Abstract:
The invention relates to a painting tool and method of use for manipulating painting material on a painting surface. The method includes providing the tool, which includes a handle and blade. The blade is made of a resilient metal, has a matted surface, and includes handle, middle and distal sections. The handle section has a first end positioned within the middle third of the handle and a second end connected to the middle section. The middle section connects at a first end to the handle section and at a second end to the distal section. The distal section extends from the middle section and is in a distal section plane offset from the handle section. The distal section plane is at an angle to the handle section plane. The distal section is used to take a painting material and place and manipulate the painting material onto a painting surface.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The field of the invention generally relates to palette and painting knives used by artists in painting. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Artists use knives in painting for a variety of reasons, including to provide a texture to the painting. Artists traditionally have relied upon the tools developed in other industries in their painting. Unfortunately, most of these tools have been designed for specific uses in those other industries and may not be optimized for artist&#39; use. For example, the most common artist&#39; knives have been taken from the cake industry, where they are used to spread icing, and the construction industry, where they have been used to spread mortar. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one general aspect a painting tool includes a handle and a blade. The blade is made of a resilient metal material, has a matted surface, and includes a handle section, a middle section, and a distal section. The handle section has a first end and a second end, the first end being positioned within the middle third of the length of the handle and the second end being connected to the middle section. The middle section connects at a first end to the handle section and forms an angle of between approximately 130 and 150 degrees with the handle section and connects at a second end to the distal section and forms an angle of between approximately 110 and 130 degrees with the distal section. The distal section extends from the middle section and is in a distal section plane that is offset from a handle section plane containing the handle section by between approximately 1.5 and 5 cm. The distal section plane is at an angle of between approximately 3 and 10 degrees to the handle section plane. 
     Embodiments of the painting tool may include one or more of the following features. For example, the handle section of the blade may extend into the handle approximately half the length of the handle. 
     The metal may be stainless steel 3CR13 or other similar stainless steel or metal. The blade may have a variable thickness that is thicker near the handle and becomes progressively thinner in the direction of the tip of the blade. For example, the thickness near the handle may be approximately 0.040 inches to 0.050 inches, and more particularly approximately 0.044 inches to 0.046 inches. The thickness may be reduced in the direction of the tip and may reach a thickness of approximately 0.010 inches to 0.032 inches, and more particularly 0.014 inches to 0.030 inches. Blades of this metal and thickness provide a flexibility that allows the artist to have an optimized degree of control over the tool and painting media when applying various painting techniques. 
     The distal section plane may be at an angle of between approximately 3 and 7 degrees to the handle section plane. The distal section plane may be at an angle of approximately 5 degrees to the handle section plane. The offset between the distal section plane and the handle section plane may be between approximately 2 and 3 cm. 
     The middle section forms an angle of between approximately 137 and 143 degrees with the handle section and the handle section forms an angle of between approximately 115 and 125 degrees with the distal section. 
     The distal section of the blade may include right angled corners. The distal section of the blade may include two curved corners. The distal section of the blade may include four curved corners. 
     The distal section may include a curved tip. The distal section may further include two curved corners adjacent to the middle section and have a generally triangular shape. The distal section also may further comprise an angled corner. 
     The distal section may include three angled corners. The distal section may include two curved sides extending from the middle section at first ends and forming a pointed tip at second ends. 
     In another general aspect, a method of painting includes providing a painting tool and using the painting tool to take a painting material and place the painting material onto a painting surface. The painting tool includes a handle and a blade, the blade being of a resilient metal material, having a matted surface, and including a handle section, a middle section, and a distal section. The handle section has a first end and a second end, the first end being positioned within the middle third of the length of the handle and the second end being connected to the middle section. The middle section connects at a first end to the handle section and forms an angle of between approximately 130 and 150 degrees with the handle section and connects at a second end to the distal section and forms an angle of between approximately 110 and 130 degrees with the distal section. The distal section extends from the middle section and is in a distal section plane that is offset from a handle section plane containing the handle section by between approximately 1.5 and 5 cm and the distal section plane being at an angle of between approximately 3 and 10 degrees to the handle section plane. 
     Embodiments of the method of painting may include one or more of the following aspects or those described above. For example, placing the painting material onto a painting surface may include one or more of scraping, scumbling, mixing, sculpting, spreading, sgraffito, dragging, linework, incising, and scratching. 
     Using the painting tool to take a painting material and place the painting material onto a painting surface may include placing one or more of wet paint, dry paint, wet gels, dry gels, aggregates, wet plaster, and dry plaster on the painting surface. 
     The details of various embodiments of the painting tools and methods are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIGS. 1 and 2  are top and side views, respectively, of a scraping tool. 
         FIGS. 3 and 4  are top and side views, respectively, of a rounded plate painting spatula tool. 
         FIGS. 5 and 6  are top and side views, respectively, of a rounded blade painting spatula tool. 
         FIGS. 7 and 8  are top and side views, respectively, of a rounded tip painting spatula tool. 
         FIGS. 9 and 10  are top and side views, respectively, of a narrow, blunt painting spatula tool. 
         FIGS. 11 and 12  are top and side views, respectively, of a diamond-shaped trowel painting tool. 
         FIGS. 13 and 14  are top and side views, respectively, of a multi-angled trowel painting tool. 
         FIGS. 15 and 16  are top and side views, respectively, of a scythe-shaped trowel painting tool. 
         FIGS. 17 and 18  are top and side views, respectively, of a multi-angled, rounded tip trowel painting tool. 
         FIGS. 19 and 20  are top and side views, respectively, of an oval, sharp-tipped trowel painting tool. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The inventors have developed a range of paletting and painting knives that have been designed with optimized features for artist use. The knives can be divided into scraper painting tools, painting spatulas, and trowel painting tools. 
     The scraper painting tools are strong and stiff, yet sufficiently resilient for scraping, scumbling, mixing, sculpting, and spreading materials. The techniques that can be used with the scraper painting tools include spreading, sgraffito, dragging, scumbling, linework, incising, scratching, and mixing. The applications to which they can be applied include wet paint, dry paint, wet gels, dry gels, aggregates, wet plaster, and dry plaster. 
     The painting spatulas are generally flexible with resilient, blunt, rounded-edged extra long blades. The techniques that can be used with the spatula tools include spreading, scumbling, smoothing, smudging, mixing, pre-mixing paint, collage, transfers, creation of stroke direction. The applications to which they can be applied include gesso, paint, modeling paste and texture gels. 
     The trowel painting tools have flexible or stiff and square or rounded-edged trowel blades that are advantageous for mixing and spreading paint, texture gels, and other media. They are used to shape, stroke, build up or scrape away material from the surface. 
     The various tool embodiments described herein optionally may have one or more of the following features or characteristics. The knives may have brushed stainless steel blades that resist corrosion and wear from most media, in particular such media as the paints used by artists. The blades may have a matted surface designed to prevent a distracting or uncomfortable glare that can reflect from the blade when, for example, painting in the outdoors where the sun is bright or indoors if the lighting is bright. The handle may be made of wood, for example birch, the paint used on the handle may be a matt polyester, and the rivets may be the same metal as the blade (e.g., stainless steel 3CR13) or a different metal. 
     For an economic advantage, the blades have been designed to extend into the handle only into between one third to two thirds of the length of the handle, and specifically one half of the length of the handle. Typically, blades extend fully into the handle for the entire length of the handle. By reducing the length of the blade that extends into the handle, this design provides a cost reduction compared to a blade that extends completely into the entire length of the handle. 
     As described in more detail below, the blades can extend from the handle and include one or more bends, curves or angles in the proximity of the handle such that the working end of the blade is in a plane that is offset but approximately parallel to the handle. For example, the plane of the working end of the blade can be in a plane that is at an angle of between 0 and 10 degrees to the handle, more particularly between approximately 3 and 10 degrees to the handle, more particularly between approximately 3 and 7 degrees, and more particularly at 5 degrees relative to the handle. The offset can be between approximately 1.5 cm and 5 cm, more particularly between approximately 2 and 3 cm, and even more particularly approximately 2.5 cm. 
     By appropriately selecting the bends, curves or angles, and length of the blade that extends from the handle to the working end of the blade, the offset can be controlled an optimized to reduce the likelihood that the artist will have his/her hands or knuckles contacting the painting surface during use of the tool. This selection also creates an ergonomically optimized knife that reduces the stresses and strains on the artist&#39;s handles, wrists, arms and back by allowing the artist to use the tool in a more comfortable and natural manner. The details of this optional feature and those optional features described above are described in more detail below. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a painting scraper tool  100  is illustrated. The tool  100  includes a handle  105  and a blade  110  having three sections: a handle section  115 , a middle section  120 , and a distal section  125 . The handle section and the middle section intersect at a joint  132 . The handle section  115  extends into the handle  105  approximately half the length of the handle, although the length can extend into the handle between approximately one third and two thirds the length of the handle. The handle section is fixed in place within the handle by two or more rivets  131 . By extending into the handle section less than the entire length of the handle section, as is the norm, the blade  110  can be made from less metal, thereby reducing material costs without adversely impacting the use of the tool. 
     The middle section  120  of the blade is at an angle  130  to the handle section  115  and the distal section  125  is at an angle  135  to middle section  120 . In one implementation, the length of the middle section is between approximately 3 cm and 5 cm and forms the angle  130  of between approximately 130 and 150 degrees with the handle section, more particularly between approximately 137 and 143 degree, and even more particularly approximately 140 degrees. The distal section  125  extends from the middle section and is in an almost parallel plane to the handle section and forms the angle  135  of between approximately 110 and 130 degrees with the middle section, more particularly between approximately 115 and 125 degrees, and even more particularly approximately 120 degrees. In one implementation, the distal section has a width of approximately 3.5 cm and a length of approximately 8.5 cm. 
     The combination of the angles  130  and  135  between the middle section and the handle and distal sections, and the length of the middle section, offsets the plane containing the handle from the distal section. This offset allows the painter to use the tool on a painting surface with a significantly reduced likelihood of the painter&#39;s hands, knuckles, or fingers contacting the painting surface. This characteristic of the tool is optional and may be present on all the tools described herein. 
     The distal section  125  of the blade has a connecting portion  140  and a scraping portion  145 . The connecting portion  140  extends from the middle section  110  to the scraping portion  145  and expands from a first width at the middle section to a second width  150  at the scraping portion, with the first width being less than the second width. The connecting portion  140  has a length  155  and the scraping portion  145  has a length  160 . The width  150  and the lengths  155 ,  160  all can be varied according to the application or use of the particular implementation. For example, in one particular implementation the width  150  is between 3 and 4 cm, more particularly between approximately 3.3 and 4.7 cm, and more particularly approximately 3.5 cm. In one implementation the length  155  of the connecting portion  140  is between approximately 3 and 4 cm, more particularly between approximately 3.3 and 3.7 cm, and more particularly 3.5 cm. In one implementation the length  160  of the scraping portion  145  is between approximately 5 and 6 cm, more particularly between approximately 5.3 and 5.7 cm, and more particularly 5.5 cm. In other implementations, the length  160  can be as long as 12 to 22 cm, depending upon artist preference and need. 
     The scraping portion  145  also can be varied based on the side and distal edge configurations. For example,  FIGS. 1 and 2  illustrate the side edges and distal edge each being straight. In other implementations the distal edge can be serrated, notched, or otherwise fabricated to have different configurations that give a particular effect when scraping or spreading paint. In particular, a serrated edge is useful in spreading acrylic paints. Similarly, one or both of the side edges can have a serrated edge along a portion of its length, or the entire length. If the distal edge and one of the side edges are serrated, or otherwise fabricated to have a straight edge or different configuration, an artist advantageously can use one tool to create different effects on the painting surface without needing to switch tools. For example, a downward sweep may emphasize the serrated edge while an upward sweep may emphasize the straight edge. The tool has been characterized as allowing the artist to make staccato marks. It also can be used to leave a ruffled “potato chip look” with every stroke, and one of the sides may be serrated as well. 
     As described above with respect to the selection of the choice of metal, thickness and flexibility, the resilience of the blade is optimized for spreading the painting material on the painting surface. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , a rounded plate painting spatula tool  200  is illustrated. The tool  200  includes a handle  205  and a blade  210  having a handle section  215 , a middle section  220 , and a distal section  225 . The handle section  215  extends into the handle  205  approximately half the length of the handle and is fixed in place within the handle by two or more rivets  231 . The middle section  220  of the blade is at an angle  230  to the handle section  215  and the distal section  225  is at an angle  235  to middle section  220 . In one implementation, the length of the middle section is approximately 3 cm and forms the angle  230  of between approximately 130 and 150 degrees with the handle section, more particularly between approximately 137 and 143 degree, and even more particularly approximately 140 degrees. The distal section  225  extends from the middle section and is in an almost parallel plane to the handle section and forms the angle  235  of between approximately 110 and 130 degrees with the middle section, more particularly between approximately 115 and 125 degrees, and even more particularly approximately 120 degrees. In one implementation, the distal section has a width  240  of approximately 5 cm and a length  245  of approximately 7 cm. In another implementation the distal section has a width  240  of approximately 7 cm and a length  245  of approximately 9 cm. Although these dimensions are provided for two implementations, other dimensions are contemplated, such as a width of approximately 5 cm and a length of between 9 and 22 cm. In general, these dimensions can be varied according to artist preference. 
     The combination of the angles  230  and  235  between the middle section and the handle and distal sections, and the length of the middle section, offsets the plane containing the handle from the distal section. This offset allows the painter to use the tool on a painting surface with a significantly reduced likelihood of the painter&#39;s hands, knuckles, or fingers contacting the painting surface. 
     The distal section  225  of the blade has four rounded corners  250 , each having a radius  255 . For example, the radius  255  can be in the range of between 3 and 5 cm, more particularly between approximately 3.5 and 4.5 cm, and most particularly approximately 4 cm. In other implementations, the radius  255  can be in the range of between 5 and 7 cm, more particularly between approximately 5.5 and 6.5 cm, and most particularly approximately 6 cm. The rounded corners  255  are used when making strokes on a painting surface and advantageously provide a smooth transition between the paint being manipulated with the blade and the adjacent paint. For example, a right-angled corner is likely to leave a sharp demarcation between the paint being manipulated and the adjacent paint. 
     Variations in the rounded corners  250  and the edges are contemplated. For example, each of the corners  250  can have a different radius or can be configured in pairs with each pair having a different radius. Either the distal pair may have a first radius and the proximal pair a second radius or the left side pair may have a first radius and the right side pair a second radius. 
     The distal section  225  can also be varied by side and distal edge configurations. For example,  FIGS. 3 and 4  illustrate the side edges and distal edge each being straight. In other implementations the distal edge can be serrated, notched, or otherwise fabricated to have different configurations that give an effect when scraping or spreading paint. In particular, a serrated edge is particularly useful in spreading acrylic paints. Similarly, one or both of the side edges can have a serrated edge along a portion of its length, or the entire length. If the distal edge and one of the side edges are serrated, or otherwise fabricated to have a straight edge or different configuration, an artist advantageously can use one tool to create different effects on the painting surface without needing to switch tools. Like the side edges and distal edges, the rounded corners  250  also can have different edge configuration to create different effects on the painting surface. Just as the rounded corners each can have a different radius, each rounded corners  250  also can have a different edge configuration. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , a rounded blade painting scraper tool  300  is illustrated. The tool  300  includes a handle  305  and a blade  310  having a handle section  315 , a middle section  320 , and a distal section  325 . The handle section  315  extends into the handle  305  approximately half the length of the handle. The handle section is fixed in place within the handle by two or more rivets. The middle section  320  of the blade is at an angle  330  to the handle section  315  and the distal section  325  is at an angle  335  to middle section  320 . In one implementation, the length of the middle section is approximately 3 cm and forms the angle  330  of between approximately 130 and 150 degrees with the handle section, more particularly between approximately 137 and 143 degree, and even more particularly approximately 140 degrees. The distal section  325  extends from the middle section and is in an almost parallel plane to the handle section and forms the angle  335  of between approximately 110 and 130 degrees with the middle section, more particularly between approximately 115 and 125 degrees, and even more particularly approximately 120 degrees. In one implementation, the distal section has a width of approximately 4 cm and a length of approximately 10.5 cm. In another implementation, the distal section has a width of approximately 4 cm and a length of approximately 22 cm. In another implementation, the distal section has a width of approximately 3 cm and a length of approximately 17 cm. 
     The combination of the angles  330  and  335  between the middle section and the handle and distal sections, and the length of the middle section, offsets the plane containing the handle from the distal section. This offset allows the painting to use the tool on a painting surface with a significantly reduced likelihood of the painter&#39;s hands, knuckles, or fingers contacting the painting surface. 
     The distal section  325  of the blade has a connecting portion  340  and a spatula portion  345 . The connecting portion  340  extends from the middle section  310  to the scraping portion  345  and expands from a first width at the middle section to a second width  350  at the scraping portion, with the first width being less than the second width. The connecting portion  340  has a length  355  and the spatula portion  345  has a length  360 . The width  350  and the lengths  355 ,  360  all can be varied according to the use of the particular implementation. For example, in one particular implementation the width  350  is between 2 and 4 cm, more particularly between approximately 2.7 and 3.3 cm, and more particularly approximately 3 cm. In another implementation the width  350  is between approximately 3 and 5 cm, more particularly between approximately 3.7 and 4.3 cm, and more particularly approximately 4 cm. In another implementation the length  355  of the connecting portion  340  is between approximately 3 and 4 cm, more particularly between approximately 3.3 and 3.7 cm, and more particularly approximately 3.5 cm. In one implementation the length  360  of the spatula portion  345  is between approximately 9 and 12 cm, more particularly between approximately 10 and 11 cm, and more particularly 10.5 cm. In other implementations, the length  360  can be as long as 12 to 25 cm, e.g., 17 cm, 22 cm, etc., depending upon artist preference or need. 
     The distal section  345  of the blade has two rounded corners  365 , each having a radius  370 . For example, the radius  370  can be in the range of between 3 and 5 cm, more particularly between approximately 3.5 and 4.5 cm, and most particularly approximately 4 cm. In other implementations, the 370 can be in the range of between 2 and 4 cm, more particularly between approximately 2.5 and 3.5 cm, and most particularly approximately 3 cm. The rounded corners  365  are used when making strokes on a painting surface and advantageously provide a smooth transition between the paint being manipulated and the adjacent paint. For example, a right angled corner is likely to leave a sharp demarcation between the paint being manipulated and the paint adjacent to it. Variations in the rounded corners  365  and the edges are contemplated. For example, each of the corners  370  can have a different radius or the same radius. 
     The spatula section  345  can also be varied by side and distal edge configurations. For example,  FIGS. 5 and 6  illustrate the side edges and distal edge each being straight. In other implementations the distal edge can be serrated, notched, or otherwise fabricated to have different configurations that give an effect when scraping or spreading paint. In particular, a serrated edge is particularly useful in spreading acrylic paints. Similarly, one or both of the side edges can have a serrated edge along a portion of its length, or the entire length. If the distal edge and one of the side edges are serrated, or otherwise fabricated to have a straight edge or different configuration, an artist advantageously can use one tool to create different effects on the painting surface without needing to switch tools. Like the side edges and distal edges, the rounded corners  365  also can have different edge configuration to create different effects on the painting surface. Just as the rounded corners each can have a different radius, each rounded corners  370  also can have a different edge configuration. This also provides additional flexibilities to the artist by either reducing the need to switch tools or having the ability to make a greater variety of effects on the painting surface. In addition, as a result of the flexible blade, the tool has the ability to pick up a relatively enhanced quantity of paint and spread it over a large amount of surface area. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , a rounded tip painting spatula tool  400  is illustrated. The tool  400  includes a handle  405  and a blade  410  having a handle section  415 , a middle section  420 , and a distal section  425 . The handle section  415  extends into the handle  405  approximately half the length of the handle. The middle section  420  of the blade is at an angle  430  to the handle section  415  and the distal section  425  is at an angle  435  to middle section  420 . In one implementation, the length of the middle section is approximately 3 cm and forms the angle  430  of between approximately 130 and 150 degrees with the handle section, more particularly between approximately 137 and 143 degree, and even more particularly approximately 140 degrees. The distal section  425  extends from the middle section and is in an almost parallel plane to the handle section and forms the angle  435  of between approximately 110 and 130 degrees with the middle section, more particularly between approximately 115 and 125 degrees, and even more particularly approximately 120 degrees. 
     The combination of the angles  430  and  435  between the middle section and the handle and distal sections, and the length of the middle section, offsets the plane containing the handle from the distal section. This offset allows the painter to use the tool on a painting surface with a significantly reduced likelihood of the painter&#39;s hands, knuckles, or fingers contacting the painting surface. 
     In one implementation, the distal section has a maximum width  444  of approximately 5 cm and a length  446  of approximately 12 cm. In another implementation the distal section has a width  444  of approximately 4 cm and a length of approximately 11 cm. Although these dimensions are provided for two implementations, other dimensions are contemplated, such as a width of between approximately 3 cm and 6 cm and a length of between approximately 9 cm and 15 cm. In general, these dimensions can be varied according to artist preference. 
     The distal section  425  of the blade has two rounded corners  440 , each having a radius  450 . The radius  450  can be in the range of between 3 and 5 cm, more particularly between approximately 3.5 and 4.5 cm, and most particularly approximately 4 cm. The tip  455  is blunt and may have a radius  460  in the range of between 1 and 3 cm, more particularly between approximately 1.5 and 2.5 cm, and most particularly approximately 2 cm. The rounded corners  450  and tip  455  are used when making strokes on a painting surface and advantageously provide a smooth transition between the paint being manipulated and the paint adjacent to it. For example, a right angled corner and tip are likely to leave a sharp demarcation between the paint being manipulated and the adjacent paint. 
     Variations in the rounded corners  450 , tip  455 , and the edges are contemplated. For example, each of the corners  450  can have a different radius. The distal section  425  also can be varied by tip, corner, and side edge configurations. For example,  FIGS. 7 and 8  illustrate the rounded corners, tip, and side edges each being straight. In other implementations, one or more of the rounded corners, tip, and side edges can be serrated, notched, or otherwise fabricated to have different configurations that give an effect when scraping or spreading paint. In particular, a serrated edge is particularly useful in spreading acrylic paints. Similarly, one or both of the side edges can have a serrated edge along a portion of its length, or the entire length. If the tip, rounded corners, and one of the side edges are serrated, or otherwise fabricated to have a straight edge or different configuration, an artist advantageously can use one tool to create different effects on the painting surface without needing to switch tools. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 9 and 10 , a narrow, rounded blade painting spatula tool  500  is illustrated. The tool  500  includes a handle  505  and a blade  510  having a handle section  515 , a middle section  520 , and a distal section  525 . The handle section  515  extends into the handle  505  approximately half the length of the handle. The handle section is fixed in place within the handle by two or more rivets. The middle section  520  of the blade is at an angle  530  to the handle section  515  and the distal section  525  is at an angle  535  to middle section  520 . In one implementation, the length of the middle section is approximately 3 cm and forms the angle  530  of between approximately 130 and 150 degrees with the handle section, more particularly between approximately 137 and 143 degree, and even more particularly approximately 140 degrees. The distal section  525  extends from the middle section and is in an almost parallel plane to the handle section and forms the angle  535  of between approximately 110 and 130 degrees with the middle section, more particularly between approximately 115 and 125 degrees, and even more particularly approximately 120 degrees. 
     In one implementation, the distal section has a width  540  of approximately 2 cm and a length  545  of approximately 13 cm. Other dimensions are contemplated, such as between 1 and 3 cm for the width and 7 and 20 cm for the length, depending upon the artist&#39;s needs. 
     The combination of the angles  530  and  535  between the middle section and the handle and distal sections, and the length of the middle section, offsets the plane containing the handle from the distal section. This offset allows the painter to use the tool on a painting surface with a significantly reduced likelihood of the painter&#39;s hands, knuckles, or fingers contacting the painting surface. In addition, a larger or medium sized tool according to  FIG. 9  has been characterized as having the capability of making good marks, rather than a ridge, during use. The smaller or mini sized tool according to  FIG. 9  has been characterized as allowing a good spreading technique, building dense textures and leaving a desirable marks rather than a ridge, as the term is used by painters. 
     The distal section  525  of the blade has a rounded tip  550  having a radius  555 . For example, the radius  555  can be in the range of between 1 and 3 cm, more particularly between approximately 1.5 and 2.5 cm, and most particularly approximately 2 cm. The rounded tip  550  is useful when making strokes on a painting surface and advantageously provides a smooth transition between the paint being manipulated and the paint adjacent to it. For example, a straight, ninety degree corner is likely to leave a sharp demarcation between the paint being manipulated and the adjacent paint. Variations in the rounded tip  540  and the edges are contemplated. For example, the tip can have a radius of approximately 1 to 5 cm. If the radius is increased, the width may be increased and gradually reduced at the tip, or kept the same. 
     The distal section  525  can also be varied by side and tip edge configurations. For example,  FIGS. 9 and 10  illustrate the side edges and tip edge each being straight. In other implementations the tip edge can be serrated, notched, or otherwise fabricated to have different configurations that give an effect when scraping or spreading paint. In particular, a serrated edge is particularly useful in spreading acrylic paints. Similarly, one or both of the side edges can have a serrated edge along a portion of its length, or the entire length. If the tip edge and one of the side edges are serrated, or otherwise fabricated to have a straight edge or different configuration, an artist advantageously can use one tool to create different effects on the painting surface without needing to switch tools. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 11 and 12 , a diamond-shaped, trowel painting tool  600  is illustrated. The tool  600  includes a handle  605  and a blade  610  having a handle section  615 , a middle section  620 , and a distal section  625 . The handle section  615  extends into the handle  605  approximately half the length of the handle. The middle section  620  of the blade is at an angle  630  to the handle section  615  and the distal section  625  is at an angle  635  to middle section  620 . In one implementation, the length of the middle section is approximately 3 cm and forms the angle  630  of between approximately 130 and 150 degrees with the handle section, more particularly between approximately 137 and 143 degree, and even more particularly approximately 140 degrees. The distal section  625  extends from the middle section and is in an almost parallel plane to the handle section and forms the angle  635  of between approximately 110 and 130 degrees with the middle section, more particularly between approximately 115 and 125 degrees, and even more particularly approximately 120 degrees. 
     In one implementation, the distal section has a width  640  of approximately 5 cm and a length  645  of approximately 7 cm. In another implementation the distal section has a width  640  of approximately 7 cm and a length  645  of approximately 9 cm. Although these dimensions are provided for two implementations, other dimensions are contemplated, such as a width of between approximately 3 cm and 9 cm and a length of between 5 and 11 cm. In general, these dimensions can be varied according to artist preference. 
     The combination of the angles  630  and  635  between the middle section and the handle and distal sections, and the length of the middle section, offsets the plane containing the handle from the distal section. This offset allows the painter to use the tool on a painting surface with a significantly reduced likelihood of the painter&#39;s hands, knuckles, or fingers contacting the painting surface. 
     The distal section  625  of the blade has two angled corners  650  and a tip  655 . The angled corners  650  have an angle  660  and the tip has an angle  665 . For example, in one implementation the corners  650  can have an angle  660  in the range of between 110 and 140 degrees, more particularly between approximately 120 and 130 degrees, and most particularly approximately 125 degrees. The angled tip  655  can have an angle in the range of between 60 and 80 degrees, more particularly between approximately 65 and 75 degrees, and most particularly approximately 70 degrees. In another implementation, the corners  650  can have an angle  660  in the range of between 10 and 130 degrees, more particularly between approximately 110 and 120 degrees, and most particularly approximately 115 degrees. The angled tip  655  can have an angle in the range of between 60 and 90 degrees, more particularly between approximately 70 and 80 degrees, and most particularly approximately 75 degrees. The angled corners  650  are used when making strokes on a painting surface and advantageously provide a sharp transition between the paint being manipulated and the adjacent paint. Variations in the angles  660  and  665  of the corners and tip, respectively, will result in a change in a first length  670 , a second length  675 , a first width  680  and a second width  685 . 
     The distal section  625  can also be varied by the side and distal edge configurations. For example,  FIGS. 11 and 12  illustrate the side edges and distal edges each being straight. In other implementations one or both of the distal edges can be serrated, notched, or otherwise fabricated to have different configurations that give an effect when scraping or spreading paint. In particular, a serrated edge is particularly useful in spreading acrylic paints. Similarly, one or both of the side edges can have a serrated edge along a portion of its length, or the entire length. If one or both of the distal edges and one or both of the side edges are serrated, or otherwise fabricated to have a straight edge or different configuration, an artist advantageously can use one tool to create different effects on the painting surface without needing to switch tools. 
     The tool  600  is particularly useful when working with modeling paste. If using the tool  600  with larger dimensions, it is easy to create knife marks while texturing and when texturing with the smaller dimensions it is easy to avoid creating knife marks. The smaller dimension tool  600  also has been found to be work well with modeling paste to impart texture and depth while reducing the likelihood of leaving scrapings mark. The smaller dimension tool  600  also may be particularly useful when the artist is honing in on specific detail areas or creating for smaller paintings. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 13 and 14  a multi-angled trowel painting tool  700  is illustrated. The tool  700  includes a handle  705  and a blade  710  having a handle section  715 , a middle section  720 , and a distal section  725 . The handle section  715  extends into the handle  705  approximately half the length of the handle. The middle section  720  of the blade is at an angle  730  to the handle section  715  and the distal section  725  is at an angle  735  to middle section  720 . In one implementation, the length of the middle section is approximately 3 cm and forms the angle  730  of between approximately 130 and 150 degrees with the handle section, more particularly between approximately 137 and 143 degree, and even more particularly approximately 140 degrees. The distal section  725  extends from the middle section and is in an almost parallel plane to the handle section and forms the angle  735  of between approximately 110 and 130 degrees with the middle section, more particularly between approximately 115 and 125 degrees, and even more particularly approximately 120 degrees. 
     In one implementation, the distal section expands to a width  740  of approximately 3.5 cm and a length  745  of approximately 10 cm. In another implementation the distal section has a width  740  of approximately 5.5 cm and a length  745  of approximately 12 cm. Although these dimensions are provided for two implementations, other dimensions are contemplated, such as a width of between approximately 2 cm and 7 cm and a length of between approximately 5 and 15 cm. In general, these dimensions can be varied according to artist preference. 
     The combination of the angles  730  and  735  between the middle section and the handle and distal sections, and the length of the middle section, offsets the plane containing the handle from the distal section. This offset allows the painter to use the tool on a painting surface with a significantly reduced likelihood of the painter&#39;s hands, knuckles, or fingers contacting the painting surface. 
     The distal section  725  of the blade has an angled corner  750  and a tip  755 . The angled corner  750  has an angle  760  and the tip has an angle  765 . For example, in one implementation the corner  750  can have an angle  760  in the range of between 125 and 145 degrees, more particularly between approximately 130 and 140 degrees, and most particularly approximately 135 degrees. The corner  755  can have an angle  765  in the range of between 85 and 95 degrees, more particularly between approximately 87 and 93 degrees, and most particularly approximately 90 degrees. In another implementation the corner  750  can have an angle  760  in the range of between 105 and 125 degrees, more particularly between approximately 110 and 120 degrees, and most particularly approximately 115 degrees. The corner  755  can have an angle  765  in the range of between 90 and 100 degrees, more particularly between approximately 92 and 98 degrees, and most particularly approximately 95 degrees. 
     The angled corner  750  is used when making strokes on a painting surface and advantageously provides a sharp transition between the paint being manipulated and the adjacent paint. Variations in the angles  760  and  765  of the corners and tip, respectively, will result in a change in a first length  770 , a second length  775 , and the width  740 . 
     The distal section  725  can also be varied by the side and distal edge configurations. For example,  FIGS. 13 and 14  illustrate the side edges and distal edges each being straight. In other implementations one or both of the distal edges can be serrated, notched, or otherwise fabricated to have different configurations that give an effect when scraping or spreading paint. In particular, a serrated edge is particularly useful in spreading acrylic paints. Similarly, one or more of the side edges can have a serrated edge along a portion of its length, or the entire length. If one or both of the distal edges and one or more of the side edges are serrated, or otherwise fabricated to have a straight edge or different configuration, an artist advantageously can use one tool to create different effects on the painting surface without needing to switch tools. If each different edge has a different configuration, then the artist has more versatility in painting techniques with using only one tool. 
     Modifications of the multi-angled trowel painting tool  700  are contemplated. For example, referring to  FIGS. 15 and 16 , a scythe-shaped trowel painting tool  800  is similar to the multi-angled trowel painting tool  700  except for two changes: the blade is within a single plane and one straight edge of the tool  700  is replaced by a curved, scythe-like edge  805 . A length  810  of the blade can vary from approximately 10 cm to 16 cm, more particularly approximately 13 to 14 cm, and even more particularly 13.5 cm. A width  815  of the blade can vary from approximately 3 cm to 6 cm, more particularly 4 cm to 5 cm, and even more particularly 4.5 cm. This tool offers the advantages that the artist is able to use all sides of the blade to create different lines and marks and each side has a varying length. As a consequence of these design factors, the tool is essentially three knives in one. It should be noted that the modifications described above with respect to tool  700  are equally applicable to the scythe-shaped trowel painting tool. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 17 and 18 , in another modification of the multi-angled trowel painting tool  700 , a multi-angled, rounded tip trowel painting tool  830  differs from the tool  700  by the tip  835 . Rather than having an angled, sharp tip, the tip  835  is rounded with a radius  840 . The radius can vary between 1 and 2 cm, more particularly 1.3 to 1.7 cm, and even more particularly 1.5 cm. A length  845  of the blade can vary from approximately 15 cm to 20 cm, more particularly approximately 17 to 18 cm, and even more particularly 17.5 cm. A width  850  of the blade can vary from approximately 2.5 cm to 4.5 cm and more particularly 3.5 cm. This tool offers the advantages that the blade gives a lot of flexibility to an artist to use the knife to carry paint, spread paint, and make creative marks with the blade. It again should be noted that the modifications described above with respect to tool  700  are equally applicable to the multi-angled, rounded tip trowel painting tool  830 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 19 and 20 , an oval, sharp-tipped trowel painting tool  900  is illustrated. The tool  900  includes a handle  905  and a blade  910  having a handle section  915 , a middle section  920 , and a distal section  925 . The handle section  915  extends into the handle  905  approximately half the length of the handle. The middle section  920  of the blade is at an angle  930  to the handle section  915  and the distal section  925  is at an angle  935  to middle section  920 . In one implementation, the length of the middle section is approximately 3 cm and forms the angle  930  of between approximately 130 and 150 degrees with the handle section, more particularly between approximately 137 and 143 degrees, and even more particularly approximately 140 degrees. The distal section  925  extends from the middle section and is in an almost parallel plane to the handle section and forms the angle  935  of between approximately 110 and 130 degrees with the middle section, more particularly between approximately 115 and 125 degrees, and even more particularly approximately 120 degrees. 
     In one implementation, the distal section has a width of approximately 6.5 cm and a length of approximately 12 cm. In other implementations, the distal section has a width that varies between approximately 4 cm and 9 cm and a length that varies between approximately 10 cm and 14 cm, depending upon artist preference and need. 
     The combination of the angles  930  and  935  between the middle section and the handle and distal sections, and the length of the middle section, offsets the plane containing the handle from the distal section. This offset allows the painter to use the tool on a painting surface with a significantly reduced likelihood of the painter&#39;s hands, knuckles, or fingers contacting the painting surface. 
     The distal section  925  of the blade has two sides  940  that form an oval shape and meet to form a sharp, pointed tip  945 . The distal section  925  can be varied by side edge configurations. For example,  FIGS. 19 and 20  illustrate the side edges each being straight. In other implementations the side edge can be serrated, notched, or otherwise fabricated to have different configurations that give an effect when scraping or spreading paint. In particular, a serrated edge is particularly useful in spreading acrylic paints. Similarly, one or both of the side edges can have a serrated edge along a portion of its length, or the entire length. If the one of the side edges are serrated, or otherwise fabricated to have a straight edge or different configuration, an artist advantageously can use one tool to create different effects on the painting surface without needing to switch tools. In addition, as a result of the flexible blade, the tool has the ability to pick up a relatively enhanced quantity of paint and spread it over a large amount of surface area. 
     While several particular forms of the invention have been illustrated and described, it will be apparent that various modifications and combinations of the invention detailed in the text and drawings can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, references to materials of construction, methods of construction, specific dimensions, shapes, utilities or applications are also not intended to be limiting in any manner and other materials and dimensions could be substituted and remain within the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is not intended that the invention be limited, except as by the appended claims.