Traditional Painting Habits in Rebelle - Part 2

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 06:27:54 +0200

Muddy colors and flat results are a common frustration in digital painting, even with powerful tools at hand. The key difference often lies in one essential concept: mixing paint directly on the canvas. In this second part of the tutorial series, Featured Artist Ludovico Clovis shows how to apply traditional color-mixing techniques in Rebelle to achieve richer, more natural results.


Watch on YouTube: youtu.be/vOEuEUI6mB8

Revisit part 1 of this series on our blog or YouTube channel.

 

Color Mixing on Canvas

In traditional painting, especially with oils, colors rarely exist in isolation. They blend, bleed, and interact in ways that create depth and visual interest. Translating that into digital work requires a shift in approach. Instead of carefully mixing the perfect color beforehand and placing it down, mixing on the canvas encourages you to let colors interact after they’ve been applied. This can mean blending, smudging, or layering paint in a way that mimics real-world behavior. This approach introduces a level of unpredictability, and that’s exactly what makes it powerful. When you stop trying to control every outcome, your work begins to feel more organic and expressive.

 

"Instead of placing final colors immediately, you build your painting gradually. Colors blend into one another naturally, creating soft transitions that feel painterly rather than digital."

 


Wet on Wet Approach

The soft transitions that emerge from blending directly on the canvas closely resemble traditional techniques like wet-on-wet painting, where artists build form and color simultaneously. It also opens the door to textures and marks that are nearly impossible to replicate with clean, isolated brush strokes.

However, this freedom comes with a challenge. Without a solid understanding of color behavior, it’s easy to fall into the trap of muddy colors. This is where color theory becomes essential. At its core, painting is a balance of contrasts, light against dark, warm against cool. These contrasts guide the viewer’s eye and define the focal point of an image. When colors are mixed carelessly, especially those opposite each other on the color wheel, they tend to neutralize into browns or grays. While these tones have their place, uncontrolled mixing can quickly dull an entire painting.
Color mixing on canvas from dark to light. Unblended on top, blended on the bottom

 

A more intentional approach involves staying closer on the color wheel when blending. Subtle shifts in temperature, like pushing a blue slightly toward purple instead of orange, help maintain vibrancy while still introducing variation. Interestingly, those “muddy” tones can actually become an asset when used deliberately. They are often found in skin tones, shadows, and less important areas of a composition, where they create a visual contrast that allows more saturated colors to stand out.

The technique itself begins with a mindset shift. Instead of placing final colors immediately, you build your painting gradually. A wet-on-wet approach allows you to lay down darks and lights early, then refine them as they interact. Colors blend into one another naturally, creating soft transitions that feel painterly rather than digital. This method encourages thinking in terms of relationships rather than isolated values.
Wet on wet approach: unblended color shifts on the left, blended on the right

 

"By working carefully between transitions, you can blend colors while preserving their identity. Using large brushes for movement and atmosphere, and smaller ones for precision and structure."

 

Blending and Smudging

Blending plays a central role, but it requires control. Using a large brush can create beautiful, sweeping transitions and help push areas into the background. It’s particularly effective for simplifying forms or reducing detail in less important parts of the image. At the same time, it can easily destroy the structure if overused. When too many colors are mixed with a broad stroke, both value and hue begin to collapse, resulting in that familiar muddy look.

A smaller brush offers a different kind of control. By working carefully between transitions, you can blend colors while preserving their identity. This helps maintain the underlying form and ensures that your painting retains depth and clarity. The key is knowing when to switch between these approaches. Using large brushes for movement and atmosphere, and smaller ones for precision and structure.
Color blending with a big brush (on the left) vs. a small brush (on the right)

 

"Brushes often carry traces of previous colors, and those subtle remnants create unexpected and beautiful variations in each stroke. These streaks and shifts add richness and complexity."

 

Dirty Brush

One of the most effective techniques for achieving natural variation is the use of a dirty brush. In traditional painting, brushes often carry traces of previous colors, and those subtle remnants create unexpected and beautiful variations in each stroke. Rebelle can replicate this with a dirty brush option for Oils & Acrylics. As you paint, colors from the canvas mix into your brush, producing streaks and shifts that add richness and complexity. Bristle brushes can have a color noise, which adds color variations to each bristle or stroke. These effects not only enhance realism but also make each brushstroke feel more alive.

 

Apply This to Your Painting Process

A strong workflow supports all of these techniques. Starting with a limited color palette helps maintain harmony across the painting. Many artists find it useful to mix a dominant color into every mixture, creating a subtle unity that ties the entire image together. Building a range of color variations rather than relying on a single tone allows for more nuanced transitions as you work.

As the painting develops, it helps to think of the process as sculpting rather than drawing. You begin with midtones, gradually introducing darker shadows and lighter highlights. With each step, you refine the form, often using smaller brushes as details become more important. This gradual build-up mirrors traditional methods and reinforces a sense of depth.

Edge control becomes another powerful tool. Soft, blended edges tend to recede into the background, while sharp, defined edges draw attention. By carefully choosing where to blend and where to preserve crisp strokes, you can guide the viewer’s focus without relying solely on color or value. A face, for example, might feature sharper edges and clearer transitions, while surrounding elements dissolve softly into the background.

One of the advantages of mixing on the canvas is the ability to correct mistakes fluidly. A highlight that feels too strong can be blended back into the surrounding tones without leaving a harsh boundary. This flexibility encourages experimentation. You can push areas too far, then pull them back, often discovering new textures and effects in the process.

Texture itself becomes an important part of the visual language. Scraping, erasing into paint, or introducing irregular marks can break up overly smooth areas and add character. These elements often bring more interest than perfectly rendered details, especially in areas that aren’t meant to be the focal point.

Ultimately, mixing on the canvas transforms digital painting into something more dynamic and engaging. It bridges the gap between digital precision and traditional expressiveness, allowing artists to embrace both control and spontaneity. The process becomes less about placing perfect colors and more about responding to what’s already on the canvas.

There is no need to fear mistakes in this approach. In fact, the willingness to blend, repaint, and experiment is what leads to the most compelling results. Over time, this method not only improves technical skill but also develops a more intuitive understanding of color, form, and composition.

The more you lean into this process, the more your digital paintings will begin to feel like real paint, rich, textured, and full of life.

 

Happy Painting, 
Escape Motions Team

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Ludovico Clovis is a digital and traditional figure painter. His style is influenced by the visible brushwork and color usage of the impressionist painters, mixed with different abstract techniques. When he isn’t working digitally, he is using oils, acrylics, watercolor, and charcoal.
See his portfolio: www.escapemotions.com/featured-artists/ludovico-clovis



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Join Spring Draw This in Your Style Challenge - Vol. 3

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 10:55:53 +0200

Our third annual Spring Draw This in Your Style challenge is here, and it is time to celebrate creativity in full bloom. Five vibrant spring-inspired prompts are ready to be transformed into your own unique style. On top of the fun and inspiration, you will also have the chance to win fantastic prizes from Huion and Escape Motions.

Entry Period: April 15 – May 15, 2026

Entries are accepted via Instagram by tagging @escapemotions by May 15, 2026, 11:59 PM Pacific Time. Winners will be announced by the end of May.


Choose a Prompt to Recreate

We have teamed up with five artists who prepared spring-themed prompts in Rebelle for you to recreate in your style. Open any painting software and interpret at least one of the following prompts to get a chance to win creative prizes.

 

Ladybee by Antonella Fant

When Antonella thinks of spring, ideas always begin with flowers and a cute little girl. Her style reflects sweetness and gentle emotions inspired by her inner child. This little girl naturally came to life as a friend of bees. Antonella truly enjoyed capturing the softness of the characters through different brushes and textures, experimenting with various paper effects, and playing with pastel colors! We hope this inspires you as well.

Visit portfolio on Instagram: @antofant

 

Spring: Last Snow by Pluvium Grandis

Those who live in the mountain areas are quite familiar with this view. Even though the valleys are already green, the tops of the mountains still have some snow that is yet to melt. Pluvium describes it as perfect weather,  it is not too cold to go outside, and the part of spring when the sun doesn't hurt yet. Draw a scene showing the remnants of snow from winter. Adding original characters in the scene is optional, but Pluvium included theirs. Visit portfolio on Instagram: @pluviumgrandis

 

Flowers & Fairies by Sky

When we asked about what inspired this illustration, Sky said: "The day I opened Rebelle to get familiar with it and use the brushes, I got a wave of nostalgia from books I used to read as a kid, in particular one about fairies. I knew I wanted to add things I love, but my main goal with this challenge is that people can add their own interests and create their own fairies or add their own favorite flower and insects to it!"
Visit portfolio on Instagram: @skyloftwing

 

Renewal by Reg

Reg thinks of spring as a renewal, where the flowers bloom, and colors return after a cold, grey spell. She went with bright hues and a floral theme with that in mind. The subject just relishes a warmer breeze, cradling a small bouquet to capture the change.
Visit portfolio on Instagram: @iamregressing

 

Watercolor Ladybug by Thomas Chamberlain-Keen

An early sign of spring for Thomas is seeing ladybirds start to inexplicably find their way into his bedroom, long before it's warm enough to open the windows. Their carapace has such a gorgeous colour and shine, it feels like high-end automotive paint. This inspired Thomas that they needed to be washed in the same way. He grew up in Devon, where there are countless tales of the wild fairies and pixies that protect the natural landscape, so the idea was born.

Visit portfolio on Instagram: @thomaschamberlainkeen

 

Grand Prizes

Out of all entries, Escape Motions will choose three winners who will receive:

1st Grand Prize:

Huion Kamvas Pro 16 V2 worth $399 and Rebelle 8 Pro painting software worth $149.99.

 

2nd Grand Prize:

Huion Kamvas 13 (Gen 3) worth $249 and Rebelle 8 Pro painting software worth $149.99.

 

3rd Grand Prize:
Huion Inspiroy Frego M worth $99.99 and Rebelle 8 Pro painting software worth $149.99.

 

5x Prompt Prizes

Each of the five prompt-creating artists will choose one winner following their prompt, who will receive Rebelle 8 Pro painting software license with 1-year free updates, worth $149.99.

Rebelle 8 Pro can be substituted with an equivalent Escape Motions shop credit.
Huion prizes can be shipped worldwide, except for war-torn areas. Huion will cover the shipping cost for prizes, and the winner may need to bear the customs fee, depending on their location.

We thank Huion for continued sponsorship of this challenge. As an innovator in digital ink technology, Huion creates high-performance, affordable tools like pen tablets and displays to support artists and creators. Their devices have proven to be a great fit for art students, freelancers, and hobbyist artists.

 

How to Join the Challenge

Choose one of the prompts above and draw it in your style. You can redraw various or all prompts and enter the challenge with multiple entries.

Only entries posted on Instagram with proper tagging will be considered for winning in this challenge. Besides Instagram, we encourage you to share your art in our Community Gallery and on other social media as well.

General Rules of the Challenge

- Recreate one of the five prompts in your style and post your artwork on Instagram using these hashtags: #dtiys #escapemotions 

- Tag the original artist and @escapemotions in the picture. If you tag our account only in the post description, we might not see your entry.

- Include the original prompt artwork in the post in the second position.

- Entries finished in any digital painting software will be accepted. If you decide to use Rebelle, you can use the Free Trial or the Full version.

- The use of AI art generation is not allowed in any way. Please keep in mind that we may request process images or time-lapse recordings of the painting process when evaluating your artwork.

- Entries are accepted by May 15, 2026, 11:59 PM Pacific Time. Winners will be announced by May 31, 2026, via Escape Motions blog and social media.

 

Pick up your stylus and start redrawing your favorite prompt. It is time to let your art bloom. In case of any questions about the challenge, do not hesitate to reach out to us via Instagram direct message or email at [email protected].


Happy Painting,
Escape Motions Team

 



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Interview with Artist: Aaron Rutten

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 11:29:46 +0200

With over 20 years of experience and a global audience of more than 200,000 YouTube subscribers, Aaron Rutten has become a trusted voice in digital art education. In this interview, he reflects on his journey as a content creator, the challenges of building a sustainable art career, and the evolving role of technology, including his perspective on AI and the value of human-made art, while sharing what continues to drive his passion for helping digital art thrive.

Aaron Rutten is an influential American visual artist and educator whose 20-year career has made a significant mark on the digital art landscape. He commands a substantial YouTube audience of over 200,000 subscribers worldwide, establishing him as a trusted global resource for digital artists of all levels.

Celebrated for the exceptional quality of his educational content, Aaron provides in-depth tutorials, comprehensive courses, and premium digital brushes that enhance the creative process for countless users. His profound expertise covers sophisticated digital illustration techniques, effective art education methodologies, and thorough product reviews for hardware and software.

Aaron’s technical skill has led to collaborations with major technology and art hardware brands, including Wacom, Microsoft, and Dell. Beyond his instructional and collaborative work, Aaron possesses an exceptional mastery of numerous industry-leading art applications. His proficiency spans popular programs like Rebelle, Krita, and Procreate.

 

Aaron, you’re a full-time artist and educator with a YouTube community of over 200,000 subscribers. What first inspired you to start your channel, and how has your approach to content creation evolved over the years? What continues to motivate and excite you today?

When I first began my journey learning how to create digital art, I started with free online tutorials. Unfortunately, detailed tutorials were scarce at that time, and it was difficult to find anything useful. As I struggled to learn on my own, this challenge led me to develop my own unique techniques. As I began to have success, it became clear that there would be a lot of value in sharing my methods with the digital art community.

During this time, I watched a lot of Bob Ross. The public television format inspired me to try teaching similarly on YouTube. It also supplemented my translation of traditional painting techniques and brushes into digital ones. (Although now that I’ve gained an appreciation for Bill Alexander and experienced the shameless commercialization of Bob Ross, I have become a bit disillusioned with the show. But I digress.)

Not long after my introduction to YouTube, I was starting to gain a significant following. But my feeling of success was suddenly upended when my roommate moved out, and I was left to figure out how to afford rent on my own. It immediately became apparent that I could create content for a living.

Watch on YouTube: youtube.com/watch?v=6vJhuAka-BY

 

I took the risk and put more of my time and energy into selling courses and memberships, and I steadily accepted that people appreciate what I do enough to support my creations financially. Artistically, my focus shifted from self-indulgence to creating content that other artists can benefit from.

Perhaps to the detriment of my creativity, I ended up focusing more on subjects with a broader appeal, like landscapes and still-life, rather than the edgy surrealism that dominated my portfolio in my earlier years. (It’s just easier to teach an audience how to paint an apple than a chocolate bunny melting on the surface of the sun.)

I am always excited about digital art because the tools are constantly evolving. Every year or so, I can count on new brush properties and new techniques to experiment with. I love exploring new tools and often find myself figuring out brand new ways to push the software—in many cases, creating first-of-its-kind brushes or techniques. I know this frequency of change can be intimidating for a lot of artists, but I enjoy being on the pioneering edge of digital art. Frankly, it’s hard to do anything new with traditional media and it’s a much more crowded space anyway.

Ultimately, my motivation comes from the feeling that I don’t just want to make digital art, I want to help it thrive as a medium.

But I am also motivated by survival. As I am sure many artists can attest to, the last several years have been very unpredictable in terms of running a business. I’ve learned through experience that being an artist is not a good job if you like a stable income. To earn a living as an artist, you are forced to spend a significant amount of time on non-art-related tasks, and the demands are constantly shifting. What works one year, might not the next. My determination to overcome these challenges is what’s pushing me forward.

Mummy (2024). A painting created for an annual Halloween theme on Aaron's YouTube channel. Made in Rebelle 7 with custom brushes.

 

"Artist’s block is not an option for me. Although I might not always be creating subject matter that makes me feel deep and artsy, I always feel productive."


Your content ranges from digital art tutorials to software and hardware reviews and product comparisons. As your studio fills with tools and tech, do you have a favorite, something that earns a permanent place on your desk or screen and feels essential to your creative process? 

Although I will probably perish under an avalanche of Wacom boxes, I have been fortunate enough to be among the first to try the latest and greatest digital art tech. It feels great to share feedback that shapes the tools I use, and I enjoy helping other artists discover drawing tablets. Having tried so many hardware and software options, I have learned a couple of things:

First, new isn’t always better. I have been clinging to this Wacom Cintiq 27 QHD, which is probably considered ancient by now, but I love it. It’s the perfect size, it has a big bezel to rest your hand on, and most importantly, it’s silent.

My second takeaway is the risk of becoming overly reliant on one piece of technology. If that specific hardware or software loses support, it can jeopardize your ability to use it for a hobby or, more critically, for generating income. Having learned this lesson the hard way, I have since made it a priority to become proficient with a wide range of art applications.

As far as my personal software preference, I gravitate toward Rebelle because it is cutting-edge, it has a powerful set of features, and it satisfies the aesthetic of traditional painting. It feels the most comfortable to me out of all the options.

Aaron's studio (2026) 

 

"People are already using technology to segregate AI-art from human-made art, so I believe AI-artists will be mostly competing with each other. Regardless of how you feel about AI-art, it has put us into a category of Human Artists: we need to lean into that and use it as an advantage, not a disability."

 

Beyond your main YouTube channel, you’ve created additional channels focused on beginner-friendly tutorials for different art software, along with in-depth courses and masterclasses on your website. From your experience, what are the most important skills or mindset shifts artists need when moving from traditional to digital painting, or when switching between different digital tools? 

The most important mindset shift is to be open-minded. There are a lot of traditional artists who use excuses like, “I don’t like digital art because I can’t touch the paint with my hand and smear it around.” While at the same time, digital artists avoid traditional painting because they are afraid they’ll smear the paint by accident and ruin their painting. You have to leave the excuses behind and just try something new, even if it is uncomfortable. Art is meant to be uncomfortable sometimes, otherwise you aren’t challenging yourself.

I promise you that if you branch out and learn more than one art application, you will discover that there are a lot of similarities, and the skills you’ve learned can be applied to any art software. The same goes for traditional art and digital art skills being interchangeable. I’ve done my fair share of traditional art, and it has given me insight into making better digital art. The digital art experience makes me a better traditional artist because it’s all art. If you can do one or the other, you can do both.

My Rebelle courses aim to bridge the gap between digital and traditional by combining traditional techniques with digital tools. I teach not only about Layer Masks and Blend Modes, but also about composition, sketching, color and contrast.

Rebelle excels at making digital art feel traditional, so it’s one of the most intuitive applications to learn for artists with traditional experience. Whether you are coming to Rebelle from another app or starting fresh, my course leads you through the software naturally while helping you learn the basics of digital art.

Watch on YouTube: youtube.com/watch?v=yTmu4WeD6xk

 

Creating tutorials takes a huge amount of time and energy. Do you still make space for personal art projects? If so, how do you approach visual storytelling in your own work?

It might not seem like a lot of effort when it gets distilled down to a 10-minute video, but you’re right. I dedicate full workdays to this stuff. Unfortunately, that doesn’t really leave me with much time for personal art. In fact, I think that’s been something that has been difficult for me since I do miss creating art that is self-indulgent.

Since content creation is my full-time job, I am forced to be creative and to have a consistent output. Artist’s block is not an option for me. Although I might not always be creating subject matter that makes me feel deep and artsy, I always feel productive. And that’s what’s important to me, especially since I am relying on my art to make a living.

It’s really an unusual situation creatively because I feel that even if I were to make “personal” art, I would still want to record the process or commercialize it somehow. So, I guess personal art would be art I never make public.

One noteworthy personal piece is a painting I entered into an art contest a few years ago to support a wildlife conservation initiative. I got an honorable mention which was nice considering I was the only digital artist who won a prize. In this painting, the storyline was to represent a local marsh, which activists feel should be restored to a functioning tidal estuary. The options were to paint the marsh as-is, or as it could look restored. I was fascinated with the latter and I knew not many artists would approach it from that angle.


Tidal Estuary (2023). A painting entered into a local art contest and won Honorable Mention. Painted in Rebelle 6 with custom brushes and lots of layers. Upscaled with NanoPixel and printed on a large 16:9 stretched canvas.

 

I usually have at least a rough idea in my mind of what I want to create so I often start there. The rest is just figuring out how to lock it in visually with references and sketches. I went to the marsh and took photos of the landscape and vegetation, studied aerial maps to help me envision how the estuary would look if it were restored, and went to the Ballard Locks to gather references of live salmon as they ascended a fish ladder.

Next, I cobbled my references together in Photoshop to create a mockup. This allowed me to develop the concept gradually. After that, it was just a matter of sketching and painting with custom brushes in Rebelle.

I had a feeling I might be the only digital artist in the contest, so to avoid anyone downplaying my work as AI-generated, I made sure to fully document my process. I was proud to impress the judges who saw the actual effort that went into drawing every individual blade of grass.

I ended up spending all of my prize money (and then some) having the work printed so that it could be placed on exhibition in a local café along with the other prize winners.

Although there were commercial elements to it, I consider this to be personal art because I was passionate about the cause it was supporting. It also symbolizes my triumph over prejudice against digital artists.

The painting is hanging on the wall in my office, and it brings me joy to look at.

 

Which artists or content creators have inspired you along the way, whether creatively, technically, or through the way they share their work with others?

I am a big fan of Salvador Dalí. When I was heavily into surrealism, I got a lot of my inspiration from his work. I appreciated Dali’s ability to paint realistically while bending reality in a way that provokes thought through a hidden context. I used to love when people would spend time figuring out the meaning of my work, but now I endeavor to make everything obvious. Artists can be fickle that way. I fancy the idea of giving up laboring over impressive still-life to retire in abstracts.

I have been fortunate to work with a lot of very interesting creative people, some of them quite famous artists. Having those folks believe in me and look to me as a learning resource has done a lot to build my confidence. I have a special place in my heart for the work of Gary Larson, who has taught me that you can be famous and still be humble.

I must also give credit to my fellow YouTube creators who have shown me that you can be successful just by being yourself and doing what you love. James Gurney and Aaron Blaise are some veteran artists who have inspired me along the way.

Rebelle 7 Apple (2024). A juicy red apple painted with custom brushes in Rebelle. The .reb version is overlaid with Metallics, so the apple reflection changes as you pan the canvas. 

 

"The feedback I get is 99% positive and 1% negative, but man, does that 1% bother me sometimes. I don’t think there’s any escaping that, though I wish it weren’t the case."

 

As an artist who thrives on the cutting edge of digital art technology, are there any interesting projects you’ve worked on that you’d like to share?

My expertise in all things digital art recently brought about an extraordinary opportunity. I was asked to create brushes and other assets that were used in a light show for Pink Floyd’s David Gilmour during his 2024 ‘Luck and Strange’ tour. I was able to help create something new in the digital art field and experience some of the heights of what digital artists can accomplish.

Watch on YouTube: youtube.com/watch?v=nYoaZ0IX1S4

 

At a time when it was feeling like my bubble had burst, this experience opened my eyes to my true potential. I know this wasn’t an opportunity I could expect every month, but coupled with other remarkable experiences, I feel like my passion for art has taken me places many artists only dream of.

 

Online art communities can be both deeply supportive and, at times, overwhelming. How engaged are you with your comment sections, and how do you protect your creative energy when navigating negativity online?

This question really captures the sentiment well. I go through phases of being highly engaged and then not much at all. I have vacillated between burning down all comments and accepting that negativity is just par for the course. If I’m being honest, the feedback I get is 99% positive and 1% negative, but man, does that 1% bother me sometimes. I don’t think there’s any escaping that, though I wish it weren’t the case.

Over time, it is possible to build immunity to comments. Non-constructive criticism is like a bad smell: The first few words give you a whiff of what’s cooking, and if you’re smart, you’ll delete the comment rather than reading it. I’ve found that engaging with your critics just sucks your energy and leaves you with less for making art, so I have become better at avoiding that.

Currently, I’ve settled on a good middle ground which is to use YouTube’s “Hold All Comments” feature. This allows me to deal with comments that bother me before the public can see them. I find it diffuses my emotions that way.
Half Coconut (2026). 
Made with custom Rebelle 8 bristle brushes. This was created to show off Rebelle’s RealShader and SoftShadows.

 

When you create content for Patreon or your premium courses, how does your relationship with your supporters shape the tone, focus, and heart of what you make?

Patreon is an interesting thing: Either you can’t even make $1, or you are fully committed to making art for money… for life. People who are financially invested in your productivity are a great motivator. I have to make something new every month: there’s no way around it.

If I didn’t have these obligations to make art, I wouldn’t be nearly as prolific. But aside from the obligation, it also feels really inspiring that each of these people spends their hard-earned cash on me because they want to see me thrive. Self-confidence and validation are not always easy to come by in the art world, so having a community of people supporting your art is extraordinary.

It's not one-sided, though. I give a lot to the digital art community. My altruism is why people are motivated to give back. I think that’s what a lot of artists are missing when they feel like memberships aren’t working out for them. My passion for art comes first, and the business aspect is simply what makes it possible for me to keep pursuing it.

Watch on YouTube: youtube.com/watch?v=OFw4jcBjQKs

 

Looking ahead, how do you see the role of digital artists and educators evolving in a fast-changing digital landscape? Are there any shifts you’re making, or considering, in your workflow or creative approach to ensure your voice continues to resonate and stay meaningful?

It’s hard to ignore the role AI is playing in everything. I hear a lot of talk about AI replacing artists, so naturally, it’s something I have to consider. Objectively, based on the fact that people still watch my videos, I can see that human-made art is still highly valued. Though in my heart, I know that it will always be appreciated. Disruptions are a part of life, but I don’t sit around worrying about how something is going to permanently destroy my ability to make art for a living. I’d much rather find solutions and adapt.

There’s no doubt in my mind that some people would opt to generate something rather than hire me to paint it. But I’m also certain that people still want me to draw things by hand. My fans are interested in what I am expressing as an artist. I can provide that same experience consistently because I am a genuine person with a purpose. I have dreams and aspirations. I am not just a machine arbitrarily churning out images.

Digital art has been around for decades and yet there are still far more people who choose to make traditional art. Many of these traditional artists would never touch a Wacom tablet, and many art collectors will never see my work as real art. Digital art is doing a pitiful job of replacing traditional art, and I don’t believe AI-art will replace anything either. I am not threatened by AI-art any more than I am threatened by a crayon.
Oak Mountain (2024). Painted in Rebelle 7 with custom palette knives that can be rotated using the Wacom Art Pen. This was a project for a landscape painting course.

 

People are already using technology to segregate AI-art from human-made art, so I believe AI-artists will be mostly competing with each other. Sure, there will be some crossover, but I think digital artists are already in their own lane, so to speak. Do what you do and do it well. If you’re good at that, you’ll enjoy art more and have more success with it.

Regardless of how you feel about AI-art, it has put us into a category of “Human Artists”: we need to lean into that and use it as an advantage, not a disability. There’s no better time to record your process and share it with others. People are going to become weary of seeing AI everywhere and seek out human experiences. This is actually the best time to be a Human Artist.

In the long-term, I believe that the hype around AI will die down, and it will just be another tool we use to make certain elements of life less mundane. I believe developers who are passionate about art will continue to pursue the most natural medium simulation possible. Digital art software will continue to become more sophisticated as hardware progresses, and we will begin to see more physical tools like bristle brushes and palette knives. I also think 3D printing will allow for more natural digital art prints that have real depth rather than a pseudo-texture. Perhaps the printer will deposit real oil paint.

I don’t see digital art becoming obsolete or irrelevant. I think we’ve barely passed the point of acceptance in mainstream art, and there is still a long way to go.

I am optimistic that my uncanny interest in digital art and my talent for communication will provide for me as long as I exist.

 

Thank you, Aaron, for sharing your thoughts and experience with digital art and content creation around it. May your spark and enthusiasm never waver. Thank you for your service to the digital art community in tutorial preparation, reviews, and sharing of your knowledge. 

Happy Painting, 
Escape Motions Team

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Learn more about Aaron Rutten: Youtube.com/@AaronRutten
Rebelle channel: Youtube.com@AaronRuttenRebelle
Courses from Aaron: aaronrutten.com/rebelle

 

 



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2026
Traditional Painting Habits in Rebelle - Part 2
Join Spring Draw This in Your Style Challenge - Vol. 3
Interview with Artist: Aaron Rutten
Traditional Painting Habits in Rebelle – Part 1
Food Illustration Tips from Gloria Vanessa Nicoli
Rebelle Master Study: Watercolors of Anders Zorn
Interview with Zachary Mojica
Impasto Trends in 2026
Become a Rebelle Featured Artist
Rebelle Art School: Portraits Made Simple
2025
Happy Holidays from Escape Motions
Rebelle Art School: Construction Drawing and Cross Contour
Rebelle 8.2 Is Here Packed With New Creative Tools
Rebelle Art School: A Step-by-Step Guide to Contour Line Drawing
Social-ready Art: Exports, Ratios, and Retouch
20+ Best Gifts for Digital Artists & Creatives in 2025
Haunted Atelier Challenge Winners
New Rebelle Canvases: Where Tradition Meets Experimentation
Interview with Artist: David DeFigueredo
The Making of Rebelle Papers
Haunted Atelier Art Challenge
Rebelle 8: Next-generation Painting Software Released Today
Interview with Artist: Chris Lawton
Rebelle Master Series: The Power of Stylized Chaos Inspired by Ashley Wood
Rebelle Master Series: Embracing Texture and Energy Like Nikolai Fechin
Rebelle Master Series: Mastering Light like Joaquín Sorolla
Join Our Back to School Art Challenge
Interview with Artist: Carla Post
Rebelle 8: Early Access is Here
Updated Licensing: 1-Year Free Updates
Rebelle 8: Further Refinements
Rebelle 8: Color Harmonies, Filter Layer per Layer, RYB Color Wheel and More
Rebelle 8: View at Print Size, Paint Selection, Advanced PSD Export, and More
Rebelle 8: WebSockets, Symmetry Tool, Smooth Scaling, and More
Rebelle 8: Bristle Brushes
Rebelle 8: Realistic Oil Shader with Soft Shadows
10 Years of Rebelle
Exclusive Interview with Developers
Celebrating 10 Years of Rebelle
DTIYS Behind the Scenes: Interview with Lady Moira
Spring DTIYS Challenge 2025: Winners Announced
5 Self-Care Habits for Artists to Follow
Interview with Artist: Thatch Durbin
How to Paint Realistic Hair in Rebelle
New Rebelle Canvases: A Meeting of Legendary Names
Spring Draw This in Your Style Challenge – Vol. 2
Interview with Artists: Moonpix
Tips for Environment Art: Generating Ideas and Sketching Concepts
Rebelle’s Compatibility with Huion Pen Displays
Rebelle Art Surfaces: A Tidy Update for a Better Experience
Finding Balance Between Realism and Abstraction in Art
Interview with Artist: Han Sang-Sun
Rebelle Master Series: Impressionistic Digital Painting Inspired by Claude Monet (2/2)
Whimsical Winterworks Art Challenge: Winners Announced
Rebelle Master Series: Impressionistic Digital Painting Inspired by Edgar Degas (1/2)
Tips to Use Structures in Rebelle
Interview with Artist: Simon Howe
Kickstart Your Creativity with New Year’s Resolutions for Painters
2024
Happy Holidays from
Escape Motions
Whimsical Winterworks
Art Challenge
Welcome to Improved Community Forum
Rebelle 7.2.3: More Intuitive Interface, Yuify Enhancements, and more
Interview with Artist:
S. C. Watson
New Rebelle Art Surfaces Released
Introducing Rebelle Featured Artists 2024
Halloween Tricks for Artists
10 Essential Rebelle Tips for Beginners
Massive SuperSALE: Get Rebelle Painting Software at 90% OFF!
Interview with Artist: Roman Sika
New Rebelle Papers Released: Felt, Archival Color and Washi Mitsumata
Announcing the Winners of the Back to Creativity Art Challenge
Rebelle Master Series: Painting Fantasy Like Frank Frazetta
Rebelle Master Series: Painting Space Like John Harris
Enroll in Exciting Rebelle Art Courses Today
Rediscovering Your Creative Spark: A Guide to Getting Back to Being Creative
Join Our Back to Creativity Art Challenge
Become a New Rebelle Featured Artist
Enhancing Your Digital Paintings with Textures in Rebelle
Interview with Artist: Paul Shipper
Touch of Tradition in New Rebelle Art Papers
Claim Ownership of Your Artwork with Wacom Yuify in Rebelle
Escape Motions Stands by Artists
Dutch Skies Pastel Painting Tutorial by Ad van Bokhoven
DTIYS Behind The Scenes with Artists
Spring DTIYS Style Challenge: Winners Announced
Interview with Artist: Ad van Bokhoven
9 Tips for Outstanding Character Designs
Spring Draw This In Your Style Challenge
Rebelle Master Series: Elegant Style of J.C. Leyendecker
Announcing the Rewarded Videos of Tutorial Challenge Vol. 6
Creating Dimension: A Comprehensive Rebelle Perspective Tutorial
Make Your Colors Pop: Depth and Color Vibrancy Tips
Interview with Artist: Douglas Murakami
Rebelle 7.1.1: Compatibility with Rebelle 6 brushes and more
Join Rebelle Tutorial Challenge and Win $500
A Guide to Color Tracing in Rebelle
Rebelle 7.1: Upgraded Papers, Revised Brushes, and more
Revealing the Winners of the Time-lapse Challenge
Interview with Artist: Lorenza Pigliamosche
In the Footsteps of Gustav Klimt and Art Nouveau Movement
Join Rebelle Time-lapse Challenge
2023
Highlights of 2023: A Year in Review
Papers, Canvases, and Other Art Surfaces Recommended by Featured Artists
Introducing Rebelle 7: The Latest and Greatest in Digital Painting
Rebelle 7 Coming Soon: Authentic Brushes and Advanced Brush Creator
Rebelle 7 Coming Soon: Changes in the UI, Rulers, Paths, Patterns & Gradients
Rebelle 7 Coming Soon: Metallics, Improved Papers, Structures and Filter Layers
Pre-Order Rebelle 7 NOW with 80% OFF
Rebelle 7 is Coming: Pre-Order Kicks Off Soon With 80% OFF
Art Month Challenge: Winners Announced
Interview with Artist: Odessa Sawyer
Windows Touch and Rebelle: Your Ultimate Guide to Shortcuts
Announcing the Rewarded Videos of Tutorial Challenge Vol. 5
Interview with Artist: Yoann Petitbon
October Art Month Challenge – Draw This In Your Style
Interview with Artist: Daniel Ibanez
Win US $500 in a New Video Tutorial Challenge
Our YouTube Channel Reached 10,000 Subscribers! Are You One of Them?
Let The Story Continue with New Typography Full-Color Sets
Introducing Rebelle Motion IO: Empowering Motion Artists with Cutting-Edge Scripting Tools
Our Upcoming Journey to SIGGRAPH 2023
Interview with Artist: Karen Bonaker
Layer Blending Modes and Recreation of Rembrandt's Painting
Spider-Man Fanart Contest: The Best Entries
Rebelle 6.1.8 Released with Enhanced Paint Cursor
From Brush to Big Screen: The Role of Rebelle in Crafting Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
Get a Free Rebelle With Xencelabs Tablet Bundle
New Gesso Art Surfaces for Rebelle Available
Artwork Contest 2023 Winners - Abstract Composition Category
Artwork Contest 2023 Winners - Figurative Composition Category
Artwork Contest 2023 Winners - Landscape Category
Artwork Contest 2023 Winners - Portrait Category
Tips to Create a Perfect Freelance Artist Website
Interview with Artist: Carlos Herrera
Escape Motions Proudly Sponsors Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize 2023
Escape Motions Artwork Contest 2023
Introducing Rebelle Featured Artists 2023
Rebelle 6.1 Update with New Features Released
Rebelle’s Compatibility with Xencelabs Pen Tablets
Rebelle 6 Updates: Features Not to Miss
Interview with Artist: Sandeep Karunakaran
Announcing the Time-lapse Challenge Results
Calling All Creatives to Become Rebelle Featured Artists
Rebelle 6 Updates and Improvements
Not-to-miss Rebelle Paid Courses in 2023
Top 5 YouTube Channels Offering Painting Tutorials in Rebelle
Join Rebelle Time-Lapse Challenge
Announcing the Rewarded Videos of Tutorial Challenge Vol. 4
2022
Happy Holidays from Escape Motions
Video Tutorial Challenge Vol. 4 is Here! Create a Video in Rebelle 6 and Win $500
Rebelle 6 Released: Packed Full of Awesome New Features
Rebelle 6: Layer Masking Tools, Grids & Guides and More
Rebelle 6: Favorite Brushes, Upgraded Brush Creator, New Brush Types & More
Rebelle 6 Coming Soon: Liquify, Warp, Fractal Resize, and More
Escape Motions proudly sponsors the World Illustration Awards 2023
Interview with Artist: Patty Edge
Rebelle 5.1.5 Update Released
Introducing Rebelle 5 Personal
Halloween Artwork Contest Vol. II: The Winners
10 Years of Escape Motions: OFFER EXTENDED
Halloween Artwork Contest Vol. II: Time to Get Spooky
Practical Color Management for Better Prints
Interview with Artist: Jeraasak Jumpataed
Unique Wood Veneer Papers for Rebelle Released
How to Paint a Fantasy Character - Part IV. Final Refinement
How to Paint a Fantasy Character - Part III. Composition and Details
How to Paint a Fantasy Character - Part II. Underpainting and Color Choices
How to Paint a Fantasy Character - Part I. Preparing Canvas and Initial Sketch
How to Use Traditional Watercolor Techniques in Digital Painting
Interview with Artist: Daniele Fabbri
New Rebelle 5.1.3 Update Available
Prepare for Perfect Prints with NanoPixel Technology
Announcing the Rewarded Videos of Tutorial Challenge Vol. 3
Brand New Color Dust Papers for Rebelle Released
How to Create a Vibrant Color Palette Using Reference Images
Interview with Artist: Kuzayova
Artist Coralie Morand Testing Rebelle 5 Pro on iskn Repaper Tablet
Painting Workshop: Create Unique Mixed Media Landscapes in Rebelle 5 - Part II.
Painting Workshop: Create Unique Mixed Media Landscapes in Rebelle 5 - Part I.
Tips to Create a Perfect Landscape Painting
Video Tutorial Challenge Vol. 3 is Here! We Can't Wait to See Your Videos
Announcing the Winners of Speed Painting Challenge Vol. 2
50+ Art Hashtags To Use on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook
Announcing the Winners of Video Tutorial Challenge Vol. 2
New Speed Paint Challenge is Here! Join Now
Brush Comparison in Rebelle 5 - Tips by Kuzayova
Announcing the Winners of the Speed Painting Challenge
Video Tutorial Challenge Vol.2 is Here! Join Now and Get Rewarded
Interview with Artist: Gretchen Deahl
Announcing the Winners of Painting Video Tutorials Challenge
New Full-Color Papers and Canvases for Rebelle 5
Create a Speed Painting Video in Rebelle 5 and Get Rewarded
Interview with Artist: Connie Karleta Sales
Create Painting Video Tutorials and Get Rewarded
Rebelle 5.0.8 Released & Features Not to Miss
14 Color Trends You'll Want to Incorporate in Your Illustrations
We Will Donate 10% of the Sales to Support Ukraine
10 Social Networks for Artists to Explore in 2022
Rebelle 5.0.6 Update Released
Interview with Artist: Steve Goad
New Type of Full-Color Papers and Canvases for Rebelle 5
2021
Happy Holidays from Escape Motions
Rebelle 5 Released Today: A Whole New Level of Painting Experience
Rebelle 5: The Rollout of More New Features
Rebelle 5: Photoshop Plugin, Time-lapse Recording and More
Rebelle 5: Powerful New Features
Rebelle 5 NanoPixel: Export High-Res Canvases Thanks to Machine-Learning
Rebelle 5: Meet the New Color Pigments
Flame Painter Core Skills Series: Part 4
Flame Painter Core Skills Series: Part 3
Flame Painter Core Skills Series: Part 2
Flame Painter Core Skills Series: Part 1
Meet New Rebelle Featured Artists
9 October Art Challenges You Should Not Miss
How to Trace Colors in Rebelle
Interview with Artist: Aron Visuals
Become a Rebelle Featured Artist
12 Inspiring YouTube Art Channels
Interview with Artist: Georg Ireland
5 Tips for Perfect Oil Painting in Rebelle
Rebelle 4: Essential Shortcuts You Need to Know
Interview with Artist: Agostino De Marco
A Brief History of Oil Painting
New Rough and Cold Pressed Rebelle Papers Available
Creation Methodology of Real Watercolors in Rebelle 4.1 - Tips and Tricks
Huge Rebelle 4.1 Update Released
7 Best Services to Sell Art Online
Announcing the Winners of 2021 Artwork Contest
Touch the Master Challenge: The Winner Announced
Color Palettes from Movies
Escape Motions Artwork Contest 2021
Interview with Artist: Scott Uminga
Rebelle 4 Customization
How to Touch Vincent van Gogh with Oils in Rebelle 4
Interview with Bryan Sánchez M.
Rebelle 4 Updates and Improvements
2020
Holiday Wishes from Escape Motions
Rebelle 4.0.1 Update
Rebelle 4 Released Today
Rebelle 4: Color Management, Layer Groups and More
Rebelle 4: New Brushes & Brush Creator
Rebelle 4: New Watercolors & Crucial Optimizations
Rebelle 4: Experience the most realistic digital software for oils, acrylics and watercolors
Interview with Hidehisa Miyagawa
Halloween Artwork Contest: The Winners
Route To Digital Stone
Halloween Artwork Contest: Time to Get Spooky
Platinum Messenger from Hermes Creative Awards
Rebelle 3.2.5 Update Released
Interview with artist: David K. Manuel
Watercolour World Documents How Climate Change is Devastating our Planet
Interview with artist: Zoltan Korcsok
3 New Additions to our Paper Sets for Rebelle are Out!
Summer Flame Painter 4.1.5 Update Released
Frottage - Touch With The Subconscious
Interview with artist: Simon Lovell
Amberlight 2.1.5 and Inspirit 1.1.5 Updates with Community Account Registration
TOP 10 Inspirational Magazines for Artists
Rebelle 3.2.1 Update Released
Rebelle and Paul Klee – Journey of finding the hidden
Tips for Selling Your Art Online
Nature Elements Brushes in Flame Painter 4 and How to Use Them
10 watercolor artists to follow on Instagram in 2020
2019
Very Merry Christmas and Cheers to a Happy 2020!
Thanksgiving Artwork Contest: The Winners
Rebelle 3.1.8 Update is Out
Artwork Contest: What Are You Thankful For?
Amazing 5 Paper Sets for Rebelle Have Been Released!
3 Types of Flame Painter 4’s Multi-brushes That Will Speed Up Your Workflow
Download Free Flame Painter Backgrounds
Flame Painter 4.1 Update Released
Color Palettes of the Fortune 500, You Never Thought Of
10 Amazing Features of Flame Painter 4 You May Not Know About
New Papers for Rebelle 3 Available
Meet Flame Painter 4 - a new generation of digital art
Flame Painter 4: New Key Features
Flame Painter 4: Introducing New Particle Systems
10 Years of Flame Painter
New Color Sets webpage for Your Color Inspiration
Rebelle 3.1.5 Update Is Out
We’re Switching to a New Hosting Provider
New Year’s Resolution: Joining Art Contest in 2019
A Brief History of Watercolor Painting
Interview with artist: Kamila Stankiewicz
Rebelle 3 From Artist’s Perspective: Crazy Game & Rational Creation
2018
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2019!
Announcing the Winners of 2018 Artwork Contest
Interview with artist: Martin Hanschild
Escape Motions Artwork Contest 2018
Flame Painter 3.3 Update Released
Interview with artist: Carlo Molinari
WASHI  - Live paper in Rebelle 3
Rebelle 3.1 Summer Update Is Out
Watch & Learn: Rebelle 3 Tutorials on Youtube
Rebelle 3.0.4 Update Released
Escape Motions launched a new Community center
Rebelle 3 Released Today
Rebelle 3 is Coming: Save the Date
What’s Next for Rebelle 3
Rebelle 3: When Traditional Meets Digital
Win in CGTrader Digital Art Competition, sponsored by Escape Motions
Announcing Rebelle Featured Artists!
Rebelle 2.1 Update Released
Inspirit 1.1 for Desktop Released & Flame Painter for iPhone/iPad Compatible with iOS 11
Become a Rebelle Featured Artist!
Interview with artist: Julija Lubgane
2017
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2018!
Inspirit for Windows and macOS Released
Top reference image websites for your paintings
Escape Motions proudly sponsors CGTrader Awards
Inspirit App Released Today
Inspirit - The new iOS app by Escape Motions is coming this September
Interview with artist: Junkyard Sam
Rebelle 2.0.2 Released
5 Art Competitions to Enter Right Now
Rebelle 2.0.1 Version Is Out
Rebelle 2: The Revolution in Digital Art Continues!
Rebelle 2: New Redesigned Brush Engine!
Further Improvements in the Upcoming Rebelle 2
Time to Get Excited, Folks: Rebelle 2 is Coming!
15 Qualities of Creative People
TOP 10 Social Networks for Artists
Get Rebelle for free together with your Imagine FX subscription!
Rebelle 1.5.5 released today
Interview with artist: Libor Batěk
2016
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Speed paintings in Rebelle we love (and you will too)!
Interview with artist: Khobe
Rebelle 1.5.1 with minor fixes released
Shiny Hermes Statues Arrived
Rebelle 1.5 update is out!
In photos: Our Siggraph 2016 experience
The Rookies Winners Announced!
Escape Motions at SIGGRAPH 2016!
Let’s Have Some Fun with Improved Experiments on our Web
Amberlight 2.1 update
5 days to go to join The Rookies!
The photo creativity bundle unlike any other
Great success at Hermes Creative Awards
Rebelle 1.4.1 update
We are a finalist in the European IT and Software Excellence Awards 2016!
New Rebelle 1.4 update is out!
Escape Motions proudly sponsors The Rookies
Amberlight 2 with Animation Released Today
Amberlight 2: Modifiers
Amberlight 2: Key Features
Amberlight 2 with animation to be released soon
Valentine’s Day Contest: Winners
Enter our Valentine's Day Contest!
Nine Unknown Facts About Greatest Painters Of All Times
7 practical tips for overcoming creative block
2015
Happy Holidays from Escape Motions!
Interview with artist: Michelle Parsley
10 Websites To Help You Spark Your Creativity
Rebelle 1.3 Update
Interview with artist: Oliver Fantasio Wetter
Rebelle 1.1 Update Is Out
Rebelle: Released Today
Rebelle's Development and 0.8.6 Update
Rebelle 0.6.0 Update
Rebelle: Available for Pre-purchase
Discover Rebelle's Tools and Features
Meet Rebelle - The Real Paint Tool
QUIZ TIME!
Escape Motions Unleashed in the Press
New Plug-in for Photoshop CC 2014 Released
Interview with artist: Kris Cooper
2014
Merry Christmas and Prosperous New Year!
Interview with artist: Harvey Bunda
Winners of the Artwork Contest Announced!
Flame Painter 3.2 Update
Escape Motions Artwork Contest
Amberlight 1.2 Update
Flame Painter 3.1 Summer Update
Interview with artist: Devraj Baruah
Flame Painter 3.0.5 Update
Flame Painter 3: Released Today
Flame Painter 3: Details That Matter
Flame Painter 3: Next Big Improvements
Flame Painter 3: The New Era of Painting
Flame Painter 2.5.5 update and something big to come
New manuals and tutorials for Flame Painter 2.5
Interview with artist: Iulia Khestanova
Flame Painter for iPad 1.5 Update
2013
Merry Flamboyant Christmas to You All!
Flame Painter 2.5 Free Update
Amberlight Available From Today!
Amberlight - Good, Better and The Best News!
Amberlight - New Tool For Artists Coming Soon
Flame Painter 2 Video Tutorials
Steampunk by Michael Dashow
Flame Painter for iPhone & iPad v.1.2
Flame Painter for iOS released today!
Interview with artist: Keith Alford
Flame Painter 2.2 Update
Testing Flame Painter for iOS with kids...
Flame Painter for iOS
Flame Painter 2 on Mac App Store
Interview with artist: Daniel Innes
Flame Painter 2.0.5 update
Flame Painter 2.0 on CG channel
Flame Painter 2.0: Born today.
Flame Painter 2.0: Art is beautiful
Flame Painter 2.0: Layers Remastered
Flame Painter 2.0: Personal and Professional Creative Tool
Flame Painter 2.0: Summer Colors and Gradients
Flame Painter 2.0: Revolution Continues
Flame Painter 2.0: Everyone is an Artist
You never know where Flame Painter is
New Escape Motions blog at the world of internet