There is a romantic idea of the artist lost in chaos, surrounded by mangled paint tubes and messy brushes. Well, I’ll be honest with you: I am not that kind of artist.
To create the paintings you see here in my shop, I need order, efficiency, and—most importantly—to ensure not a single drop of those precious pigments goes to waste. After years of fighting with stubborn tubes and messy solvents, I’ve narrowed it down to three essential tools that have quite literally saved my studio (and my sanity).
Here is a look at what happens in my studio before a piece is ready for your home.
1. The Heavy-Duty Tube Wringer (My "Paint-Saver")
The Framar Tube Wringer is easily the most satisfying tool I own. It might look like a simple gadget, but for my paint tubes, it’s a lifesaver.
Before I started using this, I was throwing away so much expensive professional paint just because it was trapped in the folds of the metal. Now, I run every "finished" tube through these rulli. It comes out completely flat, squeezing out every last bit of pure pigment. It’s a small ritual that ensures I respect my materials and get the most out of every color I buy.
2. The Stainless Steel Double Dipper
This little duo clips right onto the edge of my palette, keeping my essentials within reach. While it has two compartments, which is great if you want to keep white spirit in one for cleaning, I mostly rely on it for my Liquin.
If you haven't tried Liquin, it’s a gel-like medium that makes the oil paint much more fluid and helps it dry faster. Having it right there in the dipper means I can mix just the right amount into my brush as I work. The best part? The screw-on lids. Whether I’m taking a break, I can just seal it up so the medium doesn't dry out or spill.
3. The Airtight Brush Washer
My brushes are an extension of my hands. If I don't take care of them, I can’t achieve the fine details and textures you see on my canvases. This stainless steel container is where the deep cleaning happens.
Inside, there is a removable mesh filter that allows me to clean the bristles thoroughly without scrubbing them harshly against the bottom. But the real reason I love it is the airtight lid with heavy-duty clips. Once it’s snapped shut, it completely seals in the solvent smells. It keeps my workspace air fresh and clean, allowing me to spend more hours at the easel without distraction.
Why the Tools Matter
I’m sharing this because I want you to know that when you buyone of my paintings, you’re buying the care and attention that goes into every single step. From the way I maintain my brushes to how I squeeze every bit of life out of a tube of paint, the quality of my tools directly impacts the quality of the art that eventually hangs on your walls.
Are you a fan of "creative chaos," or do you prefer a tidy studio like me? Let me know in the comments!
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