Art Tools I Use

Brushes

I have a brush set offered through Trekell. These are the brushes I use for all of my work. If my set is sold out, you can buy them individually as well. I prefer the Spectrum Brights for color studies and my rendering/detail work, Hog Bristles for my first pass of paint or fur/hair texture, and the Golden Taklon Fan brush or Mop to soften edges or to knowck down unwanted texture. Use this link for the general Trekell website.

Canvases

I previously used Raphael Oil Primed Linen Panels from Jerrys for most of my paintings (this is Belle Arti Linen glued to thin plywood). However, for custom sizes, I will now be switching over to the Artefex 538 (this is also Belle Art Linen but glued down to ACM. I feel like this is higher quality than what I get through the Raphael Panels).

FOR A DISCOUNT ON ARTEFEX PANELS USE DISCOUNT CODE: JULIE 10

For very very smooth canvas, I really like the L84C from RayMar.

Wet Panel carrier – for all you mobile painters out there, nothing beats the RayMar lightweight panel holders.

Palette

I LOVE NEW WAVE PALETTES. They have grey glass options and wood options. I prefer the rectangles since I do not hold my palette when I paint.

Varnish

I prefer Natural Pigments Conservar Regalrez for my final varnish. It is a synthetic varnish which I usually apply about a month or so after I’m done. The painting needs to be dry to the touch. This varnish is similar to GamVar but I like the formula of Natural Pigments better. I use this brush when I varnish. I think this brush is similar.

Wipeout Tool

The Wipeout tool I use the most is this double ended tool. It manipulates paint on the surface of my painting. Trekell has one and it’s FABULOUS!!

Lights

If I use a clamp light, I use Euri 4000K floods for light bulbs, but in general, I like the LED panels better.

Easel

I like the Carolina Easel.

• Pros: H frame, solid wood, independent mast and tray so if you have regular height ceilings you can still stand and work, easy to put together, adjustable
• Cons: The tray is small/shallow, somewhat deep footprint (but this also makes it more sturdy.)

Misc:

Below are links to the tools I use on a regular basis.

LED Light Panels – this is what I use for lighting my easels and still life set ups.

Makeup sponges – I use these for oiling in/out and also to wipe off whatever I painted and don’t like

Shop Towel – seem to have less lint than standard paper towels

Makeup Brushes – the best way to end a painting session, I use these to knock down any remaining texture at the end of a painting day and to micro-soften edges

Gloves – for when I have a cut on my hand or don’t want to get paint or varnish on my skin

Fels Naptha – a very inexpensive old school bar soap meant for laundry but it’s fabulous for washing brushes. Also great for if you get paint on your clothes!

Microfiber Cloths – when I’m painting I don’t use paper towels to wipe off my brush while I’m painting. I use these. The at the end of the session I’ll wash this with the Fels Naptha. I find I’m not throwing out as many paper towels this way.

Cleaning Tank – an absolutely must! I fill this with linseed oil and use it to “reset” my brush while painting, or at the end of the day, I’ll use this to get all the pigment out of my brush and then just use soap and water afterwards.

The Carolina Easel – my favorite wooden H frame easel. Cheap and effective. Independent mast and tray so you can work standing up with normal cieling heights.

Viewfinder – to check out how the composition will look and test out cropping

Palette Knife – This is my favorite size and brand

Iphone or Ipad holder – used to film my IG reels and videos

Foam Rabbet Tape – used on the inside of the frame so it doesnt scratch the surface of the painting

Let me know if you have any questions about any of these items! Happy Painting!

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