undiscoveredartist

Robert Simmons Simply Simmons

I have been using Robert Simmons “Simply Simmons” for over a year now. They are smaller, standard sized brushes that the label says are “Perfect For All paints”. Early on, I used them in acrylic. A little later I began using them with oils. I now use them full time with oils and have noticed a few things. If you use The Master’s Brush Cleaner with them, they perform wonderfully. I actually purchased them in sets of three or four and paid only $3.50 per set. I purchased them at Hobby Lobby when they were half off.

The brushes I bought a year ago did so well, that I bought some more today. I purchased the Mop-Up set including a 3/4″ mop, a 1/2″ mop, and a 1/2″ flat wash. I also bought the Grass and Green set including a bristle fan, 3/8″ flat comb, and 1/2″ comb. Again, I got them marked down 50%. I am now worried that Hobby Lobby may be discontinuing them, and I sure hope that they don’t do that, I adore these brushes. Every time I go there, they are on sale and they seem to have less and less of them.

As far as price and value, they are the ultimate. The black and white enamel on the brushes (if used with the Master’s Brush Cleaner) has not cracked like my other brushes. I have used them with turpentine, linseed oil, and painting mediums with no problem. They hold up great! In fact, now that I have purchased the new sets today, I am donating my other brushes to my aunt, another up and coming artist.

When it comes to the bristles on the brushes, they are very smooth for the price. The mops are luxurious, and the fan bristles soft. When it comes to brushes, I believe that a soft brush will create a soft mark on the canvas. Harsh brushes leave harsh marks. I am all about soft on the canvas. I think that when you wish to paint a soft cloud, why would you go about it with a hard brush? I was such a stickler in this area, that if I couldn’t find a soft brush I went for the Q-tips!

I will continue to update this post to let you know if my older Simmons brushes fail. As for now, with proper care they are doing great!