Top Pro PaintOps Alternatives

Werx offers robust construction management solutions at a contractor-friendly price, beginning at just $49 per month. Designed specifically for small to midsized enterprises, Werx enhances your operational efficiency with features such as adaptable estimating, AIA-style invoicing, QuickBooks integration, and labor monitoring. Accelerate your payment process through Stripe-enabled online billing, and take advantage of a free 30-day trial to experience the benefits firsthand. Catering to contractors across various trades, Werx is designed to help you save time, alleviate stress, and increase your profits. Whether you need to manage schedules, track time spent on-site, or generate professional invoices, Werx consolidates all these functions into one intuitive platform. With its affordability and dependability, Werx stands out as an excellent choice for contractors looking to expand their business and streamline their processes effectively. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to transform your construction management experience with Werx.

Contractor Foreman offers an affordable starting price of $49 per month for companies, making it the most cost-effective construction management solution available for contractors. This platform has received endorsements from more than 75 countries and has garnered numerous industry accolades, all backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Say goodbye to the hassle of pricey software and streamline your workflow by quickly generating estimates, creating invoices, and facilitating online payments with ease. Notably, its integration with QuickBooks simplifies data management by eliminating the need for double entry. With Contractor Foreman, tracking your time, expenses, daily logs, and other essential details for you and your team becomes a breeze. When you consider the unbeatable price combined with outstanding features, it becomes clear that Contractor Foreman is the smartest choice for construction professionals. Plus, the user-friendly interface ensures that even those new to construction management can navigate the system effortlessly.

Houzz Pro stands out as a premier construction management platform tailored for residential contractors and designers. It offers a comprehensive solution that addresses the complete customer journey, encompassing marketing, customer relationship management, and a variety of functionalities like estimates, takeoffs, 3D floor plans, project management, selections, online invoicing, payments, QuickBooks integration, and a client portal. By initiating a free trial, users can discover why so many professionals rely on Houzz Pro to enhance and oversee their operations. With pricing beginning at $149 per month, it provides valuable tools suitable for businesses of any scale, ensuring they can thrive in a competitive market.

Procore provides an advanced cloud-based construction management system that unites various project participants, including owners, general contractors, specialty contractors, and governmental bodies. This platform is crafted to foster collaboration across diverse sectors such as commercial, residential, industrial, and infrastructure projects, effectively streamlining workflows and boosting overall efficiency. Offering an extensive range of tools for project management, quality assurance, safety measures, design coordination, BIM, field productivity, financial management, invoicing, and accounting integrations, Procore ensures enhanced visibility and accountability throughout every phase of a project. With a strong commitment to driving innovation in the construction industry, Procore proudly serves over 16,000 clients and a vast network of more than 2 million users across over 150 countries, making it a leader in the field. The platform continues to evolve, adapting to the changing needs of the construction landscape.

Clear Estimates is an innovative cloud-based software platform designed for contractors and remodelers, allowing them to accurately assess project costs, oversee project and customer databases, customize parts libraries, and efficiently generate proposals. Accessible via any web browser or mobile device, this online tool provides users with the flexibility to work from anywhere. In addition, Clear Estimates includes a variety of customizable templates tailored for different job types, enhancing the user experience. Its comprehensive features encompass proposal generation, template management, and an extensive price book, making it a vital resource for professionals in the construction industry. With these capabilities, Clear Estimates significantly streamlines the workflow for contractors, ultimately improving productivity and client satisfaction.

PMCLogic is an advanced management software that accurately calculates the necessary paint and materials for restoring vehicles to their pre-accident condition. By providing valuable insights, this tool facilitates effective management of stock and informs purchasing strategies. It ensures precise job cost evaluations for every vehicle repair, along with the ability to create estimates and invoices for materials used. Developed by ComputerLogic, PMCLogic can be utilized online or as a standalone solution focusing on inventory control, estimation, and billing. This software represents a dependable method for billing based on actual paint and material usage, replacing the traditional and often unreliable hourly multiplier for material expenses. As a leader in the innovation of computer systems and business solutions, ComputerLogic consistently pushes the boundaries in the automotive aftermarket. Furthermore, PMCLogic enhances repair shop workflows, significantly improving both efficiency and profitability while allowing businesses to focus on quality service. It stands as a testament to how technology can transform industry practices for the better.

PaintOps is an all-in-one business management solution crafted specifically for individual painters and small painting businesses. Users can effortlessly create job quotes, organize schedules, track crew hours, issue invoices, collect payments, and evaluate the profitability of jobs, all through a single, user-friendly platform. The application features unique estimating tools tailored for the painting industry, which include automatic calculations for paint requirements, alongside real-time scheduling that optimally assigns crew members. Furthermore, it supports online invoicing with seamless payment collection, management of CRM pipelines, and comprehensive job costing analysis. Accessible on both desktop and mobile devices, the platform ensures that users can estimate jobs on-site and manage their business effectively. A 30-day free trial is available, followed by subscription options of $29 per month for individual users and $49 per month for teams, providing flexibility that enables painting professionals to enhance their operational efficiency. The combination of these features makes PaintOps a valuable resource for those looking to elevate their painting business.

Manually creating quotes can be a lengthy endeavor that may considerably impact your profit margins. It's crucial to adopt estimating software that can propel your residential construction business forward. By simply uploading your plans, you can efficiently trace and capture necessary quantities using your mouse. The process of estimating projects has been revolutionized, making it remarkably straightforward. You can easily track project timelines and assign tasks to your team, ensuring that all deadlines are met without stress. Proposals and contracts can be automatically generated from verified estimates and change orders, ready to be sent to clients for electronic signatures. Additionally, your team can log their hours through our mobile app, enabling you to compare estimated versus actual time spent on tasks. With seamless integration into QuickBooks, managing payroll becomes significantly easier. Schedule a personalized demo of Estimator360 at your convenience to explore its powerful features. With this innovative tool, you'll quickly gain the ability to produce precise estimates, enhancing your capacity to secure more contracts and broaden your project portfolio. Don't let outdated practices hinder your growth—transform your project management approach today and watch your business thrive.

EZ Construction Estimator is designed to simplify the estimation process for construction professionals, making it easy to produce accurate quotes. Its user-friendly drag-and-drop feature enables quick and precise estimate creation with just a few simple actions. This software is ideal for a variety of trades, including general contracting, roofing, painting, and remodeling, equipping users with vital tools for maintaining accuracy and profitability in their estimates. With a robust database of over 2000 preloaded components and assemblies, EZ Construction Estimator also allows for the addition of custom components tailored to specific projects. Users can enhance their estimates by incorporating images, blueprints, and relevant documents, ensuring that reports are comprehensive and visually informative. The software facilitates automatic calculations for floor areas, wall areas, and lengths, which significantly improves efficiency. It comes with more than a dozen pre-installed reports, including the Scope of Work and various types of contracts. Furthermore, the EZ Report Tool offers the capability to create customized reports, enhancing the flexibility and overall user experience, while also making it easier to adapt to the diverse requirements of different construction projects. Thus, EZ Construction Estimator stands out as a versatile solution for all estimation needs in the construction industry.

The classic Microsoft Paint application comes pre-installed on your Windows computer and can be easily accessed by entering "paint" in the search bar next to the Start button on your taskbar, then selecting Paint from the options that appear. For those using the latest version of Windows 10, the option to explore Paint 3D is available, which introduces a range of modern tools for creating both 2D and 3D artwork at no cost. As a longstanding feature of the Windows operating system, locating Paint is as straightforward as searching for it in the taskbar like you usually would. With the launch of the Windows 10 Creators Update, Paint 3D allows users to engage in three-dimensional artistic endeavors, expanding upon the capabilities of the traditional Paint. This enhanced version not only introduces exciting new 3D features but also preserves many of the beloved functionalities from the original Microsoft Paint, ensuring that users can still enjoy their favorite tools. Paint 3D showcases the latest evolution in the Paint series, offering a plethora of innovative artistic resources for both 2D and 3D designs. By delving into the Art tools menu within Paint 3D, creators can discover a variety of brushes and tools, beginning with selecting a color from the palette or using the eyedropper tool to sample an existing shade from their artwork. This flexibility allows for a highly personalized artistic journey, making the creative process more enjoyable and dynamic than ever before. Overall, the combination of classic and new features in Paint and Paint 3D caters to a wide spectrum of creative preferences.

JS Paint is a free web-based painting tool that draws inspiration from MS Paint. Designed with user-friendliness in mind, this online pixel editor offers an uncomplicated experience that caters to all skill levels. Serving as a practical alternative to Microsoft Paint, it enables users to easily create and modify images from their browsers. Whether you are just starting out or have years of experience, JS Paint equips you with the necessary tools for artistic creation, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking to explore their creativity. The platform's simplicity and functionality encourage users to experiment and enjoy the process of making art.

CPR Software specializes in developing comprehensive and intuitive tools for estimating construction costs, facilitating accurate assessments of expenses associated with materials, labor, equipment, and the entire construction process. Our software is designed to support various industries, including general contracting, residential building, renovations, concrete services, and both commercial and residential painting, along with projects related to insurance repair and restoration. By leveraging advanced technology and focusing on user-friendliness, we enable you to produce swift and precise construction cost estimates with ease. Acknowledged as a top contender in the realm of cost estimating software, we are dedicated to improving the effectiveness and efficiency of your estimating tasks. The advantages of our Excel-based estimating solutions start with their intuitive nature and the comfort of familiarity, which allows users to quickly adapt while benefiting from integrated formulas and powerful features. This is exactly where our specialized software offerings shine, delivering customized solutions that address the distinct requirements of the construction sector. Our tools not only enhance the accuracy of your estimating process but also optimize it for greater productivity, ensuring that you can manage your projects with confidence and clarity. With CPR Software, you can take your construction cost estimation to the next level.

Contractor's Office is a user-friendly and sophisticated estimating software solution that offers a range of features, including a professional CRM system, invoicing, job tracking, accounting, and comprehensive job scheduling tools. This ready-to-use software is equipped with a precise cost database for both residential and commercial projects, as well as customizable templates and tools for job costing and budget management, in addition to the ability to integrate with other applications. PrioSoft has successfully sold over 5,700 units to construction industry professionals, who appreciate the software for its reliable performance, extensive cost database, various invoicing options (such as AIA), and user-friendly interface. The popularity of PrioSoft software reflects its capability to meet the diverse needs of contractors and project managers alike.

Paint.NET is a versatile image and photo editing software specifically created for Windows operating systems. It features an intuitive and cutting-edge interface, which includes capabilities such as layers, unlimited undo actions, a variety of special effects, and an array of powerful editing tools. Moreover, an active and growing online community provides valuable resources, tutorials, and plugins to improve the overall user experience. Originally developed as an undergraduate project under the guidance of Microsoft, Paint.NET is now maintained by Rick Brewster. What started as a free substitute for Microsoft Paint has transformed into a comprehensive tool for editing images and photos. It is often positively compared to established digital photo editing programs like Adobe® Photoshop®, Corel® Paint Shop Pro®, Microsoft Photo Editor, and The GIMP. By being a cost-effective option, Paint.NET appeals to users who want to steer clear of pricey commercial software while still enjoying advanced editing features. The blend of its wide-ranging functionalities and strong community backing makes it a compelling option for both beginners and seasoned professionals, ensuring that anyone can find value in its offerings. With its continuous updates and enhancements, Paint.NET remains relevant in the ever-evolving landscape of image editing software.

Running a trade business in NZ or Australia? NextMinute is built for you. Whether you’re managing builds, landscaping projects, renos, or roofing jobs, this easy-to-use software helps you quote, schedule, and track everything in one place. See live costs vs estimates, fill out timesheets on site, manage job stages, and invoice faster — all from your phone or desktop. Works seamlessly with MYOB, Xero, and QuickBooks. It’s rated 4.9/5 by real tradies and backed by friendly, local support. No paperwork. No headaches. Just better job management. Give it a go with a 10-day free trial.

GrafX2 is a bitmap painting tool that takes cues from the Amiga programs Deluxe Paint and Brilliance. Designed specifically for the creation of 256-color images, it comes equipped with a wide range of tools and effects that cater to pixel art, game graphics, and detailed designs made with a mouse. While it was mainly developed for operating systems such as Haiku, Linux, and Windows, it also provides compatibility with other platforms, enhancing its accessibility. The combination of its versatility and rich feature set contributes to its popularity among digital artists who aim to produce intricate pixel-based creations. Additionally, the application's user-friendly interface encourages both beginners and experienced artists to explore their creativity.

Effortlessly convert your photos into breathtaking artistic creations with Studio Artist, which utilizes advanced artificial intelligence to generate distinctive paintings, drawings, and rotoscoping effects. By examining a source image or video, Studio Artist can reinterpret it from scratch in numerous styles, offering you the flexibility to opt for either an automated or interactive method with just two easy steps: pick a preset and hit the action button. Whether aiming to craft oil paintings, watercolors, abstract pieces, sketches, or other forms of artwork, Studio Artist serves as a dynamic platform for creative exploration. Moreover, it can automatically rotoscope videos frame by frame, enabling you to apply a sequence of painting and image processing tasks to a single frame that Studio Artist will then transform into a beautifully hand-painted or processed video sequence. Uniquely, the software is entirely resolution-independent, allowing you to begin with a low-resolution video and produce rotoscoped outputs at any resolution, even surpassing 4K quality, ensuring that your artwork retains its stunning beauty regardless of the initial image quality. With these remarkable features, Studio Artist not only enhances artistic expression but also encourages users to push the boundaries of their creativity without encountering technical constraints. This powerful tool is perfect for artists looking to innovate and explore new dimensions in their work.

PataBid Quantify delivers transformative benefits for MEP contractors by leveraging advanced AI technology. Our platform dramatically reduces estimation time, eliminating manual errors and providing unprecedented accuracy in bid preparation. Contractors gain strategic advantages through standardized workflows that ensure consistency across teams and projects. The AI-powered system offers real-time pricing intelligence, enabling more competitive and precise bidding. By analyzing historical data and market trends, Quantify helps contractors identify potential risks and opportunities, turning estimation from a tactical task into a strategic business tool. Our comprehensive 65,000-item database and intelligent algorithms provide deep insights that drive profitability and competitive edge. Key benefits include faster bid generation, reduced human error, enhanced margin protection, and the ability to make data-driven decisions. Quantify transforms complex MEP project estimating into a streamlined, intelligent process that empowers contractors to win more work with greater confidence and precision.

Fast Track Estimating software provides precise estimates and a comprehensive list of materials needed for purchasing. At its core, this construction estimating tool features a compilation of common tasks in residential construction, which are based on established unit costs. To create an estimate, users can simply pick items from the assembly list, whereby the software automatically incorporates standard costs associated with labor, materials, and other expenses. Users also have the option to modify these standard costs if necessary. Designed with flexibility in mind, this software was developed by a contractor, making it user-friendly for managing various construction projects efficiently. Additionally, it allows for the creation of templates for frequently performed tasks, the ability to duplicate estimates, and the option to adjust pricing and markups, as well as input multiple tax rates. Once the estimating process is completed, a range of reports is available for review, and users can access helpful screens to assist them throughout their experience. This ensures that you have all the necessary tools at your disposal for effective project management.

Handoff provides a robust solution for streamlining the operations of your contracting business through the power of artificial intelligence. You can quickly generate estimates, create persuasive proposals, impress clients, and accelerate your payment collection. Handoff equips you with an integrated toolkit designed to significantly boost the growth of your remodeling business with minimal extra effort. The platform allows you to produce accurate estimates for residential construction projects in mere seconds, ensuring that all client details and estimates are neatly organized in one easy-to-access location. Our AI technology intelligently formulates effective proposals that can be sent out to clients with just a click of a button. Moreover, you can issue electronic invoices straight to clients, providing a smooth and satisfying purchasing experience while improving your cash flow. By utilizing Handoff, you not only enhance your operational efficiency but also elevate the quality of service you provide to your clients, ultimately fostering stronger relationships and greater satisfaction. This holistic approach ensures that your business remains competitive and responsive in a fast-paced market.

ibisPaint is an outstanding application that emerged from a desire to share the thrill of digital art through videos that display the drawing experiences of its users. It functions as a social platform for artists, effectively bringing this vision to fruition on smartphones, tablets, and other devices. By using ibisPaint, you can showcase to your friends and family the joy you find in your artistic endeavors! The app is equipped with a wide range of features, many of which were previously exclusive to desktop drawing applications, allowing you to create the visuals you imagine with remarkable accuracy. With ibisPaint, any place can easily become your ideal creative workspace at any time. It includes all the necessary tools for effortlessly crafting manga and illustrations, such as a Screen Tone tool that simplifies the process of drawing and applying tones, a Frame Divider tool that enables easy frame adjustments with a simple touch, and a Text input tool offering various font options. In addition to ibisPaint, all you need to breathe life into your illustrations and manga is your limitless imagination, making it an excellent partner for artists of every skill level. So, let your creativity flow and dive into the limitless possibilities available with ibisPaint! Whether you’re a novice or an expert, this app invites you to explore the artistic world like never before.

Tolteck emerges as the leading software solution tailored for contractors who prioritize effective estimating and invoicing. Perfect for freelancers and small businesses, it enables users to quickly and easily create professional documents. Whether you are stationed at an office or working directly on a construction site, launching Tolteck is a breeze; just create a new document, choose your client, and effortlessly fill in the details regarding materials, labor, and job specifics using its intuitive search feature along with automatic backups. In as little as five minutes, you can generate impeccably formatted documents! This software is not only robust but also user-friendly, eliminating the need for complex installations or setups. It is specifically designed to provide vital functionalities without unnecessary complications, allowing estimates and invoices to be prepared in just a few minutes. With all your vital business information—documents, clients, and materials—consolidated in one convenient location, Tolteck ensures compatibility across all devices. Unlike standard software options, Tolteck has been thoughtfully developed with contractors’ needs in mind, offering a specialized digital instrument that addresses the particular challenges of their trade. By choosing Tolteck, you can streamline your contracting processes and significantly enhance your productivity and efficiency. Embrace the simplicity and effectiveness of Tolteck, and elevate your contracting business to unprecedented heights.

Takeoff Plus is an all-in-one software solution tailored for home builders and contractors who seek to optimize their estimating processes, material takeoffs, proposal creation, and specification writing, in addition to managing purchase orders, subcontracts, work orders, and requests for quotes (RFQs). This versatile software can be purchased separately or as part of the Plus Series, which provides an integrated system that includes functionalities for CRM, estimating, scheduling, project management, and job cost accounting. Users have the flexibility to use Takeoff Plus on their desktops or any mobile device with internet access, ensuring convenience and mobility. Rather than investing in stand-alone estimating software, it may be more advantageous to select the comprehensive offerings from Contractors Software Group, which foster greater efficiency and collaboration across different operational sectors. Ultimately, selecting a holistic solution can lead to marked improvements in project management and elevate overall business performance while simplifying the workflow for contractors. By integrating multiple functions into a single platform, users can reduce the need for disparate tools and streamline their operations effectively.

The application designed for artists focusing on painting and drawing, Clip Studio Paint, offers specialized tools tailored for illustration, comics, and animation, making it an all-encompassing digital art studio. This software maximizes your device's potential to deliver a smooth and intuitive drawing experience. In addition to features like AI-powered colorization, it provides a diverse range of functions specifically for comic and animation creation, along with customizable 3D drawing figures that can be manipulated to suit your artistic requirements. Furthermore, Clip Studio Paint continuously evolves, incorporating user feedback to enhance its functionalities and maintain its position as a leading tool in the digital art community.

Bolster revolutionizes the entire project management workflow for residential construction professionals and contractors. With its innovative estimating software, which incorporates custom assemblies and automated pricing based on supplier data, Bolster ensures precise and rapid estimates across all types of projects. The software enhances traditional quotes by transforming them into dynamic, interactive point-of-sale presentations for homeowners, significantly increasing your chances of securing more jobs. You can also propose upgrades, selections, and optional items, thereby boosting the overall job size through customer-driven upsells included directly in your proposals. Following project bookings via the Pipeline CRM, the built-in automated Scheduling feature clearly communicates project timelines to contractors, subcontractors, and homeowners alike. Additionally, Bolster's Client Portal enables customers to monitor the progress of their projects and process online payments upon task completion. Contractors benefit from immediate payment access through a Bolster Business Account, allowing them to utilize both virtual and physical cards for their expenditures. This seamless integration of features not only enhances operational efficiency but also significantly improves customer satisfaction throughout the construction process.

Knowify serves as a robust tool for job costing and project management tailored specifically for both residential remodelers and commercial subcontractors. This platform is available for use anytime and from any location. It encompasses a wide range of features designed for estimating job costs, tracking service work, scheduling tasks, managing billing, and recording time. By utilizing Knowify, you can effectively enhance your business operations and drive growth. Its comprehensive suite of tools ensures that you can efficiently manage every aspect of your projects.

Shifting from conventional procedural methods to intricately hand-painted textures, Mari delivers an extensive 3D painting platform. Mari® equips artists with sophisticated tools designed to handle complex assets through user-friendly 3D painting features, inspiring their creative journeys. With its support for UDIM workflows, it allows for efficient management of multiple high-resolution texture maps, complemented by a projection-based painting system that facilitates pre-commit edits, contextual previews, and 2D adjustments. This versatility frees artists from limitations regarding resolution and complexity, fostering a more imaginative process. Mari’s non-destructive layer and node graph systems empower creators to achieve their desired visuals while offering a broad spectrum of procedural choices. The Materials System streamlines the creation of simpler, high-volume assets or acts as a crucial step in developing standout hero assets, enhancing overall productivity. Additionally, Mari’s extensive Python API and robust OCIO color management capabilities make it an indispensable resource for contemporary 3D artists. Consequently, Mari serves as a seamless blend of functionality and artistic freedom, ensuring that creators can manifest their ideas into reality without any constraints. This unique combination of features helps artists explore new dimensions in their creativity.

FastWRAP serves as the perfect solution for contractors specializing in mechanical insulation, offering comprehensive support for HVAC piping and equipment. This robust estimating software caters specifically to commercial and industrial mechanical insulation contractors, featuring a complete database and customizable specifications tailored for digital takeoff and jacketing of both mechanical insulation and HVAC ductwork. Additionally, FastEST provides online training, dedicated customer support, and regular database updates to enhance user experience. Built upon our award-winning estimating platform, FastWRAP boasts the same advanced functionalities found in FastPIPE and FastDUCT. To further instill confidence in its users, FastWRAP includes a risk-free 60-day money-back guarantee, ensuring that there’s nothing to lose while there remains ample opportunity in the mechanical insulation sector. With FastWRAP, contractors can streamline their estimating processes and focus on expanding their business.

NUMIQ is an efficient pricing and proposal platform designed specifically for contractors who want to streamline their processes and avoid protracted negotiations. It features a current price list that includes a variety of construction tasks such as masonry, painting, electrical services, plumbing, tiling, and demolition, along with a quick calculator that turns items into well-crafted, professional quotes. Users can adjust prices to reflect their unique situations, add custom items and units, set mark-ups and taxes, save templates, and quickly create variations for different project scopes or materials. The resulting quotes can be shared as PDFs that include your logo or through a link, providing clients with clear pricing information while allowing you to track when they view and accept the proposal, helping you secure project start dates without the stress of negotiation. On top of that, NUMIQ offers features to keep tabs on job progress and revisions, allowing you to maintain organized notes and replicate successful quotes in just seconds. With the ability to sync across cloud platforms on both mobile devices and desktops, NUMIQ ensures that you can access your information whether you are on-site or working from your office, promoting efficiency, transparency, and enhanced profitability. By utilizing NUMIQ, you can elevate your contracting business, embracing a new level of professionalism that prioritizes speed and clarity in all your proposals. This can ultimately lead to greater client satisfaction and repeat business as you streamline your workflow and enhance your overall service delivery.

Tailored for contemporary touch and stylus-enabled devices, including iPhones, Adobe Fresco presents a vast selection of both vector and raster brushes, complemented by innovative live brushes that provide an incredibly lifelike painting and drawing experience. This all-encompassing digital art toolkit is perfect for anyone looking to dive into or rediscover their love for drawing and painting. The app allows users to interact with watercolors and oils that blend and react fluidly to their movements, while offering the versatility of using both brush types on a single canvas. Adobe Fresco features the most extensive and advanced collection of brushes worldwide, boasting thousands from Adobe Photoshop and acclaimed artist Kyle T. Webster. Take advantage of Adobe Sensei's technology with live brushes that replicate the appearance, texture, and behavior of traditional art materials. Create vibrant watercolors that bloom and bleed in response to your strokes, and enjoy the ability to swirl and smudge rich oils on the canvas for a textured, three-dimensional effect. Furthermore, the intuitive interface of Adobe Fresco ensures that artists, regardless of their experience level, can effortlessly explore and maximize the extraordinary capabilities of this powerful digital painting application, making it an indispensable tool in the artist's toolkit.