PentelArts XFRH Aquash Water Brush in Broad, Medium and Fine (Pack of 3)

I had never used water brushes before but after having seen a demo of them I decided to take the plunge. This had me digging out all my water based media and happily playing for several days. I found they are marvellously easy to use and the flow is very controllable and got good results with aquarelle pencils, tablet gouache and pan watercolour. They clean easily -just wipe on tissue between colours - and the brush part is sturdy and keeps its point well. But they are all quite small, even the largest one, so are best for a detailed technique. They did not seem suited to laying down a wash and I had to go back to standard brushes for this and I personally would not recommend them for tube colour which needs a fair bit of mixing. This said, they provide a wonderfully fast, clean and tidy way of working with water based media and live up to doing what they claim to do. I think that I will find them indispensable for sketching especially outdoors. The joy of not having to carry water and containers on a field trip is worth the price of these.UPDATE: Since I wrote this I've tried several other well known brands of water brush and found that the Aquash is far easier to fill, more reliable and has the most durable mechanism and bristles than all the others I own (It can also be completely taken apart to clean.) I have finally managed to wear out the tip of the largest one after heavy and prolonged use but it has definitely the most durable tip of all the brands I've tried so I have just bought some more.

Very useful a great addition to a collection of painting supplies

I bought these to use with some watercolour pencils I received as a gift for Christmas (Staedtler Karat - 60 colour set) so that I could try something different with my adult colouring books.I've not had much experience with watercolours before - neither the paint variety nor the pencil variety, but I am finding these brush pens to be ideal for me so far. I love that I don't have to have a jar of water next to me meaning that I can use these brushes even when I'm feeling unwell and so want to colour in bed. They don't leak at all which is great and don't seem to require any pressure at all to deliver the water to the tip. However, if you hold them totally vertical, you don't risk all the water leaking out. If you are familiar with any of Pentel's liquid ink pens, then you will recognise the use of the same kind of slow-flow mechanism (for want of a better word) in these brush pens. It works just as well with water as it does with ink in their pens.They seem to blend the colours together nicely when using the smallest amount of water (I've kept one brush pen free of water and use the others to add tiny amounts of water) to retain a strong colour, and if you use more it gives the more traditional watery sweep of colour across the page. So they seem very good for the novice, even if I'm not using the "correct" techniques. They do what I want them to do at least!So I am very happy with this set so far. I will update my review later if anything changes for better or worse.

The idea of these is that you fill the reservoir with water, and then use them exactly like a brush but without the need for a water-container. This makes them perfect for outdoor work - there is no leakage of water while you are carrying them around and they can be used instantly as soon as you take the cap off them.I saw a fellow-artist using these brushes with watercolour pencils and noticed how easily he could blend in the colours with them. With just a few watercolour pencils and one of these water-brushes you are equipped for any sketching trip. They also work fine with watercolour paint but you might find it easier to have a water-jar handy to rinse them out as you would soon get through the reservoir if you keen wanting to squeeze it to wash one colour out before putting another one on.These are so good you wonder why not every water-media artist does not have them in their equipment box. Even if you don't want to use them often, they are useful for just touching up a finished painting - ideal for example for washing-out or replacing a bit of mis-placed colour.A very good product - whenever I show them to a fellow-artist they always want one for themselves. A perfect gift of any water-colour painter or watercolour pencil painter.

I have tried several types of water brush. These are the best by far.The tips of these brushes (all makes) do tend to “fray” and this is an issue they will have to deal with in future R&D.A much wider tip would be useful too.

Having invested in some nice watercolour pencils I trawled around looking for a reasonably priced, dependable water brush pen to use alongside the pencils. I decided to try this one. I was unsure whether to get the small tip, or the medium. So, I went for the medium and glad I did. The brush head is large enough to cover some space if needed. But, has a small enough tip to use for the more delicate, tiny areas.Its easy to fill, and empty. Carries enough water to last a while in one sitting if you were out and about. Also, if you learn how to squeeze it just right, you can have good control over the water flow. Its bristles are just the right texture, not too soft and not too hard. Lastly, you have to remember to flush the brush through after each use, so that the colours do not stain, or ruin parts of your artwork.I believe this will last a while. Can't go wrong with this Pentel brand one.