Inspire your Creativity

Tips for Pouring, Collage & Texture Looking to try acrylic pouring but not sure where to start? In this video tutorial, acrylic artist Marla Morrison walks you through the process of creating stunning poured paintings while combining collage and textured elements. Whether you’re brand new to fluid art or looking to take your acrylic pouring to the next level, this video is packed with practical tips for developing your technique and adding depth to your work. Acrylic Pouring Techniques to Try Marla explores several creative acrylic pouring techniques, from simple fluid pours to more controlled applications. She also shares tips...

Top Tips for Clear, Vibrant Washes Watercolours are known for their luminous, transparent quality; but if you've ever tried layering colours and ended up with a murky mess, you're not alone. Muddy colours usually happen when pigments mix unintentionally or when layering isn't fully dry. Here are our top tips to keep your layers fresh, not flat. 1. Let Each Layer Dry Completely This is rule number one. If you paint over a layer that's still damp, colours will bleed and blend, often resulting in dull or muddy hues. Use a hairdryer if you're in a rush, just keep it...

Experience the Beauty of Matisse Fluids – A Journey Through Colour & Flow Unleash your creative potential with Matisse Fluid Acrylics in this vibrant video showcase. ‘Experience the Beauty of Matisse Fluids’ offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of Australia’s finest acrylic ranges – known for its exceptional pigment load, fluid consistency, and dynamic versatility. From paint pouring and calligraphy to airbrushing and marbling techniques, this visual guide demonstrates how Matisse Fluids glide across surfaces, blend seamlessly, and interact with various mediums. See them in action on canvas, paper, and more – with insights into drying times, layering potential, and...

Winsor and Newton Oil Paints: Artists’, Artisan or Winton? With so many oil paints on the market, finding the right one can be overwhelming – especially when they all come from a brand as trusted as Winsor & Newton. Whether you're a professional artist looking for premium performance, someone wanting a safer studio setup, or you're just starting out and exploring oil paints, Winsor & Newton has a range suited to every style and skill level. In this post, we’ll break down the key features of the three main ranges: Artists' Oil Colour, Artisan Water Mixable Oil Colour, and Winton...

When most people think of fluid acrylics, their minds go straight to pouring, but these versatile paints can do so much more! Whether you’re a fine detail lover, a mixed media experimenter or somewhere in between, fluid paints deserve a spot in your toolkit. Here are our top 5 ways to use them creatively, no pouring cup required. 1. Ink Like Washes Fluid acrylics can be thinned with water or acrylic medium to create stunning transparent washes, just like watercolour or ink. They’re perfect for laying down luminous backgrounds, soft gradients or glazing over dry paint to add depth. 2. Fine...

Looking for a gift as inspiring as Mum? Whether she’s a seasoned artist or just discovering her creative spark, we’ve handpicked a range of gifts to match every kind of mum. From portable paint sets to studio essentials, our Mother’s Day Gift Guide is packed with thoughtful, artful ideas; all available in-store and on our website. Read on for the full guide and make her day a masterpiece.

Get Creative with Weird & Wonderful Paintbrush Shapes! Feeling a bit uninspired by your usual brushes? Mixing things up with some quirky shapes can really bring new life to your artwork. Here are 5 fun brushes to try next time you're painting: Deerfoot Stippler Known for its angled shape and compact, stiff bristles, this brush is a favourite for painters who love texture. It’s ideal for dabbing on foliage, rendering furry textures in animals, or creating rugged, organic surfaces. Use a light, stippling motion for best results. Dagger Striper This uniquely shaped brush features a long, slanted tip that comes...

Read on for step-by-step painting tips and tricks! Looking to add a pop of colour to your garden or home décor? Painting terracotta pots is an easy, creative DIY that lets your personality shine through. Whether you're going bold and abstract or soft and floral, here's everything you need to know to get started.   What You’ll Need: Terracotta pots (clean and dry) Fine grit sandpaper Primer or white acrylic gesso Acrylic paints or paint pens Paintbrushes (various sizes) Painter’s tape (optional, for clean lines) Outdoor varnish or sealer (matte or gloss finish) Drop cloth or newspaper to protect surfaces...

A colour swatch chart is a fantastic tool for artists, helping you quickly reference and organise your favourite art supplies. Whether you're working with watercolour, acrylic, oils, or pencils, making your own swatch chart is easy - and fun! We've created a handy free printable colour swatch chart to get you started right away: Download Here Materials Needed: Printer (Inkjet recommended for watercolours) Your preferred art medium (watercolours, acrylics, oils, pencils) Suitable paper (see tips below) Step-by-Step Guide: 1. Select Your Paper: Choosing the right paper is crucial: Watercolour: Ideally use 200-300gsm watercolour paper for best results. Shop Watercolour Paper...

Find Your Perfect Acrylic Paint Match Not sure which acrylic paint suits your style? Here's your cheat sheet to choosing the right one, based on how you love to paint: Smooth Consistency + Vibrant Colour Try: Matisse Flow or Langridge Fluid Matisse Flow is a premium artist-quality acrylic, ideal for everything from murals to detailed portrait work. Its smooth consistency makes it perfect for photo realism, geometric art, and watercolour-style techniques. It’s designed for artists who need intense, clean colour with an effortless flow. Langridge Fluid acrylics are Australian-made and deliver rich, saturated colour with exceptional clarity. With a professional-grade...

Understanding Gloss, Satin and Matt Varnish Finishes When it comes to finishing a painting or creative project, varnish is more than just a protective coat – it can completely change the look and feel of your work. One of the most common questions we get in-store is about the difference between gloss, satin and matt varnishes. So, here’s a quick guide to help you pick the finish that best suits your style. Gloss Finish Gloss varnish gives your artwork a bold, shiny finish that really brings colours to life. It reflects light, which can make details and textures pop –...

Mud 2 Mug and More is a vibrant, family-friendly pottery studio located in Carina, Brisbane. Offering a warm and welcoming environment for people of all ages and skill levels, the studio invites families, couples, groups and individuals to relax, unwind and get creative with clay. With a combination of pottery painting, immersive courses, and playful workshops, Mud 2 Mug has built a space where creativity comes alive. The studio has been thoughtfully designed to encourage creativity and connection, whether visitors are painting ceramics, trying their hand at wheel throwing, or just enjoying a fun day out.   Why Visit Mud...

Art Spectrum was founded in Melbourne in the early 1960s by Gay and David Keys Snr, an artist and RMIT lecturer. Over time, it has become Australia’s leading fine art brand, producing oils, watercolours, gouache, pastels, inks, primers, mediums, varnishes, and solvents. Known for its distinctive Australian colours and traditional European manufacturing techniques, Art Spectrum offers a wide range of products to meet any artist's needs, including the innovative Colourfix pastel surface paper, professional papers and pads, Belgian linens, canvas, stretcher bars, brushes, palette knives, easels, and various studio accessories. It remains 100% Australian-made and family-owned, with David’s son, David,...

Finding your own artistic style is an exciting journey that evolves over time. It’s not about forcing a signature look but rather about discovering what feels natural, inspiring, and enjoyable to you. If you’re wondering where to start, here are some practical steps to help define your unique art style. 1. Make a Lot of Art—Even Ugly Art! One of the best ways to develop your style is simply by creating. Don’t be afraid to make “bad” art because every piece is a step toward refining your personal aesthetic. The more you create, the more patterns, themes, and techniques will...

Lately, there’s been a lot of chatter about Bluethumb, so we thought we’d break it down for you. Bluethumb is Australia’s largest online art marketplace, connecting art lovers with original Australian-made artwork. Whether you're a first-time buyer or an experienced collector, Bluethumb makes it easy to discover and purchase unique pieces directly from artists.   How Does Bluethumb Work? Founded in 2012, Bluethumb has grown into a thriving digital gallery, representing over 30,000 emerging and established Australian artists. The platform showcases everything from paintings and drawings to fine art prints, sculptures, and even work from remote Aboriginal Art Centres. With...

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...

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...

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...

Ceramic paints are a fun and creative way to personalise gifts, homewares, and art projects. They’re perfect for painting on a variety of surfaces, but there are some key things to know before getting started. Here’s everything you need to know about using ceramic paints and getting the best results for your creations. What is ceramic paint, and how is it different to regular paint? Ceramic paints are translucent and require multiple coats to achieve a solid, opaque colour. They’re different from acrylic paints and should be applied with a taklon brush for a smooth and even finish. What surfaces...

If you’ve noticed your Gamblin paint tubes or mediums looking a little different lately, you’re not alone! Gamblin has introduced fresh branding for their artist-grade oil paints, mediums, and more. These updates are designed to improve your experience as an artist while staying true to their commitment to quality and sustainability. Here’s what you can expect from Gamblin’s new look: Larger, easier-to-read fonts for effortless identification. Bold, clear pigment numbers for precise colour selection. Tri-lingual colour names on all sizes, increasing accessibility for artists around the globe. Transparency indicators and series numbers prominently displayed on the front of the tube....

Unlocking the Potential of Pastel Paper for Painting (Beyond Pastels!) While pastel paper is traditionally designed for dry media like pastels, it can also be used with a variety of wet media to create stunning effects and textures. The textured surface of pastel paper offers unique possibilities for those wanting to experiment with different painting techniques. Can You Paint on Pastel Paper? Absolutely! Most pastel papers, when used correctly, can handle a range of wet media. They are resistant to small amounts of water or alcohol, as long as you avoid scrubbing the surface. While not suitable for watercolour, pastel...