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The Urban Sketcher’s Best Friend?


If you’re into urban sketching, you know how important it is to have tools that are portable, reliable, and easy to use on the go. The Pentel Aquash Water Brush Set (Set of 3) seems to tick all those boxes — but how does it really hold up in practice?

I’ve been using this set, which I ordered from Amazon.ie, for a few weeks now on sketch walks around town. Here's a full breakdown of the experience, from brush quality to portability, with an eye on what matters most to an urban sketcher.

Pentel AQUA BRUSH
Pentel AQUA BRUSH

🖌️ Brush Quality: Nylon Bristles that Punch Above Their Weight


The set includes three sizes: fine, medium, and broad. All three brushes use nylon bristles, which I was skeptical about at first — but they’ve proven impressively resilient.


What I liked:


  • Shape retention: Even after a few rough field sessions and lots of pigment, the tips bounce back to a nice point (especially the fine and medium). No fraying so far.

  • Smooth pigment flow: With just a gentle squeeze of the barrel, water comes through evenly. This makes blending washes in quick sketches a breeze.

  • Versatility: The medium size is great for most line-and-wash sketches. The fine tip is solid for detail work (e.g. roof tiles, windows), and the broad is surprisingly effective for loose skies or tree canopies.


Minor cons:


  • If you over-squeeze the barrel, you can flood the paper — there's a bit of a learning curve.

  • Not quite as responsive as high-end natural-hair brushes, but then again, they’re not meant to be.


Overall, these brushes feel better than you'd expect for a synthetic travel brush.


🧳 Portability: Built for Sketching on the Move

This is where the Pentel Aquash really shines.


Key portability perks:


  • No need for water containers: Just fill the brush with tap water and you're good to go. I can sketch in a park, on a bench, or even leaning against a wall — no spills, no mess.

  • Lightweight: All three brushes fit easily in my small sketch kit. They weigh next to nothing and don’t leak when capped properly.

  • Quick cleanup: A tissue or cloth is all you need to wipe between colors, and they rinse clean with a squeeze of water.

I’ve even used these on a tram ride — that’s how fuss-free they are.


🏙️ Ideal for Urban Sketching?

Absolutely — especially if you like line-and-wash techniques or minimal gear.


In the field:


  • I pair them with a small watercolor palette and a waterproof fineliner. That’s my whole kit.

  • The medium brush is the MVP — it works for 90% of what I sketch.

  • They’re also discreet. You won’t attract attention the way you might with open jars of water or a full studio setup.


Water Brush Set
Water Brush Set

Bonus: Creative flexibility


  • Want soft gradients on a building façade? Squeeze gently and go.

  • Need dry-brush textures for bricks or trees? Just don’t squeeze — the nylon bristles let you control the flow easily.


Final Thoughts


The Pentel Aquash Set of 3 has become a permanent part of my urban sketching setup. While it won't replace traditional brushes for studio work, it’s perfect for quick, expressive sketches on the go.


Pros:

✔️ Solid bristle quality and tip shape

✔️ Excellent water flow control

✔️ Ultra-portable and leak-proof

✔️ Affordable and durable

✔️ Perfect for minimal sketch kits.


Cons:

  • Slight learning curve with squeeze pressure

  • Can over-flood if you're not careful.


Verdict:

If you’re looking for a lightweight, practical brush solution for urban sketching, the Pentel Aquash set is a fantastic investment. Reliable, travel-friendly, and surprisingly precise, these brushes have earned a permanent spot in my bag.


Have you used these brushes? Share your experience or sketches — I’d love to see how others make them work in the field!

Would you like me to turn this into a formatted blog post with images or links? I can also write a short Instagram caption or reel script if you're planning to share your urban sketch kit.


You can watch the full video review and painting demo on my youtube channel at the link below!



 

KraftGeek Inspire Easel Stand for Painters and Artists (Walnut Color) Review: A Stylish and Practical Addition to Your Studio


For any artist, the right easel can make a significant difference in the creative process. Whether you’re a professional painter or a passionate hobbyist, a well-designed easel not only provides stability but also enhances comfort during long hours of painting. The KraftGeek Inspire Easel Stand, specifically in its elegant walnut color, promises to blend functionality with aesthetics, offering an affordable solution to artists seeking both style and performance.

In this review, we’ll explore the features, pros, and cons of the KraftGeek Inspire Easel Stand, and evaluate how it stands up to the needs of painters and artists.



Walnut easel
Walnut easel

Design & Build Quality

The first thing that catches your eye with the KraftGeek Inspire Easel is its stunning walnut finish. The rich, warm wood grain adds a touch of sophistication to any art studio, making it not just a tool, but also a stylish addition to your workspace. The walnut color gives the easel a professional, yet approachable feel, perfectly complementing both modern and traditional studio decor.

Constructed from solid beechwood, the easel feels sturdy and durable, able to handle canvases of varying sizes with ease. The wood is smooth to the touch and has been sanded to a fine finish, which prevents any snagging or rough patches while adjusting. This well-thought-out build quality assures you that this easel will stand the test of time, even after years of use.


Adjustability and Versatility

The KraftGeek Inspire Easel is designed to accommodate a range of canvas sizes, making it versatile for various types of artwork, from small sketches to large oil or acrylic paintings. The easel is fully adjustable, with both height and angle settings, allowing you to work comfortably whether you prefer standing or sitting.

One of the standout features of this easel is its easily adjustable canvas holder, which allows you to switch between portrait and landscape orientations without any hassle. The smooth, secure locking mechanism ensures that your canvas stays firmly in place, preventing any wobbling or shifting during your work.

Additionally, the easel’s back support bar can be modified to tilt, offering even more flexibility and control over the viewing angle of your work. This is particularly beneficial when working on detailed pieces or when you need a specific perspective.



Kraftgeek easel
Kraftgeek easel

Portability and Ease of Use

While the KraftGeek Inspire Easel is designed for stability, it’s also surprisingly lightweight. Weighing just under 10 pounds, this easel can easily be moved around your studio, making it a practical choice for artists who like to work in different areas or frequently rearrange their workspace. It’s also easy to assemble and adjust, with clear instructions included, so you can get started right away.

The sturdy base ensures that the easel remains steady even when placed on uneven flooring, a common issue with lesser-quality easels. The wooden legs are reinforced with metal brackets for added stability, which gives peace of mind when working with heavier or larger canvases.


Functionality for Different Mediums

The KraftGeek Inspire Easel is ideal for artists working in a variety of mediums, including oils, acrylics, watercolors, and pastels. The adjustable height and canvas angle are particularly useful for oil and acrylic painters who prefer to work at different elevations to avoid glare and achieve the right lighting effect. The easel’s solid wood construction can support the weight of larger canvases, up to 33 inches tall, which is perfect for ambitious projects.

While it’s primarily designed for painting, it can also serve as a functional stand for sketching or drawing with pencils and charcoal. The versatility of this easel makes it a great choice for mixed-media artists who need a reliable base for multiple types of projects.


Drawbacks and Considerations

Despite its many advantages, there are a few minor drawbacks to keep in mind. For artists who require a more compact, portable easel for outdoor work or travel, the KraftGeek Inspire may not be the ideal choice due to its larger frame and weight. While it’s lighter than many full-size easels, it’s still bulkier than more portable, collapsible models.

Additionally, some users may find that the adjustable settings can be slightly stiff when first used, although this generally loosens up after a few uses. While this is not a major issue, it may take a bit of time to get used to the mechanics of adjusting the easel smoothly.


Final Verdict

Overall, the KraftGeek Inspire Easel Stand for Painters and Artists in Walnut offers a well-rounded solution for both amateur and professional artists looking for a sturdy, versatile, and stylish easel. Its elegant walnut finish, combined with thoughtful design features like full adjustability and a secure canvas holder, makes it a strong contender in the mid-range easel market. While it’s not the lightest option for outdoor work, its stability and build quality more than make up for it in a studio setting.

For artists who appreciate a touch of sophistication in their workspace without compromising on functionality, the KraftGeek Inspire Easel is a solid investment that will support you through countless creative endeavors.


Pros:

  • Beautiful walnut finish adds elegance to any studio.

  • Sturdy and durable beechwood construction.

  • Fully adjustable height and angle settings.

  • Easy to assemble and use.

  • Suitable for canvases of various sizes.

  • Lightweight and easy to move.


Cons:

  • Not the most compact or portable for outdoor use.

  • Initial stiffness in the adjustable settings may require a bit of breaking in.

If you’re in the market for a dependable, aesthetically pleasing easel that enhances both your workspace and your artistic process, the KraftGeek Inspire Easel is certainly worth considering.


You can buy your own KraftGeek Inspire Easel on:



And you can have a bit of discount using the Discount Code: IRISHFARMART


Also available on Amazon US: https://amzn.to/4flUcLj

 

Painting snow is one of my favorite subjects.

In this class, I'm revealing all my secrets for painting realistic alpine landscapes, which I've developed through years of experimentation and learning.


You can find my classes on Skillshare at this link: https://www.skillshare.com/en/r/profile/Sam/610933507



Snow watercolor painting
Snow watercolor painting

This class is ideal for anyone who loves taking a sketchbook outdoors, perhaps on a hike, or who enjoys painting from the comfort of their own desk.

Are you excited? ;)


In this class, you will learn:


  • How to blend colors with CONFIDENT brush strokes

  • How to understand color tones and apply them effectively

  • How to use two colors to create dynamic color blends

  • Various brush techniques to depict distant forests on mountains

  • Techniques for painting flying birds

  • Finally, how to approach a painting with a cool and calm mind (Important stuff!)


This class is excellent for both beginners and seasoned artists. I will guide beginners through specific color mixes and techniques, while experienced artists can explore their creativity by painting an expressive landscape using new methods.

I assure you, by the end of this class, you'll have a fresh set of techniques and your own painting of cascading, snowy mountains. ;)



 
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