Inspire your Creativity

Paint-by-numbers has evolved significantly from its humble beginnings. These days, it serves as a calming, artistic hobby that works wonderfully for people of any age or experience level. It also offers genuine benefits for mental health and overall wellbeing. Here's why you should consider trying it yourself or giving a kit to someone you care about. Finding Calm Through Mindful Creation The most appealing aspect of paint-by-numbers is its naturally soothing effect. When you follow the numbered guide, you naturally settle into a steady, thoughtful rhythm that keeps you present and helps you disconnect from everyday worries. Many enthusiasts describe...

Make Gift-Giving Easy This Christmas! Introducing the Art Shed Gift Wish List! We've made gift-giving easy (and totally artist-approved) this year! Shopping for the artist in your life can be tricky. What brushes do they need? Which brand of paint do they prefer? Do they already have seventeen sketchbooks gathering dust? That's why we've created the Art Shed Gift Wish List: a free printable template to make Christmas shopping easier for you and your loved ones. Why We Made This Let's face it, shopping for art supplies can be overwhelming for non-arty folk! This simple list lets you jot down the...

Gamsol Odorless Mineral Spirits allows painters to work with traditional and contemporary techniques without compromising artistic possibilities, permanence or your well-being. Here are some tips for you to try in your studio.

Cool Tool Alert! Our staff recently stumbled across an incredible colour mixing tool that we just had to share with you. Golden Artist Colours has created a free online colour mixer at goldenMXR.com that's genuinely impressive. What Makes It So Good? The standout feature is the ability to upload your own photos and use a dropper tool to select any colour from the image. The site instantly tells you what the colour is in art terms and shows you exactly how to mix it, including the precise ratios you need. Key Features The updated interface now includes both acrylic and...

Calligraphy transforms words into art. This guide covers everything you need to start creating beautiful lettering today. Image: Manuscript Pen Choosing Your Calligraphy Style Traditional calligraphy includes Gothic, Italic, and Copperplate scripts. Modern calligraphy offers more creative freedom and is ideal for beginners. Choose whichever style appeals to you; you can always explore others later. Image: Manuscript Essential Calligraphy Supplies Starting calligraphy is affordable. Here's what you need: Calligraphy pens come in two main types. Brush pens and felt-tip markers are easiest for beginners. Traditional dip pens with nibs offer more precision as you advance and require a pen holder....

Discover the precise techniques for achieving beautiful color gradients with Pilot Mixable ink cartridges using different Parallel Pens.

Art Shed Brisbane is thrilled to announce our first ever Liquitex Challenge; an incredible opportunity for artists of all levels to showcase their talent and win a fantastic prize! What's Up for Grabs? We're giving away a spectacular Liquitex Basics Acrylic Set featuring 6 × 118ml tubes, valued at RRP $79.95. This premium acrylic paint collection is perfect for artists looking to explore new techniques or expand their creative toolkit. How to Enter Participating couldn't be simpler! Here's what you need to do: Create your masterpiece using any Liquitex products Capture the magic by photographing your artwork alongside the Liquitex...

Are you ready to take your Halloween costume to the next level? Discover how you can create a one-of-a-kind mask for your spooky festivities using NEOCOLOR® II water-soluble pastels. With their high pigment concentration and excellent lightfastness, these pastels will bring your Halloween mask to life in vibrant colors. What are NEOCOLOR® II Pastels? NEOCOLOR® II pastels are water-soluble wax pastels that offer a wide range of 84 colors, including 3 metallic shades. Their high pigment concentration ensures bright and opaque colors, perfect for creating eye-catching Halloween masks. The uniform shades of these pastels make it easy to achieve homogenous...

Expert Tips for Maximum Shelf Life As any serious painter knows, quality mediums are essential for achieving professional results. Gamblin's popular painting mediums like Galkyd, Galkyd Lite, and Neo Megilp have become staples in artists' studios across Australia. However, once you break that factory seal, the clock starts ticking on your medium's freshness. Understanding why these mediums change over time can help you preserve them properly and get the most value from your investment. Why Gamblin Mediums Dry Out Gamblin painting mediums are crafted with alkyd resin (a polymerised soybean oil) and Gamsol, their signature mild odourless mineral spirits. The...

The Art of Grey: Understanding Payne's Grey vs Jane's Grey When it comes to grey watercolours, two names often spark debate amongst artists: Payne's Grey and Jane's Grey. While both offer beautiful neutral tones, understanding their unique characteristics can transform your painting approach and help you make informed choices for your palette. What Makes Each Grey Special? The fundamental difference between these two greys lies in their pigment composition, which dramatically affects their behaviour on paper and mixing potential. Payne's Grey: The Traditional Choice Payne's Grey has been a watercolourist's staple for generations. This classic colour traditionally combines blue pigments...

Learn Consistency and Values with Princeton. Ready to unlock the secrets of watercolour painting? Whether you're just picking up your first brush or looking to strengthen your foundational skills, understanding consistency and values is absolutely crucial to your watercolour journey. In this comprehensive beginner-friendly guide, Princeton ambassador Manasi Bhatkande breaks down the essential watercolour principles that will help you build a rock-solid foundation, develop genuine confidence with your paints, and elevate your entire watercolour practice. From mixing the perfect consistency to mastering tonal values, these fundamental techniques will transform how you approach watercolour painting and set you up for success...

Ever wished you could paint freely with watercolours whilst keeping certain areas perfectly white? That's where masking fluid becomes your best mate in the studio. This watercolour superstar is a game-changer for artists who want to achieve those crisp, clean edges without the stress of painting around delicate areas. What Makes Masking Fluid So Special? This clever medium acts like an invisible shield for your watercolour paper. The yellow hue means you can see exactly where you've applied it (no more guessing games!), and quality masking fluids are designed to leave no stains behind. Your artwork will be kept looking...

Discover the Magic of Derwent Inktense: 5 Inspiring Project Starters Ready to dive into the vibrant world of Derwent Inktense? These remarkable paints offer the intensity of watercolour with the unique ability to layer beautifully once dry. Whether you're just starting your artistic journey or looking to expand your techniques, these five project starters will spark your creativity and help you master this versatile medium. Drawing a Goldfish with Metallic Paint Add some serious sparkle to your artwork with this stunning goldfish project led by artist Kerry Bennett. This tutorial combines the brilliant colour saturation of Inktense with the luxurious...

Discover the enchanting world of watercolour portraiture with renowned artist Joanna Barnum as she demonstrates her signature techniques using premium Daniel Smith watercolours. This comprehensive tutorial showcases the creation of "Fae," a captivating portrait that perfectly captures the magic of watercolour painting. The Inspiration Behind "Fae" This beautiful portrait began with a spontaneous moment ; a photo of Joanna's friend Amy, a dancer and professional fairy, captured during an impromptu photo shoot at a festival. Joanna was drawn to Amy's wistful expression and fanciful costuming, which became the perfect inspiration for exploring the ethereal qualities that watercolour can achieve. The...

Ever wondered about the versatility of water mixable oil paints? Join talented artist Katerina Lyutova as she explores the quality and techniques of Cobra Water Mixable Oils through a beautiful sea landscape painting. In this captivating demonstration, Katerina puts Cobra's water mixable oil paints to the test, showcasing their unique properties and how they handle compared to traditional oils. These innovative paints offer the rich, vibrant colours and blendability of conventional oil paints, but with the added convenience of water cleanup ; perfect for artists working in shared spaces or those seeking a more environmentally friendly option. What Makes Cobra...

Faber-Castell Colour 4 Life 2025 is now Open! We're thrilled to share some exciting news with our creative community! The prestigious Colour4Life Competition has expanded for the first time ever, opening its doors to talented artists right here across the Asia Pacific region. This year's inspiring theme, "Colour Your World," invites you to express your unique perspective through art. Whether you paint what you see, feel, or dream your world to be, this competition celebrates the power of creativity to transform and inspire. What's at Stake? The Grand Prize winner will experience the trip of a lifetime; a journey to...

Master Watercolour Magic: Faber-Castell Water Brush Techniques Guide There's something truly magical about watching rough pencil lines transform into flowing watercolour masterpieces; and with Faber-Castell's innovative water brush system, this transformation becomes effortless and accessible to artists of all skill levels. At Art Shed Brisbane, we're passionate about tools that inspire creativity whilst delivering professional results. The Faber-Castell water brush represents the perfect marriage of portability, functionality, and artistic excellence that our customers have come to expect. The Perfect Portable Companion The three-piece water brush design showcases thoughtful engineering at its finest. Its compact proportions make it an ideal travel...

Whether you're just starting your polymer clay journey or you're a seasoned sculptor looking for fresh inspiration, these carefully curated Sculpey tutorials will spark your creativity. From delicate jewellery pieces to functional home decor, each project offers something unique for artists of all skill levels. Liquid Sculpey® Balloon Dog Pendant Designed by Amy Koranek, this charming pendant tutorial demonstrates how to create wearable art with Liquid Sculpey®. The project focuses on proper techniques for attaching findings to molded pieces, making it perfect for those wanting to venture into polymer clay jewellery making. Tutorial Link   Liquid Sculpey® Potted Mini Succulents...

Transform your indoor garden into a whimsical wonderland with this absolutely delightful terra cotta mushroom gnome! This charming little fellow is the perfect guardian for your beloved houseplants, bringing personality and magic to any plant collection. A Charming Plant Guardian There's something wonderfully enchanting about garden gnomes, and this clever little chap combines the earthy appeal of terra cotta with the whimsical nature of mushroom-dwelling garden trolls. Whether nestled amongst your succulents or standing sentinel beside your favourite fern, this gnome adds character and charm to any indoor space. Perfect for Developing Sculpting Skills This project offers an excellent opportunity...

Looking for a delightful craft project that brings the family together? This charming Sculpey spring tic tac toe game is perfect for creating lasting memories whilst making something truly special. Whether you're crafting with your little ones or enjoying a creative session with fellow adults, this project delivers both fun and functionality. What makes this project particularly appealing is its versatility. The finished game serves as an excellent gift for birthdays, holidays, or any occasion where you want to share something handmade and heartfelt. Plus, the collaborative nature of creating the game pieces makes it an ideal bonding activity between...

If you’ve ever wondered which Ampersand panel is right for your style and medium, here’s a guide to help you discover their unique surfaces and how artists use them. Claybord Claybord is one of the most versatile panels in the Ampersand range, loved by both fine artists and illustrators. Its surface is a smooth, velvety clay finish that’s incredibly absorbent; unlike anything else you’ve tried. This kaolin clay ground is inspired by Renaissance-era gesso, giving it a traditional quality. But what really sets Claybord apart is its ability to trap pigments in the surface. You can scratch, carve, or cut...