Trekell Insights

Materials Posts

Painting techniques, advice from working artists, creative inspiration, and a closer look at the tools behind the work.

Close-up of coarse beige linen rolled around a cardboard tube.

Trekell Linen Panels

Time is the biggest factor in the decision to use primed linen panels. As an artist, you would probably rather spend your time painting than priming. Adding coats of primer to bare linen is...

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Person works on a digital image at a desktop computer.

Digital Art vs. Traditional Art

Some artists view digital art negatively while others say it's useful. But why? Why is this a debate? Digital art is now involved in photography, animation, film, and graphic design. However, some think digital...

Artist on a ladder paints a large helmeted face mural.
Artists

Murals--Beauty or Vandalism?

Murals, public works of art meant to inspire, provoke, add beauty, celebrate or commemorate, are found the world over. They can elevate a dreary urban landscape into one that appears lively or they can...

Paint-covered wooden palette with brushes and vivid blobs of color.

Essential Professional Art Supplies for Every Artist

When it comes to creating art, professional artists understand the importance of using high-quality and durable art supplies. While professional-grade materials may be more expensive, they offer consistency in performance and are preferred by...

Brush touches flowing orange-and-red hair in a textured painting.
How To

How to Paint Backgrounds

Backgrounds add depth to your work, provide a place to include even more expression, and complement the subject. Think about a party or a wedding or a play or a fashion show--they all have...

Pale cat with a gold crown and jeweled necklace against black.
Artists

Pet Portrait Competition Winners - 2020

Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced Categories Judged by:Sergio Lopez - @sergiolopezfineart  1st Place David Nunez - Acrylic 2nd PlaceScott Nickerson - Oil3rd PlaceEmily Olson - Watercolor1st PlaceKelly Mogilka - Oil2nd PlaceJennifer Geary - Acrylic3rd Place Jessie Hui - Oil1st Place  Elizabeth White - Acrylic2nd Place Kevin Mancuso - All Other...

Hand holds a fan of slender colorful-handled detail brushes.
Artists

Pro Team Artist: Mab Graves

Mab Graves, self-proclaimed World’s Worst Brush Mom, is a self-taught artist specializing in oil painting and telling stories using symbolism and drawing on her joie de vivre. She’s a pop-surrealist artist with an incredible...

Hand squeezes orange paint onto a gray-and-orange paint-covered palette.
How To

The Grisaille Technique - Underpainting

Grisaille is a painting technique in which an artist uses a monochromatic palette in greys, or similar neutral grey colors. For the etymologist in you, grisaille comes from the French word for grey: “gris.”...

Hands hold an open soap tin while a brush presses into pale cleaner.
How To

Paint Brush Cleaning and Care

When it comes to painting, the tools of the trade are important and require care to ensure the quality of the application of paint and the durability of said tools. Whether you’ve shelled out...

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