Inspire your Creativity

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...

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...

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...

You may have noticed some recent changes on our website and in-store, such as the age checker pop-up when browsing collections like cutting tools or spray paints, and updated signage in our store. These updates are part of our commitment to complying with Queensland’s recently introduced laws. Under Queensland law, the sale of controlled items—including craft knives and spray paints—is restricted to individuals aged 18 years or older. What Are Controlled Items?Controlled items include single-sided blade tools such as: Kitchen and steak knives Utility knives and box-cutters Fishing knives, craft scalpels, and razors Single-sided knives in multi-tools or kits We...

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...

We’re excited to announce that Winsor & Newton have introduced new Viridian hues, maintaining the classic green that artists love, but with an updated pigment composition. Why the Change? The original Viridian pigment is being gradually phased out due to recent updates from regulatory bodies, but you can still purchase it while stock lasts. Winsor & Newton has created a new version that closely matches the iconic Viridian tone, offering the same beautiful colour without any safety concerns.   What's New? The new Viridian Hue is available across three ranges: Artists' Oil (37ml) Artisan Water Mixable Oil (37ml) Designers’ Gouache...

Make 2025 your most creative year yet! If your New Year’s resolution is to make more art, you’re in the right place. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your skills, exploring the works of iconic artists can ignite your creativity. Here’s a guide to masterpieces across various mediums to inspire your artistic journey this year: Watercolourists Take inspiration from Winslow Homer’s “Daydreaming” (1882), which beautifully portrays serene, everyday scenes with soft, layered washes. Another iconic figure is Beatrix Potter, whose delicate illustrations in “The Tale of Peter Rabbit” (1902) brought animals and nature to life with intricate detail....

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...