Da vinci series 18 is the traditional aquarelle brush with a real plexi handle for drawing lines, not a plastic handle like most aquarelle brushes today. Nova synthetics are blend of 3 different diameters of synthetic that enhance color-carrying capacity for clean, even brush strokes. Slightly softer in feel than the da vinci top acryl brushes, nova is a high quality synthetic that will retain its shape, is easy to clean and has sustainable handles with nickel plated brass ferrules.