Da Vinci Brushes

Da Vinci are the German old master of the brush world, and the Maestro kolinsky line sits comfortably alongside the Series 7 and 8404 in quality — with the same century-old pedigree. The hobby knows them another way too: several hobby-branded brushes, including the Squidmar Kickstarter line, come out of the da Vinci Defet workshop in Nuremberg.

The Honest Verdict

If you can get one at a good price, a Maestro is every bit the equal of the more famous names — the choice between the big three kolinskys is taste, not quality. Less counterfeited than Winsor & Newton, but the same buy-from-a-real-retailer rule applies.

The Range

Other Brush Ranges

Not sure what shape you need in the first place? The brush types guide explains every brush on this site - and whatever you buy, the brush care guide is what makes it last.