{"id":1431120,"date":"2021-09-30T17:35:35","date_gmt":"2021-09-30T16:35:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.jacksonsart.com\/blog\/?p=1431120"},"modified":"2026-03-31T15:52:49","modified_gmt":"2026-03-31T14:52:49","slug":"jacksons-watercolour-brushes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.jacksonsart.com\/blog\/2021\/09\/30\/jacksons-watercolour-brushes\/","title":{"rendered":"Two Painters Test Jackson’s Watercolour Brushes"},"content":{"rendered":"

In September, we asked watercolour painters Andrew Pitt and Gary Cook to test a few brushes of their choice from the Jackson’s watercolour range. To get the full experience, both artists used the brushes to create a complete watercolour painting and here, they tell us about their findings.<\/p>\n

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Andrew Pitt Tests Jackson’s Watercolour Brushes<\/h2>\n

A few weeks ago Jackson\u2019s asked me if I would be interested in reviewing some of their brushes. I had to say this was not something I would do normally as I believe it can be a bit misleading to suggest that a particular brush will enable a student to paint like their tutor. To their credit Jackson\u2019s emphasised they wanted a genuine, honest response to their brushes. In the end, I need not have worried, the Jackson’s Raven Brushes<\/a> are some of the best synthetic haired brushes I have used. They have a nice chunky handle which I feel encourages bold brush work. They also take up and deliver the paint well.<\/p>\n

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To ‘make friends’ with these new brushes – new to me, I have never used them before – I thought it best to attempt to paint a full watercolour rather than test them by painting isolated swatches of colour. They are nice to hold. Probably the main difference between by usual brushes is the softness of their hair. It is very soft, but seems to return to shape when wet. We all get used to the pressure required for a brush to deliver the paint to paper. The Raven Brushes<\/a> point well so are ideal for painting large areas which have some small shapes without the need to change brush mid-wash.<\/p>\n

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I also tested three of the Jackson\u2019s Riggers<\/a>. I think Riggers are difficult to use well and I\u2019m not sure I have found, let alone mastered, a good Rigger technique. I found the Studio Synthetic Watercolour Rigger Brush<\/a> Sizes 0 and 2 suited me best. Frankly, the mark made by the Size 4 Rigger<\/a> could be made by the Raven Mop, Size 0 or 2 as they pointed so well. It is more satisfying and professional to paint with the largest brush you can manage, that also makes the mark you have in mind.<\/p>\n

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I would certainly recommend Raven brushes if you are starting to paint or have realised that your usual brushes are far too small. It is very common for painters new to watercolour to go for what I call, ‘the false security’ of a small brush. <\/p>\n

\"Andrew<\/a><\/p>\n

Watch Andrew’s video review of Jackson’s Raven and Rigger brushes as he paints with them for the first time: <\/p>\n