Escoda Signature Series Watercolor Brush Set Nicholas Simmons No.1

Our review of the Escoda Signature Series Artist Watercolor Brush Set, Nicholas Simmons Set No.1 finds it tailored to painters who combine expressive gesture with controlled detail. This set delivers the single biggest practical advantage for that approach: a trio of round pointed brushes that hold an impressive amount of water and paint while keeping a sharp point for fine lines and dry-brush mark-making. Handmade by Escoda in Spain and built with Barroco Gold Toray synthetic hair, the set is clearly intended for serious watercolorists who want professional synthetic performance without the unpredictability of natural hair.

Key Features

• Artist-curated set: Designed with Nicholas Simmons to support bold, abstract-figurative techniques and versatile mark-making.
• Barroco Gold Toray synthetic hair: Synthetic fibers mimic natural hair with strong point retention and reliable paint release for both washes and fine lines.
• Round pointed shapes: Sizes 8, 12 and 20 offer a range from precise line work to broad sweeping strokes for compositional freedom.
• Handmade in Spain: Each brush is crafted by Escoda artisans, combining traditional construction with modern synthetic materials for consistent quality.
• High water and paint capacity: Superior hair diameters give extra spring and hold so you can work longer strokes without reloading.

Who It's For

The set is well suited to established watercolor artists, illustrators and students working at a scale that mixes gestural abstraction with figurative detail, where one brush must switch from delicate lines to saturated washes. Its performance is especially useful for artists who favor expressive edges, dry-brush texture and layered glazing.

Those seeking a large variety of specialty shapes or a full-series replacement for natural sable may want to look elsewhere; this set focuses on three round points and synthetic performance rather than an exhaustive kit of shapes or pure natural-hair behavior.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Excellent point retention lets users lay fine lines after broad strokes with a single brush.
• High water and paint hold reduces the need for constant reloads during long gestures.
• Handmade construction from Escoda offers consistent build quality and reliable handling.

Cons

• Some customers reported minor cap loosening on the #12 after repeated use, indicating a small durability caveat.

Specifications

Our Verdict

The Escoda Signature Series Nicholas Simmons No.1 set is a compact, well-made collection for artists who need versatile round points that combine strong water hold with crisp tips. It represents good value for painters who favor expressive, large-scale watermedia work with controlled detail and prefer durable synthetic hair over natural sable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these brushes suitable for fine detail?
Yes, the pointed rounds keep a sharp tip that performs well for fine lines and controlled strokes.

What is the hair made of?
The brushes use Barroco Gold Toray synthetic fibers designed to mimic natural hair spring and paint release.

Where are the brushes made?
Each brush in the set is handmade in Spain by Escoda artisans.