Inspire your Creativity

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.

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...

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...

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...

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...

Mont Marte's Guide to Sustainable Art Practices. As artists, we have a wonderful opportunity to create beauty whilst caring for our environment. At Art Shed Brisbane, we believe that responsible art-making doesn't mean compromising on creativity; it simply means being thoughtful about our materials and methods. Here's your comprehensive guide to sustainable art practices that will help protect our beautiful Australian environment whilst keeping your artistic journey flowing smoothly. The following information and expert tips are provided by Mont Marte, a trusted leader in art supplies and sustainable art practices. Safe Disposal of Acrylic Paints Acrylic paints are water-based, but...

Your Guide to Choosing the Right Calligraphy Nib When it comes to quality calligraphy nibs, Speedball is a trusted name for artists worldwide. Whether you're working with broad-edge lettering or pointed pen scripts, Speedball manufactures finely crafted nibs to suit every style. Each nib is produced at their Statesville, North Carolina plant using proven traditional processes, with every single nib hand-inspected for precision and quality. This ensures artists enjoy a flawless writing or drawing experience every time. This guide outlines the different Speedball nibs available, highlighting their unique characteristics and ideal uses to help you choose the perfect nib for...

Oil painting offers incredible versatility and rich colour depth that has captivated artists for centuries. Whether you're picking up a brush for the first time or looking to refine your technique, understanding the fundamentals is essential for creating beautiful artwork. This comprehensive guide explores everything you need to know about oil painting using Winsor & Newton products; from selecting the right paints and brushes to preparing your canvas and mastering essential techniques. We'll walk you through the various oil paint types, essential tools, and professional tips that will help you develop your artistic skills and create stunning pieces that truly...

Finding the right art materials can feel overwhelming, especially when you're not sure which quality level suits your needs. That's where Mont Marte's clever product levelling system comes in handy. At Art Shed Brisbane, we stock the complete Mont Marte range, and we're here to help you navigate from their entry-level options right through to professional-grade supplies. Mont Marte has organised their extensive catalogue into five distinct levels: Play, Discovery, Signature, Premium, and Artiste. Each level caters to different skill levels, budgets, and artistic goals. Let's explore what makes each range special and help you find your perfect creative match.

Your brushes are more than just tools; they're an investment in your artistic journey. Whether you've splashed out on premium sables or picked up some trusty synthetics, proper care can transform a good brush into a lifelong creative companion. Thanks to the brush experts at Princeton, we've compiled the essential tips that will keep your brushes performing at their peak for years to come. Why Brush Care Matters Think of brush care like maintaining a fine instrument. A well-cared-for brush will hold its shape, maintain its spring, and deliver consistent performance. Neglect it, and you'll find yourself constantly battling frayed...

Welcome to your comprehensive resource centre for Jacquard's extensive range of dyes and fabric paints. Whether you're a seasoned textile artist or just beginning your creative journey, these organised guides will help you choose the right products for your projects and achieve brilliant, lasting results. From understanding which dyes work best with different fabrics to mastering specialised techniques, this collection covers the essential knowledge you need to bring your artistic visions to life with confidence. Click your preferred category below to explore the relevant guides and FAQs by Jacquard! Product Comparison & Selection Guides Perfect for choosing the right product...

Did you know the human eye can detect over 10 million colours? Wild, right? Of course, most of us don’t own that many coloured pencils. But with a little blending know-how, you can create just about any hue you need – even with a limited set. Whether you’re shading skin tones, adding depth to a flower petal, or giving an apple some realistic sheen, blending is the key to unlocking beautiful, lifelike colour. Why Blend? Create custom shades not available in your pencil set Add soft transitions between colours Mimic natural light and shadows Achieve realistic detail in your artwork Everyday...

13 Art Supply Brands Leading the Way in Sustainability As environmental awareness grows, many artists are looking for materials that align with their values, without compromising on quality. The good news? Some of the biggest names in the art world are taking serious steps to reduce their environmental impact. From recyclable packaging to non-toxic formulations and responsible sourcing, here are 12 art supply brands doing their part for the planet; and helping you make greener choices in the studio. Known for their sketchbooks and drawing pads, Strathmore offers a wide range of recycled paper products made with post-consumer fibre. Their...

What Colours Do You Really Need? Starting out with acrylic paints can be exciting – but also a little overwhelming with all the colour choices. Do you need every shade on the shelf? Not quite! With a smart starter palette, you can mix a surprising range of colours and get painting straight away. Here’s our tried-and-true guide to building your first acrylic palette – with two options depending on how simple or versatile you want your setup to be.   Option 1: Essential 6-Colour Starter Kit (Left to right) Titanium White Use it to lighten colours, create tints, or paint...

Looking to create dreamy, flowing watercolour effects? A mop brush is your best mate when it comes to mastering the wet-on-wet technique. Its soft, rounded bristles are ideal for laying down big, even washes – no streaks or hard edges in sight. Here’s how to make the most of it: Start by loading your mop brush with plenty of water and a diluted mix of your chosen watercolour. Work onto damp or wet paper; that’s where the real magic happens. The wetter the surface, the more the paint will bloom and blend. Use broad, gentle strokes to spread the colour....

If you’ve ever waited days (or even weeks!) for an oil painting to dry, you’re not alone. While oil paints are known for their rich colour and smooth blending, they do have one major downside: drying time. Straight from the tube, oil paint can take several days to become touch-dry, sometimes longer in humid or cool conditions. The good news? You can speed things up without sacrificing that beautiful oil finish. Let’s explore a few options to help your oils dry faster; from smart paint choices to mixing in the right mediums. Speed Things Up with Alkyd Mediums One of...

Not sure which Mont Marte acrylic is right for you? Watch this quick video to compare Acrylic Colour, Satin Acrylic and Dimension ranges side by side!