Inspire your Creativity

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...

A Fun Fact About Nat Did you know Nat has six wisdom teeth? That’s two extra! It’s no surprise we think she’s extra wise! Nat’s Art Practice Nat is a mixed media artist who primarily works with ceramics and acrylics. She loves incorporating natural elements into her art, such as clay and botanical materials like dried flowers and leaf imprints. Nat uses mostly midfire and stoneware clay for hand-building, slab rolling, and slip casting, often painting intricate designs with underglazes on greenware and creating naturally occurring leaf impressions. She also experiments with new materials, including glazes—most recently 24k gold lustre...

Give your Christmas wrapping a creative twist with kraft paper and paint pens! 🎨 We’re using Mont Marte Flexi Tip and Posca 5mm bullet tip pens to create simple yet stunning designs like stockings, trees, and personal messages. These pens dry quickly, so in just 10 minutes, your gifts will have a unique, handmade touch. Finish with ribbon or twine, and you’ve got show-stopping gifts that will impress everyone this holiday season!

Art history is rich with pigments and dyes that have fascinating stories behind them. Some were born from natural sources, while others were created through scientific innovation. Let's dive into five iconic colours: Carmine, Prussian Blue, Indian Yellow, Caput Mortum, and Paris Green.   Carmine: A Red with Ancient Roots Carmine, a deep, vibrant red, comes from the cochineal insect Dactylopius coccus. The female insects are carefully harvested, boiled, and processed to extract carminic acid, which is then refined into crimson lake. This pigment has been used for centuries in paints, pigments, and even food. It was traditionally combined with...

Mars, Lamp, Ivory & Perylene Black Explained! With all the buzz around Black Friday, we thought it was the perfect time to dive into the world of black pigments. Black may seem simple, but each pigment has unique characteristics that can transform your artwork. Here’s a breakdown of the most popular black pigments and what makes them stand out.

Katie’s Art Practice: Technical Abstractions Katie describes her style as “technical abstractions,” focusing on the intricate process of building layers to create a final image. For her, it’s not just about the end result—it’s the journey of layering, experimenting, and constructing that truly defines her work. What Inspires Katie? Katie’s art is deeply influenced by her surroundings and her fascination with construction and movement. Living near the ocean, she draws inspiration from the fluidity and rhythm of water. Similarly, construction sites and scaffolding capture her attention, revealing layers and inner workings that fuel her creative ideas. Katie’s Favourite Art Supplies...

Watercolour painting is a captivating art form, but have you ever considered stepping beyond traditional watercolour paper? At Art Shed Brisbane, we’re excited to introduce the Phoenix Stretched Watercolour Canvas—a game-changing surface that can take your watercolour creations to new heights.   Why Choose Watercolour Canvas? 1. Exceptional DurabilityUnlike delicate watercolour paper, watercolour canvas is built to last. Its sturdy texture resists tearing and buckling, giving you the confidence to experiment with bold techniques and vibrant washes. 2. Unique Texture for Stunning EffectsThe texture of watercolour canvas works beautifully with fluid paints, allowing you to create intricate details and captivating...

This year, take the stress out of gift shopping with our carefully curated Christmas bundles! Each pack is designed to delight the artist in your life, whether they're a painter, sketcher, or sculptor. Best of all, every bundle comes gift-wrapped, so you're ready to spread the holiday cheer without the extra effort.

For over 140 years, Schmincke has been dedicated to producing the finest artists' colours, striving to make the world a little more vibrant. From its humble beginnings in 1881 to its position today as a globally recognized brand, Schmincke continues to inspire creativity through its unparalleled craftsmanship and commitment to innovation. A Legacy Rooted in Tradition Schmincke’s story began in 1881 when colour chemists Josef Horadam and Hermann Schmincke stumbled upon the traditional resin-oil colour formulations of art professor Cesare Mussini in Florence. These unique formulas, deeply rooted in the traditions of old masters, offered something entirely new—resin-infused oil paints...

Paint markers, like popular POSCA markers, are fantastic tools for creating bold, vibrant artwork. But to get smooth, even lines, it’s important to know how to prepare, use, and care for them. Here’s a guide to help you keep your paint markers performing at their best.

Fun and Creative Project Starters for All Ages using Paper Magiclay! Magiclay is the perfect material for crafting, allowing for endless creativity with its smooth, easy-to-shape texture. In this blog, we’ll showcase five fun Magiclay project starters that are not only exciting to create, but also make for perfect gifts, decor, and crafts for all ages. A big thanks to Zart for their inspiring ideas and videos that helped bring these projects to life. Let's dive into some magical creations!   1. Magiclay Elves: Marbled Fun for the Holidays Create your own charming Magiclay elves! This delightful craft is perfect for...

Explore Kate Marek's Stunning Collection of Landscapes and Still Life in her "Of the Land" Exhibition! Are you looking for something to do in Brisbane? Don’t miss "Of the Land," a captivating exhibition by Kate Marek, a beloved staff member here at Art Shed Brisbane! This exhibition features an exquisite collection of landscape paintings from the Moreton Bay, Scenic Rim, and Granite Belt regions, beautifully paired with still life paintings showcasing the unique flora of these stunning locations.

Calling All Artists: Land Street Gallery's 2025 Studio Callout Land Street Gallery, a hub for contemporary artists, offers more than just an exhibition program. For the first four months of each year, they provide inspiring, affordable studio spaces for artists looking to create and connect within a vibrant community. Applications for 2025 studio spaces (available January 1st - April 27th) are now open, and spaces fill fast—apply early to secure your spot! Studio Details & Amenities Smooth white walls with a versatile picture-hanging system Furniture provided: Desks, chairs, stools, and easels Natural lighting from a large southeast-facing window, avoiding direct sunlight Concrete...

5 Perfect Art Packs for Young Creatives Finding the perfect gift for kids at Christmas can be a challenge, but Art Shed Brisbane has made it easier with five thoughtfully curated art packs for every age and interest. Whether your child is a tiny beginner or an aspiring cartoonist, there’s something here to inspire their creativity this holiday season. Let’s dive into our Christmas Gift Guide for kids and explore these exciting bundles!

As an artist, having the right tools is essential for your creative journey, and a sketchbook is one of the most important. Among our most popular options at Art Shed Brisbane are Stillman & Birn sketchbooks, which feature a unique system that may be confusing for new artists. If you’d like to learn more about them, read on! Renowned for crafting high-quality sketchbooks for all artists, Stillman & Birn exemplifies excellence in design and construction, making them a trusted choice for those who demand the best.  Bound in the United States, Stillman & Birn’s sketchbook system offers artists a choice of...

As an artist, there's nothing more frustrating than staring at a blank canvas, unable to find the inspiration to create. Whether you're a seasoned painter or just starting out, we've all been there - that dreaded "painter's block" that can leave us feeling creatively drained and uninspired. But fear not, my fellow creatives! Today, I'm here to share some tips and tricks to help you overcome that creative slump and rediscover the joy of painting. First and foremost, it's important to remember that inspiration can strike at the most unexpected moments. That's why it's crucial to always have a sketchbook...

A high-quality sketch pad is a must-have for any artist, whether you're an experienced professional or just starting out. Sketch pads offer portability and convenience, making it easy to capture ideas and refine techniques wherever inspiration strikes. At Art Shed Brisbane, we understand the importance of a good sketch pad and provide a variety of options to suit every creative need. From lightweight, portable pads to durable, heavy-duty ones that can handle everything from pencils to pastels, we've got you covered.   Using a sketch pad regularly is key to developing your artistic skills. It allows you to document your...

As an artist, pricing your work can be a daunting task. You've poured your heart and soul into creating something truly unique, but how do you translate that into a fair and profitable price tag? Fear not, creative friends – this blog post is here to guide you through the art of pricing your artwork. First and foremost, let's address the elephant in the room: the importance of pricing your work correctly. Undervaluing your art can not only hurt your bottom line, but it can also devalue your skills and the perceived worth of your creations. On the flip side, overpricing...

As an artist, whether you're just starting out or have been honing your skills for years, the choice between student grade and artist grade paint can be a crucial one. Both offer unique advantages, and understanding the key differences can help you make the best decision for your artistic needs. At Art Shed Brisbane, we're passionate about empowering artists of all levels, which is why we're excited to dive into this topic and help you navigate the world of paint grades. Student Grade Paint: A Beginner's Best Friend Student grade paint is often the go-to choice for those just starting...

Polymer clay is a versatile material used in a range of creative projects, from intricate jewelry to decorative sculptures. Baking it properly is key to ensuring that your masterpiece is durable and long-lasting. Here's a simple guide on how to bake and finish your polymer clay creations, using popular brands like Sculpey and Mont Marte. About Polymer Clay Polymer clay is a soft, synthetic material that hardens when baked at low temperatures. It remains pliable until it is cured in an oven, making it ideal for intricate designs. Once baked, polymer clay retains its shape, color, and durability. How to...