Comments about Isabey Mongoose Brushes:

I bought a few of these brushes a year ago, and during this time have collected quite a fistful.

They are wonderfully versatile and suit my style of work perfectly. In fact they are the most heavily used out of my arsenal of brushes.

I like to paint in oils, in large scale, and high, crisp detail. At a certain angle they possess a stiffness almost akin to boar bristles, to where they can pick up and lay down paint with great ease. At the same time their tips and flat edges are so soft, like kolinsky, allowing exquisite blending. They are very pleasant to work with.

The smaller sizes do require more careful handling, or perhaps I've been bashing them around too much everyday, however there's nothing wrong with amassing a bunch of scrubbers, which are useful for so many things, from cleaning up edges to creating a myriad of textures.

I would say to start with 3 brushes, maybe #1, 4, and 6, just to get a feel of them and enjoy the experience of not having to fight with one's tools.

Hope this was helpful!

Comments about Isabey Mongoose Round Series 6115:

I use the moongoose for some detail and fill of large lettering on show cards and large card stock setups for trade shows. Its versatility allows edge cleanup, fill and just about anything you can throw at it when working up to a larger scale. It's characteristic memory holds a good resavoir and yet will still hold its width to continue a stroke with the same fan without fear of engorging. It's a winner!

Comments about Isabey Mongoose Brushes:

I'm an oil painter; don't waste this brush on acrylic or such. Mongoose hair was created for plant oils and damar resin...

I've been on leave for a long time after an accident. At the time I couldn't find these anywhere and am so happy to find them at Dick Blick! With a vase full of mongoose and another of big hogs I can do about anything. I don't feel a huge need for sables, although I have them because a couple particular ones are golden in the hand, but I buy mongoose when I can find it and afford it now and Isabey is the best, worth every very well priced cent here- I'm amazed at the great prices.
It glazes, it does teeny details, it has a nice stiffness but still soft enough to caress a little spot of color. And the snap!

Brushes are very, very personal things, but I'd encourage every one to try these. Just one or two to start. I had a real fondness for Grumbacher's Renoir sables back in the day; They got me some excellent work done in school. These mongoose fellas have a lot of the glaze power but are tougher, they won't wear as fast and can take a bit heavier hand. Still have that sensuous touch though.