Inspire your Creativity

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...

Celebrating Contemporary Still Life Excellence Yarrila Arts and Museum's prestigious STILL: National Still Life Award returns for 2025, offering artists across Australia the opportunity to redefine and celebrate the enduring genre of still life. This biennial acquisitive competition has been recognising excellence, diversity and innovation in contemporary still life practice since 2017. Prize Pool STILL: National Still Life Award 2025 offers substantial financial recognition: Total prize pool: $36,000 Acquisitive award (winning artwork acquired for permanent collection) Exhibition Dates The finalist exhibition runs from 6 September to 9 November 2025 at Yarrila Arts and Museum. Entries Close Online submissions must be...

MAC yapang Art Prize 2025 | $40,000 Prize Pool | Open to All Australian Artists MAC yapang Art Prize 2025: National Competition Open to All Disciplines The Museum of Art and Culture, yapang presents an exciting opportunity for Australian artists with the inaugural MAC yapang Art Prize. This national competition celebrates artistic excellence across all disciplines and mediums, offering substantial recognition and financial support to contemporary Australian artists. Prize Pool The MAC yapang Art Prize offers impressive rewards for artistic achievement: Acquisitive Prize: $30,000 (winning artwork acquired for permanent collection) Additional prizes: $10,000 Total prize pool: $40,000 Exhibition Dates The...

A.M.E. Bale Travelling Scholarship and Art Prize: Supporting Traditional Australian Artists Rick Crossland | George Davis at 91. 2022 | Oil on canvas 61 x 76cm (2022 winner) The A.M.E. Bale Travelling Scholarship and Art Prize stands as one of Australia's most prestigious awards for artists working in traditional styles. This biennial competition celebrates realist, figurative and representational art whilst honouring the legacy of one of Australia's finest early 20th-century painters. Prize Pool The scholarship offers substantial financial support across three categories: Major Award for a Travelling Scholarship: $50,000 A.M.E. Bale Art Prize in oils and/or acrylics: $5,000 A.M.E. Bale...

Fisher's Ghost Art Award 2025: Australia's Premier Art Competition Opens for Entries The Fisher's Ghost Art Award is back for its 63rd year, and it's bigger than ever! This prestigious Australian art competition is calling for entries across multiple categories, offering artists the chance to showcase their work and compete for substantial prize money. Now in its 63rd year, this celebrated competition has launched the careers of many respected contemporary artists including Elisabeth Cummings, Khaled Sabsabi, Justene Williams, and David Bromley. The award coincides with Campbelltown's annual Festival of Fisher's Ghost, a ten-day celebration that's been running since 1956. Prize...

The 2025 Mosman Art Prize: A Golden Opportunity for Australian Artists The 2025 Mosman Art Prize is calling all painters across Australia to submit their finest works for this prestigious acquisitive award. With a substantial prize pool and the chance to join a historic collection, this competition represents one of the most significant opportunities in the Australian art calendar. Since 1947, the Mosman Art Collection has been documenting the evolution of Australian painting, creating a remarkable archive of the nation's artistic heritage. This year's winning artwork will join this distinguished collection, ensuring the artist's work becomes part of an important...

Creating realistic balloons with oil paint is a fantastic way to explore transparency, light effects, and colour mixing. This tutorial, inspired by techniques from Winsor & Newton, will guide you through the process of painting a glossy, translucent balloon that captures light beautifully. About the Artist Kate Brinkworth is a British painter renowned for her photorealist approach to glossy subjects, film noir scenes, and reflective surfaces. Her work demonstrates exceptional skill in manipulating focus and lighting effects ; techniques that translate perfectly to balloon painting. Materials You'll Need Oil paints in various colours White oil paint Artisan Linseed Oil Artists'...

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.

Choosing the right palette can make or break your artistic experience. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting your creative journey, the surface where you mix your colours plays a crucial role in your painting process. At Art Shed Brisbane, we've helped countless artists find their perfect match, and we're here to guide you through the options. Timber Palettes Best for: Oils Timber palettes are the traditional choice beloved by oil painters for generations. Their durability and longevity make them a worthwhile investment for serious artists, whilst their comfortable grip allows for extended painting sessions without fatigue. However, timber...

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...

Looking to add a pop of personality to your phone? Grab your favourite POSCA markers and get creative! Whether your case is clear, matte, or glossy, POSCA paint sticks beautifully to plastic – no fuss, just fun. What You’ll Need: Plastic phone case (clear or coloured) POSCA Paint Markers – use a mix of fine and broad tips Soft cloth or tissue Water-based spray varnish (matte or gloss) Optional: Pencil and eraser Step 1: Prep the Surface No special primer is needed – just clean your phone case with a soft cloth to remove dust or grease. A clean surface...

Want to stand out on your bike or board? Customising your helmet is a fun and creative way to show off your personal style – and it’s easier than you think! With just a few tools and a trusty POSCA marker, you can turn any plain helmet into a wearable work of art. What You’ll Need: Bike or roller helmet POSCA PC-3M Paint Marker Tracing paper Uni-Ball mechanical pencil Solvent-free spray varnish (matte, gloss or satin) Step 1: Choose & Transfer Your Design Sketch your design on tracing paper with a mechanical pencil. Flip the paper and trace the reverse...

How to Design Your Own Deck! Personalise your ride with a one-of-a-kind deck design using POSCA paint markers! Whether you're skating the streets or hanging it on your wall, a custom-painted skateboard deck is the perfect way to showcase your style. What You’ll Need: Wooden skateboard deck POSCA Markers (PC-1M, PC-1MR, PC-3M, PC-5M) uni Pin Fineliners (0.03mm – 0.8mm) Pencil Matte or Gloss Spray Sealer Optional: White acrylic paint or gesso and brushes Soft cloth Fine grit sandpaper Step 1: Prep the Deck Wipe down the area you'll paint with a damp cloth to remove any dust. If needed, sand...

Rock Your Art with POSCA! Rock painting is such a fun and creative way to personalise your space, give unique handmade gifts, or just unwind with a colourful project. With POSCA paint markers, you’ll get vibrant, opaque colour that works beautifully on stone – no mess, no fuss. What You’ll Need: Smooth, clean rocks Soft cloth or wipes POSCA Paint Markers (Recommended tips: PC-1MR, PC-1M, PC-3M, PC-5M) uni Pin Fineliner (Available in 0.03mm to 0.8mm) Spray varnish – Micador Crystal Clear or Krylon Clear Glaze Step 1: Prep Your Surface Give your rocks a quick wipe with a cloth to...

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...

Brisbane-based artist John Bell returns with a stunning new exhibition, Springbrook and Beyond, showcasing his deep connection to the lush, untamed rainforests of South East Queensland. For years, Bell has been captivated by the tangled beauty of the hinterland, particularly the Springbrook mountain region, where he finds endless inspiration and quiet reflection. This latest body of work is a heartfelt homage to the wild landscapes that continue to fuel his creativity. Drawing from decades of artistic practice and a rich history within Brisbane’s art community, Bell presents a mix of figurative, landscape and abstract pieces that speak to the raw...