nice Isabey 2/0 (equivalent to 4/0) kolinsky to three hairs in one painting. And I'm not hard on brushes. It had no spring, no control, so I think I must have used it harder or something. I then started using the synthetics or blends for the small ones, and just consider them throw aways. A lot easier to throw away a $4 brush than a $40 one. ouch. 

I've gotten good comments about the Da Vinci brushes since I emailed directly to some other artists. tempting, tempting.....haven't hit the "order" button yet. Still mulling. 

ta
Linda
_____________________
Linda M. Feltner Artist, LLC
P.O. Box 325
Hereford, AZ 85615
(520) 803-0538
www.lindafeltner.com







On Dec 26, 2012, at 2:44 PM, Karen Ackoff wrote:

>> Ok. just snorted tea up my nose when I read about Daniel Smith's store comment.
> 
> 
> At least we got a laugh out of it. 
> 
> The Simmons brush is soft... I actually use it to remove excess gold leaf when gilding. It does not scratch the surface of the gold. Have also used it for apply washes (generally when I'm demonstrating techniques). It's likely quite old, The "2" seems to refer to the size. The width of the ferrule where the bristles start is 5/8-inch.
> 
> For detail work, I've been quite happy with Cornelissen brushes (they have miniature brushes, with a shorter bristle length). W&N also have Series 7 miniatures, which I like. Tried an Isabella at a colleague's insistence, and I find they have little to no spring. They hold a lot of pigment, but you can't control its application, that's rather useless. Other people I know swear by synthetics. I find synthetics lose their point after about 3 days of hard use. Cheaper, yes... but because you buy more of them, probably not so much cheaper in the long run.
> 
> K
> 
> 
> 
> 
> On Dec 26, 2012, at 04:28 PM, Linda Feltner <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> 
>> Ok. just snorted tea up my nose when I read about Daniel Smith's store comment. What cheek!  and I'm with you, I prefer WN series 7 over DS. I've blown through loads of DS 3/0. I consider them throw aways. 
>> 
>> the Robert Simmons series E52 is called an Expression Oval Mop. I can't find a numeral2. But their 3/4"  is 25mm w x 30mm long, and looks interesting. Very rounded bristles, looks like it has a hefty capacity to hold pigment. 
>> I got the image, and it looks to be less "moppy" than what I think of as a mop.  
>> 
>>  Have to go clean my keyboard now.
>> 
>> Ta very much,
>> Linda
>> _____________________
>> Linda M. Feltner Artist, LLC
>> P.O. Box 325
>> Hereford, AZ 85615
>> (520) 803-0538
>> www.lindafeltner.com
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> On Dec 26, 2012, at 2:13 PM, Karen Ackoff wrote:
>> 
>>>> Iv'e got gorilla glue, what would thin it?
>>>  
>>> Not sure, but it doesn't have a solvent-smell, so I'd try water. You can buy insulin syringes at a pharmacy without a prescription in most states. I buy them buy the box -- (I remove needles and use them to medicate my birds). Mine use minute needles and are probably to0 small to handle glue... but a regular insulin syringe might do the trick. Or, if you have a decent relationship with your vet, ask if you could purchase a larger syringe/needle. Or you could use a tiny straw, like a coffee stirrer. 
>>> 
>>> I no longer purchase brushes from Daniel Smith. When they stopper carrying W&N Series 7 brushes, they told me that if I practiced I could become good enough to use Daniel Smith brushes. I occasionally buy their mineral watercolors, but that's about it. 
>>> 
>>> The brush I mentioned is Robert Simmons 52, number 2. It also says "USA" on the handle. I will send a scan of the brush directly to your email.
>>> 
>>> K
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> On Dec 26, 2012, at 03:51 PM, Linda Feltner <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
>>> 
>>>> Hi Karen, and thanks.
>>>> I'd love to know what you've got, when you have the chance. 
>>>> 
>>>> Not much room around the ferrule, but if thin enough, maybe capillary action might work.  Iv'e got gorilla glue, what would thin it?
>>>> 
>>>> Yes, I like the "wash" brushes for softness. Don't want a bright. Then they have Flat Washes (go figure). 
>>>> 
>>>> I have heard of Cornelissen (Diagon Alley-just my sort of place), never been in there, tho. 
>>>> If I were going to purchase a 100% red sable brush that size and length, I would shop around and ask questions, and handle it if I could. Daniel Smith walk-in store used to let you dip the brushes in water to get rid of the sizing (very nice).
>>>> 
>>>> I was just browsing the blends, so I can fill out an order before the end of year. Still, not willing to throw money at a brush without questions.
>>>> 
>>>> Super thanks,
>>>> Linda
>>>> _____________________
>>>> Linda M. Feltner Artist, LLC
>>>> P.O. Box 325
>>>> Hereford, AZ 85615
>>>> (520) 803-0538
>>>> www.lindafeltner.com
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> On Dec 26, 2012, at 1:37 PM, Karen Ackoff wrote:
>>>> 
>>>>> Is there sufficient space around the ferrule that you could use a during to inject glue? Either a thin crazy glue (try nail glue as it's meant to get into small spaces via capillary-type action). Or try thinning a little gorilla glue. Or could you work a little plasticine in there to fill the gap?
>>>>> 
>>>>> I'm assuming you would want a wash brush - they have a softer edge. Flats or even brights will have a more defined edge. I have a not-expensive wash brush, at least not $226 on sale, that sounds kind of like yours. Don't have it at hand but can check it out when I have a chance. 
>>>>> 
>>>>> Or call a knowledgeable store - such as Cornelissen in London. They have their own line of brushes. They are not a catalog store and carry only painting supplies and pigments - looks like a shop in Diagon Alley (Harry potter). I would trust their advice. Or try Paper & Ink Arts or John Neal Bookseller. Both have knowledgeable staff. 
>>>>> 
>>>>> K
>>>>> 
>>>>> Se
>>>> 
>>>> ________________________________________________
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