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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...
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...
Learn how to properly clean synthetic and natural hair paintbrushes to extend their lifespan and keep them in top shape. Cleaning your paintbrushes properly is essential if you want them to last. But did you know that different types of brushes—synthetic and natural hair (like sable or hog bristle)—need different cleaning methods? If you’ve ever wondered whether you should be scrubbing your synthetic brushes the same way you treat your delicate sable ones, you’re in the right place. Here’s everything you need to know about keeping your brushes in top shape! Do Synthetic and Natural Hair Paintbrushes Need Different...
Learn how to properly clean synthetic and natural hair paintbrushes to extend their lifespan and keep them in top shape. Cleaning your paintbrushes properly is essential if you want them...
5 Ideas for Creative Self-Love Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be all roses, candlelit dinners, and heart-shaped sweets with someone else—it can just as easily be an opportunity to celebrate you. This year, why not spoil yourself with some homemade creativity? Embrace self-love and unleash your inner artist with these five solo art project ideas. After all, who says you can’t be your own perfect Valentine? 1. Self-Portrait Power Left: “Self Portrait with Palette” by Pablo Picasso (1906), 81 cm x 60.5 cm, on display at the National Gallery, Washington D.C. Right: Image by @mandi_antonucci Why do it: Nothing says...
5 Ideas for Creative Self-Love Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be all roses, candlelit dinners, and heart-shaped sweets with someone else—it can just as easily be an opportunity to celebrate...
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...
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...
Step-by-Step Guide: Creative DIY Projects with Leftover Art Supplies Got some dried-up markers, broken crayons, or old pastels lying around? Don’t toss them just yet! These simple DIY projects will give your old art supplies a new lease on life, helping you save money and reduce waste while unleashing your creativity. Let’s dive into these step-by-step guides! 1. DIY Watercolour Paints with Dried-Up Markers What You Need: Dried-up water-based markers Small jars or containers Water Steps: Remove the caps from your dried-up markers. Place each marker (tip down) into a small jar or container filled with a small amount of...
Step-by-Step Guide: Creative DIY Projects with Leftover Art Supplies Got some dried-up markers, broken crayons, or old pastels lying around? Don’t toss them just yet! These simple DIY projects will...
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...
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...
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...
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,...
Get Creative with Crayola! Looking for a fun, creative activity for all ages? Crayola offers free printable colouring pages for both kids and adults! Whether you’re a Star Wars fan, love Disney characters like Mickey Mouse, or prefer intricate designs to unwind, there’s something for everyone. Colouring is a fantastic way to relax, boost creativity, and spend quality time with family. Simply download, print, and start adding your own artistic flair. Explore Crayola’s new colouring pages here or check out their adult colouring pages here. Get your favourite colours ready and let your imagination run wild!
Get Creative with Crayola! Looking for a fun, creative activity for all ages? Crayola offers free printable colouring pages for both kids and adults! Whether you’re a Star Wars fan,...
Add a Pop of Elegance to Your Watercolour Toolkit Upgrade your watercolour toolkit with the Da Vinci Pretty Pink Brush! Part of the exclusive Pretty Pink Edition, this size 2 round wash brush is perfect for detailed and fluid watercolour techniques. Crafted with precision, it features: Extra soft, wavy, white synthetic fibres for exceptional elasticity and colour absorption A sleek, vegan-friendly wooden handle for comfort and style Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just starting out, this brush offers the perfect blend of elegance and functionality. Don’t miss out—add this stunning tool to your collection today!
Add a Pop of Elegance to Your Watercolour Toolkit Upgrade your watercolour toolkit with the Da Vinci Pretty Pink Brush! Part of the exclusive Pretty Pink Edition, this size 2...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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....
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...
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....
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....
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...
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...
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...
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...
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!
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...
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...
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...
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