The manufacture of the artist brush by traditional methods remains one of the few surviving industries that is entirely un-mechanized: every step is performed by hand. At Trekell, an artist supply company, we are committed to preserving the traditional methods of manufacturing high quality artists' brushes. Most manufacturers are cutting back on production of the best varieties, concentrating instead on the simpler and more profitable, mechanized production techniques. As a result, fewer professional-grade brushes are available. At Trekell, we only make professional quality brushes which are in reality, the best all-around value.

Most artists are not fully aware of the influence the quality of their brushes has on the work they do. As it is difficult to produce fine paintings with paint of poor quality, it is equally difficult to obtain good results using badly made brushes. Beginners sometimes feel that they lacked ability because they are unable to produce certain painting effects, when in reality, their failure was the direct result of the inferior brushes they were using.

Every Trekell artist supply brush is handmade for a specific purpose. In choosing the right brush, hair is the area of most importance. There are three materials used for brushes; bristle, hair and synthetics.

Oil and acrylic painters who work with heavy paint need a strong brush. Generally the best artist brush is bristle. It is strong, durable, manipulates heavy paint easily, and has a unique taper not found in other brushmaking materials. The brushmaker can handcup the bristle, shaping the brush to an inward curve. The natural flags at the end of each bristle grab heavy paint and hold it.

Hair is very different from bristle. Its soft texture and shape enables it to hold fluid color. Red Sable brush oil and acrylic are still strong enough to push heavy paint but is has the advantage of holding a sharp point and responds to the hand with resilience and snap. Kolinsky hair is the first choice for watercolor painters. Its soft texture, sharp taper and responsiveness makes it ideal for all fluid applications and detail.

Not all synthetic hairs are created equal. At Trekell & Company we use only the finest quality Golden Taklon. Available in long or short handles there is a Golden Taklon brush to suite every type of medium.