Seeking info/tips for good value for Kolinsky brush

[STEPHENZEZ]

Hi there

I'm an American living in Paris. I've been painting with watercolors and
recently thought I ought to invest in a sable (kolinsky) watercolor brush,
size 10 or 12. I checked out the prices here and they were pretty
outrageous - prices for a size 10 start at over a hundred bucks and go up
to about $220 for a Winsor Newton.

Until now I've been using "Raphael" squirrel brushes, which don't come
cheap either. Can anyone tell me if they think it's really worth investing
in a Kolinsky sable?

I called up some art supply places in the USA (like Pearl Paint in NY for
example) to check out their prices and found that prices were not much
cheaper.

Also, it seems there's quite a range of quality/prices... can anyone tell
me why and what to look out for.

Also... Pearl Paint sells a Kolinsky sable made in Israel called "Recab"
(sp.?)
a size 10 goes for $62 and a 12 for $85. Has anyone used these ? Are
they any good?

Fostport, Inc.((508)-768-3350), which imports Russian "Yarka" products,
sells a Kolinsky size 6 ( ---->Russian size system--->which is apparently
the equivalent of a size 10) for $37 !!!! How about that
folks??? Can anyone provide feedback on these Yarka brushes?

Finally, I'd just like to ask if anyone has any tips for where I can find
a good value for such a brush (ie. a size 10 or 12 sable/Kolinsky
watercolor brush)

Thanks very much...
Stephen..

[Richard Pierce]

STEPHENZEZ wrote:
>
> Hi there
>
> I'm an American living in Paris. I've been painting with watercolors and
> recently thought I ought to invest in a sable (kolinsky) watercolor brush,
> size 10 or 12. I checked out the prices here and they were pretty
> outrageous - prices for a size 10 start at over a hundred bucks and go up
> to about $220 for a Winsor Newton.

Spend the money!!! You will not regret getting a good Kolinsky, W&N is a
good one that will last.
Later
Dick