Inspire your Creativity

Be Your Own Arty Valentine

Be Your Own Arty Valentine

5 Ideas for Creative Self-Love Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be all roses, candlelit dinners, and heart-shaped sweets with someone else—it can just as easily be an opportunity to celebrate you. This year, why not spoil yourself with some homemade creativity? Embrace self-love and unleash your inner artist with these five solo art project ideas. After all, who says you can’t be your own perfect Valentine? 1. Self-Portrait Power Left: “Self Portrait with Palette” by Pablo Picasso (1906), 81 cm x 60.5 cm, on display at the National Gallery, Washington D.C. Right: Image by @mandi_antonucci Why do it: Nothing says...

Be Your Own Arty Valentine

5 Ideas for Creative Self-Love Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be all roses, candlelit dinners, and heart-shaped sweets with someone else—it can just as easily be an opportunity to celebrate...

Safe Disposal of Solvents and Art Supplies

Safe Disposal of Solvents and Art Supplies

As an artist, using solvents, paints, and other chemicals is part of the creative process. However, disposing of these materials safely is crucial to protect both the environment and your health. Improper disposal can lead to contamination of water sources, harm to wildlife, and risks to human safety. Understanding Hazardous Waste Household hazardous waste includes items that are corrosive, flammable, toxic, or otherwise dangerous. Common examples in an artist’s studio include: Oil-based paints and solvents (e.g., turpentine, mineral spirits) Acrylic and water-based paints Spray paints and aerosol cans Adhesives and resins How to Safely Dispose of Solvents and Paint General...

Safe Disposal of Solvents and Art Supplies

As an artist, using solvents, paints, and other chemicals is part of the creative process. However, disposing of these materials safely is crucial to protect both the environment and your...

DIY Upcycled Art Supplies

DIY Upcycled Art Supplies

Step-by-Step Guide: Creative DIY Projects with Leftover Art Supplies Got some dried-up markers, broken crayons, or old pastels lying around? Don’t toss them just yet! These simple DIY projects will give your old art supplies a new lease on life, helping you save money and reduce waste while unleashing your creativity. Let’s dive into these step-by-step guides! 1. DIY Watercolour Paints with Dried-Up Markers What You Need: Dried-up water-based markers Small jars or containers Water Steps: Remove the caps from your dried-up markers. Place each marker (tip down) into a small jar or container filled with a small amount of...

DIY Upcycled Art Supplies

Step-by-Step Guide: Creative DIY Projects with Leftover Art Supplies Got some dried-up markers, broken crayons, or old pastels lying around? Don’t toss them just yet! These simple DIY projects will...

FAQ: Painting in a Sketchbook (Oils and Acrylics)

FAQ: Painting in a Sketchbook (Oils and Acrylics)

1. Can I paint with oils and acrylics in a sketchbook? Yes, you can! However, you’ll need to prepare your sketchbook properly to protect the paper and ensure your paints work well.   2. What kind of sketchbook is best? Choose a sketchbook with heavyweight paper (at least 300gsm) to handle the weight of the paint and preparation. Paper composition: 100% cotton or a cotton/linen blend works best. Texture: Cold press paper (textured) gives a bit of grip for your paints, while hot press paper (smooth) allows for finer details.   3. Why do I need to seal the paper...

FAQ: Painting in a Sketchbook (Oils and Acrylics)

1. Can I paint with oils and acrylics in a sketchbook? Yes, you can! However, you’ll need to prepare your sketchbook properly to protect the paper and ensure your paints...

Create Stunning Sun-Printed Designs with SolarFast

Create Stunning Sun-Printed Designs with SolarFast

Unleash the magic of sunlight with SolarFast Dyes! These light-sensitive dyes let you create photograms, shadow prints, and even permanent photographs on fabric and paper. Whether you're into painting, tie-dyeing, screen printing, or batik, SolarFast makes it easy to craft unique, sun-developed designs.     Simply apply the dye, expose it to sunlight while damp, and watch the colour appear! Use objects or film negatives to block areas from developing and create striking prints. Once exposed, wash with SolarFast Wash and hot water to reveal the final masterpiece. Perfect for cotton, linen, silk, hemp, wood, and artist papers, SolarFast is...

Create Stunning Sun-Printed Designs with SolarFast

Unleash the magic of sunlight with SolarFast Dyes! These light-sensitive dyes let you create photograms, shadow prints, and even permanent photographs on fabric and paper. Whether you're into painting, tie-dyeing,...

Free Colouring Pages for Kids & Adults

Free Colouring Pages for Kids & Adults

Get Creative with Crayola! Looking for a fun, creative activity for all ages? Crayola offers free printable colouring pages for both kids and adults! Whether you’re a Star Wars fan, love Disney characters like Mickey Mouse, or prefer intricate designs to unwind, there’s something for everyone. Colouring is a fantastic way to relax, boost creativity, and spend quality time with family. Simply download, print, and start adding your own artistic flair. Explore Crayola’s new colouring pages here or check out their adult colouring pages here. Get your favourite colours ready and let your imagination run wild!

Free Colouring Pages for Kids & Adults

Get Creative with Crayola! Looking for a fun, creative activity for all ages? Crayola offers free printable colouring pages for both kids and adults! Whether you’re a Star Wars fan,...

Limited Edition Da Vinci Pretty in Pink Brush

Limited Edition Da Vinci Pretty in Pink Brush

Add a Pop of Elegance to Your Watercolour Toolkit Upgrade your watercolour toolkit with the Da Vinci Pretty Pink Brush! Part of the exclusive Pretty Pink Edition, this size 2 round wash brush is perfect for detailed and fluid watercolour techniques. Crafted with precision, it features: Extra soft, wavy, white synthetic fibres for exceptional elasticity and colour absorption A sleek, vegan-friendly wooden handle for comfort and style Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just starting out, this brush offers the perfect blend of elegance and functionality. Don’t miss out—add this stunning tool to your collection today!

Limited Edition Da Vinci Pretty in Pink Brush

Add a Pop of Elegance to Your Watercolour Toolkit Upgrade your watercolour toolkit with the Da Vinci Pretty Pink Brush! Part of the exclusive Pretty Pink Edition, this size 2...

DIY Valentine’s Day Frame

DIY Valentine’s Day Frame

A Handmade Gift from the Heart! Looking for a thoughtful and creative Valentine’s Day project? This DIY photo frame is the perfect way to show your love. Here’s how to make it: What You’ll Need: Zart Papier Mache Photo Frame Paper Magiclay Mont Marte Acrylic Paint Deco Pudge (or a similar sealer) Paintbrushes Steps: Prepare the Frame: Start with a plain Papier Mache photo frame as your base. Add 3D Details: Use Paper Magiclay to shape 3D hearts or any designs you like. Attach them to the frame and let them dry completely. Paint with Love: Once dry, paint the...

DIY Valentine’s Day Frame

A Handmade Gift from the Heart! Looking for a thoughtful and creative Valentine’s Day project? This DIY photo frame is the perfect way to show your love. Here’s how to...

Brisbane Portrait Prize Now Open for Entries!

Brisbane Portrait Prize Now Open for Entries!

Celebrate Brisbane Artists with the 2025 Brisbane Portrait Prize The Brisbane Portrait Prize celebrates Brisbane’s talented portrait artists and their sitters, fostering public engagement with the arts. Artists with a connection to Brisbane are invited to enter one of two competitions: The Main Prize: For artists aged 18 and over. The Next Gen Prize: For artists aged 18 and under. Key Dates January 16, 2025: Entries open. July 1, 2025: Entries close at 6 PM. July 14, 2025: Finalists notified. September 6, 2025: Finalists announced. September 19, 2025: Opening Night & Winners Announced. September 20 – November 9, 2025: Finalists...

Brisbane Portrait Prize Now Open for Entries!

Celebrate Brisbane Artists with the 2025 Brisbane Portrait Prize The Brisbane Portrait Prize celebrates Brisbane’s talented portrait artists and their sitters, fostering public engagement with the arts. Artists with a...

Art for Victoria Park

Art for Victoria Park

A Celebration of Creativity and Community Local artists and nature enthusiasts are invited to take part in Art for Victoria Park, an inspiring community event happening on Monday, 27th January 2025 (Public Holiday) from 8:00 AM at Victoria Park / Barrambin. Led by renowned Brisbane artist David Hinchliffe, the event encourages artists of all skill levels—professionals and beginners alike—to capture the beauty of this iconic green space through drawing, painting, or sketching. For those who aren’t creating, the event offers a relaxing opportunity to bring a picnic and watch as artworks come to life. David Hinchliffe will be present to provide...

Art for Victoria Park

A Celebration of Creativity and Community Local artists and nature enthusiasts are invited to take part in Art for Victoria Park, an inspiring community event happening on Monday, 27th January 2025...