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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 –...
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...
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...
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...
The Lethbridge 20000 Small-Scale Art Award is back for 2025 and calling for entries from artists across Australia and around the globe. With a $20,000 top prize on offer, this prestigious award celebrates creativity in compact form. Now in its 15th year, this award is dedicated to small-scale artworks, showcasing both 2D and 3D pieces no larger than 61cm (24 inches) in any direction. Open to emerging and established artists alike, the competition is judged equally on creativity, originality, and technical skill. What’s in it for artists? Major Prize: $20,000 Highly Commended Prize: $1,000 cash (sponsored by Bienarté) Commended Prizes include:...
The Lethbridge 20000 Small-Scale Art Award is back for 2025 and calling for entries from artists across Australia and around the globe. With a $20,000 top prize on offer, this prestigious...
One of Australia’s most exciting contemporary art awards is back. The 2025 Sunshine Coast National Art Prize is now open for entries, welcoming Australian artists working in 2D and new media. Since 2006, this prestigious acquisitive award has showcased the diversity and excellence of Australian contemporary art. Each year, 40 finalist works are selected for a high-profile exhibition at Caloundra Regional Gallery, drawing attention from collectors, curators and the public alike. Open to all Australian residents, this national award celebrates bold and thought-provoking work in painting, drawing, printmaking, digital, video and other new media formats. The winner of the Major Prize...
One of Australia’s most exciting contemporary art awards is back. The 2025 Sunshine Coast National Art Prize is now open for entries, welcoming Australian artists working in 2D and new media....
The Royal Queensland Art Society (RQAS) is proud to present its 135th Members Annual Art Exhibition in 2025 – a celebration of artistic excellence and community spirit spanning more than a century. This annual event is a showcase of creativity and talent from across our membership, featuring artwork in seven diverse categories. From painting and drawing to sculpture, photography and mixed media, members are invited to submit original works exploring a theme of their own choice. To accommodate the wide range of submissions, this year’s exhibition will be presented in two parts. Each part will run for three weeks and...
The Royal Queensland Art Society (RQAS) is proud to present its 135th Members Annual Art Exhibition in 2025 – a celebration of artistic excellence and community spirit spanning more than...
After the success of its debut exhibition in 2017, Fairholme College is once again opening its doors to artists far and wide with the return of FACETS – the Fairholme Open Art Prize. Now in its eighth year, FACETS has become a highly anticipated event on the cultural calendar, showcasing a curated collection of two- and three-dimensional artworks. From painting, sculpture and drawing, to digital art, video and photography, this boutique exhibition offers artists a unique platform to connect with audiences through creativity and conversation. FACETS is more than an art prize; it’s a celebration of artistic excellence, education and community....
After the success of its debut exhibition in 2017, Fairholme College is once again opening its doors to artists far and wide with the return of FACETS – the Fairholme Open...
Celebrating one of Australia’s most iconic painters, the Doyles Art Award is back for 2025 – and entries are officially open! Named in honour of renowned artist d’Arcy Doyle, this respected award shines a spotlight on landscape art while also championing talent in portraiture, still life and youth categories. Known for its professional presentation and exceptional sales, the Doyles typically feature over 500 artworks, making it one of Queensland’s biggest and most successful art exhibitions. Award Categories & Prizes: Landscape (Major Prize – Acquisitive): 1st Prize: $20,000 2nd Prize: $5,000 3rd Prize: $1,000 Portrait / Figurative: 1st Prize: $2,000 Still...
Celebrating one of Australia’s most iconic painters, the Doyles Art Award is back for 2025 – and entries are officially open! Named in honour of renowned artist d’Arcy Doyle, this...
Adapted from the original blog post by Uni Pin UK Black and white artwork doesn’t have to be plain. In fact, a touch of monochrome can bring a sleek, contemporary edge to your projects. This is particularly true when you try zentangle-style patterns on current shapes and motifs. Why not give it a go with PIN pens? Try zentangle-inspired art with PIN pens Bugs and beetle illustrations never go out of style and look amazing when paired with black and white drawing techniques. In this project, you’ll learn how to create bug-themed pieces that look incredibly professional. Don’t fret, they’re...
Adapted from the original blog post by Uni Pin UK Black and white artwork doesn’t have to be plain. In fact, a touch of monochrome can bring a sleek, contemporary...
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,...
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...
March is National Craft Month, making it the perfect time to get creative with fun and easy projects! This DIY suncatcher craft is a great way to add a colourful touch to your windows using air-dry clay, acetate, and decorative paper. Inspired by the Entertain Idea blog, we’ve put our own twist on this simple yet stunning craft. What You’ll Need: Paper Magiclay 240g White Acetate Sheet Zart Handmade Collage Shapes 500gm Mont Marte Deco Pudge Gloss Small needle (for poking holes) Zart Bakers Twine 100m Zart Budget Metal Cutters (Pack of 15) Permanent marker Step-by-Step Guide: Step 1: Prepare...
March is National Craft Month, making it the perfect time to get creative with fun and easy projects! This DIY suncatcher craft is a great way to add a colourful...
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...
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...
March is National Craft Month, making it the perfect time to explore new creative projects. This week, we’re diving into the vibrant and expressive world of Henri Matisse with a simple yet striking DIY: a Matisse-inspired paper craft floral vase. This project is a fun way to bring modern abstract art into your home without needing fresh flowers. Who Was Henri Matisse? Henri Matisse was a French artist known for his bold use of colour and innovative approach to form. Influenced by artists like Paul Cézanne, Vincent van Gogh, and Paul Gauguin, Matisse experimented with different styles throughout his career....
March is National Craft Month, making it the perfect time to explore new creative projects. This week, we’re diving into the vibrant and expressive world of Henri Matisse with a...
Looking to refine your graphic marker techniques or unwind with some relaxing colouring? Copic offers a fantastic collection of free line art illustrations, created by professional artists, ready to download and bring to life* Some designs even include helpful links to video tutorials or reference images to guide your creativity. Whether you’re practising blending, shading, or just having fun, these pages are perfect for artists of all levels. Be sure to check back often, as new illustrations are added regularly! Browse and Download Copic’s Free Colouring Pages Here (*Please review any terms and conditions on the download page.)
Looking to refine your graphic marker techniques or unwind with some relaxing colouring? Copic offers a fantastic collection of free line art illustrations, created by professional artists, ready to download...
Relax and Create with Faber-Castell’s Free Colouring Templates! Colouring isn’t just a creative pastime—it’s a way to relax and refocus. Immersing yourself in colours and patterns can be as soothing as meditation, helping to relieve stress and bring a sense of calm. Faber-Castell has a collection of inspiring colouring templates designed for all skill levels. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced artist, there’s a variety of beautiful designs to spark your creativity. Click the images below to open and download your chosen colouring pages. Set aside some time, pick your favourite colours, and enjoy the mindful experience of colouring!
Relax and Create with Faber-Castell’s Free Colouring Templates! Colouring isn’t just a creative pastime—it’s a way to relax and refocus. Immersing yourself in colours and patterns can be as soothing...
Take a moment to relax and get creative with Caran d’Ache’s free downloadable colouring pages. Designed by ambassador Ambre Verschaeve, these stunning illustrations celebrate the beauty of spring and summer. Celebrate Spring Bring nature-inspired scenes to life with your favourite Supracolor Soft watercolour or Pablo permanent pencils. Download here. Brighten Your Summer Add a splash of colour to beach, garden, and mountain-themed illustrations. Download here. Experiment with bold or pastel shades, using any medium you like. Share your finished artwork with #Carandache to inspire others. Happy colouring!
Take a moment to relax and get creative with Caran d’Ache’s free downloadable colouring pages. Designed by ambassador Ambre Verschaeve, these stunning illustrations celebrate the beauty of spring and summer....
Looking to add a personal touch to your home décor? Customising your own cushion is a fun and easy way to get creative, and with Pébéo Setacolor Paints and 7A Fabric Markers, you can bring your designs to life on fabric! What You’ll Need: Pébéo 7A Light Fabric Markers – Water-based markers with a fine brush nib for smooth detailing A light-coloured cushion cover – Works best on fabrics like cotton, linen, or denim An iron – To set your design and make it washable
Looking to add a personal touch to your home décor? Customising your own cushion is a fun and easy way to get creative, and with Pébéo Setacolor Paints and 7A...
Get ready for a highlight on the regional arts calendar – the 2025 Aspects Art Show is officially open for entries! Held alongside the annual Goondiwindi P+A Society Show, this long-running event offers artists a fantastic platform to showcase their work across a variety of mediums and genres. With over $15,000 in prizes and acquisitions on offer, it's a brilliant opportunity for both emerging and established artists to gain recognition and potentially have their work acquired. Open to artists across Australia and internationally, the Aspects Art Show includes categories for 2D and 3D works, as well as dedicated awards for...
Get ready for a highlight on the regional arts calendar – the 2025 Aspects Art Show is officially open for entries! Held alongside the annual Goondiwindi P+A Society Show, this...
The 2025 Milburn Art Prize is now open for entries, inviting artists from across Australia to explore the theme ‘Landscape as a space of creative discovery’. Hosted by the Brisbane Institute of Art (BIA), this prize continues to honour the legacy of the late Paul Milburn – a beloved and respected tutor at BIA from 1989 until his passing in 2011. Reflecting BIA’s evolving creative direction, the Milburn Art Prize encourages both emerging and established artists to push the boundaries of landscape art. It’s an opportunity to surprise, challenge and inspire through personal interpretations of landscape – not just as...
The 2025 Milburn Art Prize is now open for entries, inviting artists from across Australia to explore the theme ‘Landscape as a space of creative discovery’. Hosted by the Brisbane...
These paints are real oil paints, but with one key difference—they’re made with modified oils that can mix with water. This means you can thin them and clean up without needing harsh solvents like turpentine.
These paints are real oil paints, but with one key difference—they’re made with modified oils that can mix with water. This means you can thin them and clean up without...
A Tribute to Historic Colours Winsor & Newton has reintroduced a stunning range of historical colours with their Revival Collection. These shades, once favoured by master artists, have been carefully reformulated to maintain their original vibrancy while offering improved permanence and safety for modern creatives. The Revival Collection brings the rich heritage of classic pigments into today’s studios, ensuring artists can continue to create with the same depth and brilliance as the greats of the past. Discover the collection and add a touch of history to your palette!
A Tribute to Historic Colours Winsor & Newton has reintroduced a stunning range of historical colours with their Revival Collection. These shades, once favoured by master artists, have been carefully...
Get ready, Brisbane! The Brisbane Illustration Fair is back for another incredible weekend celebrating all things illustration. Whether you're an artist, collector, or just love creative vibes, this is an event you won’t want to miss! 📅 When? Saturday, 12 April 2025🕚 Time? 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM📍 Where? Superordinary, 175 MacArthur Ave, Hamilton With 170+ talented artists showcasing and selling their work, this is your chance to discover and support amazing local illustrators, comic artists, printmakers, and zine creators. Meet the artists behind the work, browse unique prints, and soak in the inspiring atmosphere. Make a day of it!...
Get ready, Brisbane! The Brisbane Illustration Fair is back for another incredible weekend celebrating all things illustration. Whether you're an artist, collector, or just love creative vibes, this is an...
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