Winsor & NewtonProfessional Watercolour Sable Brush, Rigger #3

Really like this brush. Not sure if it is a true sable but it feels like it. I got size 12 for bigger paintings. Hold a lot of water and very versatile.

I'm a professional artist and own this brush in sizes 12 and 7. I use them daily for much of my artwork, particularly the size 7s, of which I own three. They run smaller than the Series 7 brushes, which I also own and use, but are on par in terms of quality, in my experience, and don't lack in any way. For reference, the Professional size 12 is a little smaller than the Series 7 size 10 and the Professional size 7 is roughly the same size as the Series 7 size 6.It's also worth noting that when I've ordered these through Amazon, I've twice received the synthetic version, which has a dark blue handle (the Professional has a matte black handle, by contrast) and is marked 'Synthetic Sable.' If that happens, you should return it.

Not Kolinsky, perhaps not even Sable. I have decades of experience with watercolor brushes, specifically Kolinsky sable. This brush is too stiff, it never snaps to a sharp edge, and it readily splits into several clumps to produce a striped stroke. See photo for some sample strokes.The two possibilities—neither good—are that it’s dyed ox, or that it’s sable/weasel that has had the points razored off the tuft instead of being tapped to make them the same length.The beginning of a one-stroke brushstroke should be clean and square, not this ragged mess. The only decent thing about this horrible brush is that holds a lot more liquid than a synthetic, as is usual with any natural hair brush.Avoid this brush! Winsor and Newton should be ashamed of this made in China travesty.

I have to say, when I saw the price tag on this brush I was floored. Who in their right mind would pay this much for a brush?Well, I did. After months of trying to master watercolor with some cheap synthetic brushes, I decided to splurge on this seemingly gimmicky brush, and I had no idea what I was missing.The sable hair holds as much moisture as I need, so washes and gradients are smooth and seamless. The pointed round allows me to get into tight corners without my colors bleeding. I ordered this in a size 8, which is a great happy medium for moderate sized paintings. No shedding and no crimped hairs. This is now my go-to brush for any watercolor painting.If you do decide to purchase an artist grade brush like this, make sure you treat it as such! Paint comes off easily with warm running water and the brush retains its shape (so-far) through weeks of washing. If you must use soap, use only the gentlest of cleansers! Whereas my synthetic brushes now get a squirt of Dawn and some hot water, my WN brush is treated like royalty. No technical issues yet, and I don't expect any!My only complaint with the brush is its price tag, but after painting with it , I definitely think its worth the plunge. I plan on phasing out my cheap Hobby Lobby brush sets for more high-quality brushes like this in the upcoming months.

I ordered the W&N Professional Sable Brush in #00 and received the W&N Cotman brush in #00 which is a less expensive synthetic brush. I really need the size to complete some detail work on a project that is due Sunday night so I have to keep this but I'm pretty bummed out I paid more for a less expensive brush. I would normally submit an exchange but don't have the time to wait for the correct replacement. The brush was packaged with extreme care from the seller though and arrived on time in great condition, I just wish I'd received the one I ordered. The W&N brushes are all really great, I have several other sizes of the round ones and a few flat in the professional sable series that work really well and overall I'd recommend these. I've used along with the W&N gouache and the pans with success.

Excellent

I have a growing collection of Windsor and Newton brushes and they're all fantastic. A little pricey but there's no arguing with the performance. Compared to Raphael 8404 and Artis Opus - it pains me to say it a little bit - but I vastly prefer the W&N. Have painted countless minis with a size 0, 1, and 2. Each brush performing well. Honestly, take care of the brushes and they'll take care of you and last you a long time. After each session I clean up with Masters brush soap and, despite the mess I make of the handles, the brushes hold their shape and tip flawlessly. Love them. Wish they were a bit cheaper, sure, but it's hard to argue with the quality.

These brushes are inconsistent. I have a handful of the professional and several series 7. It’s hit or miss as far as the bristles remaining in a nice point. They don’t even come that way. I have only recently bought these. I’ve been a Silver fan until I was gifted a Winsor rigger 2… which I love! So what did I do? I bought and bought on the assumption that if one or two are great, they all should be. Not so. I did request a replacement on my 3, but I should do the 5 as well. The first pic is of the two I opened today, not used. Just… poop.