Urban Sketching Week in Old Strathcona #USKWeek2024

Do you like to sketch on your own? Do you want to join a group to meet-up with and share your sketchbooks over coffee or drinks? Join us during a week long celebration of International Urban Sketchers Week World Wide taking place between May 1 – 7, 2024. You are invited! Come as you are […]

Watercolour Paint: An Introduction

The best reason to choose any painting medium is that you have an affinity for it: you have seen it at work, admire it, and want to use it. 1. Why choose watercolour paint? Watercolour is the one to choose if you want easily mixed, easily applied colour, simplicity of preparation and luminous results. If […]

Acrylic Painting

Welcome to the world of acrylics. Every medium has its strengths and weaknesses and we strive to unlock some of the mysteries of acrylic painting and help you maximize the use of the medium. 10 Frequently Asked Questions About Acrylics  1. Why choose acrylics? The best reason to choose any painting medium is that you […]

Gouache Painting – Top 10 Reasons to Love it!

 True art story “What is Gouache?” Gouache is pronounced “goo wash” and rhymes with squash. The first time I heard the word  ‘gouache’ mispronounced was by a student reading from her notes. Her teacher recommended she get a tube of white wash. At the time, I was a new employee at The Paint Spot. I […]

Big, Big Portrait! 12×12″

100+ art pieces on display. The theme is portraiture. The show runs June 26 to August 26, 2024 Naess Gallery at the Paint Spot 10032 81 Avenue. This Summer, The Paint Spot will fill our gallery and store, from front to back and side to side, with your portraits. A piece depicting only the face […]

Professional Practices: Flowers! at Naess Gallery

Exhibition runs: May 2 to June 21, 2024 Professional Practices: Flowers! Naess Gallery Opening May 9th 7-9 pm Exhibition: May 9 – June 21, 2024 10032 81 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB The Paint Spot, Naess Gallery and Artelier Studios is pleased to present new work by Artelier students. Artists who took part in “Professional Practices: […]

How Much Paint Do I need?

Tips for Acrylic Painters and Mural Artists for Estimating Paint Coverage. As an artist, you know that calculating how much paint you need for a project is crucial for budgeting and achieving the desired results. Painting large canvases or murals requires a lot of colour, time, and effort, so you don’t want to run out […]

12 Days of Christmas at The Naess Gallery

Christmas Art Show and Sale Original art is a wonderful Christmas gift idea. The Naess Gallery is pleased to exhibit art for sale by local art instructors from Artelier Studio and the staff of The Paint Spot. We encourage you to Invest in art because it adds a unique touch to spaces in your home […]

Sophie Graine at The Naess Gallery

Exhibition runs: September 29 to November 7, 2023 Artist Statement I like clouds, cozy mountain cabins, and camp coffee. I did not go to art school. Instead, I have been collecting little moments of the world outside. Running through crisp fall forest mornings, red leaves rimed with frost. Eating handfuls of huckleberries on a hillside. […]

Art Retreats to Italy

I made the effort to invest in myself and my art practice last year and went on a painting retreat to Italy with Karen Bishop. It was a wonderful week of daily adventures, new sights, all-day painting and drawing. Every day we had excellent food–I mean every meal was amazing and lunches are 2-hours long. […]

Sculpt a Creature Contest

Enter Sculpture Contest at The Paint Spot. Young artists under 15 are invited to create a sculpture and submit it for $275 in prizes.

Sidewalk Sale Event at The Paint Spot

We’re making room for new products this fall, so this summer event is the best time to pick up some great deals. There are many drawing materials, sketchbooks, portfolios, acrylics and oils so there’s something for every kind of artist, Drop by and try something new or pick up an old friend at a great […]

Big, Big Pop! 12×12″

100+ art pieces on display. The theme is pop culture. The show runs July 7 to September 26, 2023 Naess Gallery at the Paint Spot 10032 81 Avenue. The Paint Spot filled the gallery and store, from front to back and side to side, with your portraits of superheroes, political figures, comic characters, toys, gaming […]

Hanji Art

Eunju Park Exhibition at The Naess Gallery: May 26 – July 4, 2023. Artist, Enjun Park, shares her bold, abstract collages made from colourful, hand-torn, Korean mulberry papers called hanji. Artist Statement After living in Canada for the past decade, I started to feel a disconnect to my heritage, and wanted to explore traditional artifacts […]

Conversations with the Artificial I

Pam Baergen & Rick Rogers Artists’ Statement This collection of new works began as the continued exploration of “strangeness” in our previouscollaboration, Home, Home on the Brink (2020). Our intent for Conversations with the Artificial I wasto explore a new source of strangeness in the world: recent advancements in artificial intelligence.That intention shifted a little […]

Silverpoint

Silverpoint, or metal point, drawing as an art form has changed little over the centuries of its distinguished history. The artist working in silverpoint today has an intimate connection to the work of such revered artists as da Vinci and Rembrandt, as well as more recently, Picasso and Joseph Stella. As tiny particles of metal […]

Darren Woluschuk

Living Water The Darren Woluschuk exhibition Living Water runs January 6 – February 21, 2023 An exhibit of four drawings using Charcoal, Conté, Pastel, and Ink. Darren Woluschuk: Artist Statement Some German scientists have been studying that water has memory. Being fascinated with this idea, I decided to toy with a quote that Jesus said, […]

Laura Rezko

Laura Rezko: “What is the Handspeed Velocity of an Unladed Portraitist?” An expansion of the 2021 100 Day Project, “The Rapid Fire Rapid Portraits” by Laura Rezko. (#100rapidfirerapidportraits). Laura Rezko: Artist Statement When I chose the drawing time for the portraits of my 100 Day Project, I selected 3 minutes as a challenge to improve […]

ACK: Todd Safronovich & Kathy Bateman

ACK (Art Craft Kitsch) in the Naess Gallery at The Paint Spot 10032 81 Avenue Runs from October 6 – November 21, 2022 Artist’s Statement 2022 – ACK “For “ACK”, we wanted to play around with some of the differences associated with ‘Art’, ‘Craft’ and ‘Kitsch’. For example, if you remove the functionality of a […]

The Passing of a Mentor, Sidsel Naess Bradley

It is with a heavy heart that I share sad news. Sidsel Naess Bradley, the founder of The Paint Spot, passed away on Thursday, January 5, 2023. She missed her 80th birthday by just a few weeks. Gallery Exhibition for Sidsel The Memorial Art show and celebration of life for Sidsel N Bradley, artist, and […]

5 Tips for Using Etchr Accordion Sketchbooks

Etchr Accordion Sketchbooks unfold a world of creativity and exploration – they’re the perfect companion for culture vultures, illustrators, and creatives alike. Made with high-quality mixed media paper, there is plenty of room to experiment with new techniques and mediums. Here are our top five suggestions for working with this unique art book format. 1. […]

Where to Find Art Walks in Alberta

I’m ready to go, so let’s find art walks! Okay, now that you have your tent, grid wall, and all the gear you need to showcase your art, where do you find art walks in Alberta? Our research shows that most art walks are in the Edmonton region, but that could change in the coming […]

Adult Art Classes Outside Edmonton

Are you seeking art classes for adults outside of Edmonton? Many communities around the Edmonton area have active art clubs and associations offering a wide range of art education for all experience levels. We’ve compiled a few for you. Even so, if we’ve missed some let us know. Artelier Studios is run by The Paint […]

Sculpture and Pottery Classes in Edmonton

Here is a comprehensive list of places offering pottery and sculpture classes. Did we miss someone? Please contact Kim by email with a logo/image and details. We will add you to this resource list of pottery and sculpture classes in Edmonton. Bedrock Supply 9435 63 Ave, Edmonton AB Phone: (780) 434-2040 Email: Classes, studio space and supplies […]

Adult Art Classes in Edmonton

Here is a comprehensive list of places offering art instruction for adults in Edmonton. Did we miss someone? Please contact Kim by email with a logo/image and details. We will add you to this resource list of adult art classes in Edmonton. Artelier Studios 10045 81 Ave (entrance in back lane)located across the street from The Paint […]

Children’s Art Classes in Edmonton

Budding young artists will benefit from extra-curricular courses in painting and drawing. Here is a list of children’s art classes in Edmonton that we recommend for artists 12 years old and under. We are fortunate to have many high-caliber art instructors in the Edmonton area who are willing to share their time and talent teaching […]

Nicole Galellis: Suspended Spaces

Nicole Galellis’ Suspended Spaces at the Naess Gallery at The Paint Spot 10032 81 Avenue from August 22 – October 3, 2022. Artist’s Statement 2022 My abstract paintings bring to mind a variety of histories and sources. They reference the history of abstraction, but also embrace elements from my everyday surroundings: graffiti, ornament, tattoos, illustrations, […]

Artelier Studios – Parking & Map

Artelier Studios New Location at 10045 81 Ave (in the back alley) Artelier Studios has a NEW LOCATION for art classes by The Paint Spot and it’s located right across the street. Access the main entrance from the back parking lot. Please see the map below and instructions for parking at Artelier Studios. Artelier Studios […]

Artelier Event Rental Calendar

Check the calendar for visual art event availability. The Artelier event rental calendar is used by more than 30 instructors to track registration and available dates for workshops and events at Artelier Studios by The Paint Spot.  Do you want to host an art class, retreat, or workshop in our studio? Check below to see […]

Tips for Brush Lettering

Brush lettering is a beginner-friendly font that is easy to master. Once you have worked through these exercises, you will confident enough to address an envelope, write a header for your letter or even write the whole card! Getting started just got easier with these specials while supplies last. Beginner lettering set Includes everything you […]

5 Tips for Working with Nerpa Casting Epoxy Resin

Nerpa Casting Epoxy Resin is a made-in-Canada, low-odor, non-yellowing, made from recycled bio-based materials, designed to make it easy to create professional results. Here are 5 tips to make your next resin casting project a success. 1. How to avoid bubbles in my project? Temperature matters As a preventive measure, we recommend working with resins warmed to […]

6 Tips for Working with Nerpa Coating Epoxy

Coating Epoxy Basics Nerpa Coating Epoxy is formulated for use in projects like tabletop coatings, crafts, charcuterie boards, coasters, and arts. It is a medium-high viscosity, self-leveling, 24 hours curing time epoxy system. Here are basic notes to help you create a professional project. 1. Curing time Pot life Pot life can be described as the time […]

Artelier Cancelation Policy

Artelier Studios’ cancelation policy guarantees a full refund for cancelled classes. Participants who cancel three days before the event will receive the refund, a gift card, or a transfer to another class at Artelier Studios. Be sure to check for messages before heading out to a class. In rare cases, The Paint Spot or the […]

Andrea Larsen – Domestic Reject

Andrea Larsen’s Domestic Reject, an exhibition of oil paintings and pastel works by Andrea Larsen, runs July 8 – August 22 in the Naess Gallery at The Paint Spot. Watch the video to hear the artist share the concept behind her current work. Andrea Larsen – Artist Statement How do you create your own reality? […]

Feedback About Artelier Studios

Here are some of the comments we have received from our post-workshop evaluations. At Artelier Studios we are proud of the welcoming space and our talented and welcoming instructors. We also appreciate it when we receive positive feedback about our patrons’ experiences at Artelier Studios. We invite you to check often for classes that can […]

Where Can I Show My Art?

There are clear signs you’re ready to unleash your art on the world When your space is overrun by art, it’s hard to create. Clearly, it’s time to unleash your art and share it with the world. In sum, we’ll explore a few of the best places to show your art in Edmonton and begin […]

How to Find a Gallery to Show My Art?

12 tips for finding and working with a gallery to sell your art. Let’s explore the signs that it might be time to work with a gallery partner, then follow along for tips on how to find and work with a gallery to show your art. 1. Recognize you may need help to exhibit and […]

Cafes & Diners that Show Art in Edmonton

At The Paint Spot, we are often asked by artists, “Where can I show my art in Edmonton?” This resource is created to help artists find a spot in a café or restaurant to show their work. It is easy to negotiate space for hanging drawings, paintings, and photographs because it will help create an […]

16 Tips: How to Show Art in a Café

Have you visited a business, like a coffee shop or bookstore, and seen local art hanging on the walls and thought, “How can I show my art in a café?” Showing your art in alternative spaces is a great option for artists just starting out or not yet represented by a gallery. Hair salons, lawyer’s […]

Craig Talbot – A Flock of Birds

The Craig Talbot, A Flock of Birds exhibition runs May 26 – July 5, 2022 at the Naess Gallery at The Paint Spot. Exhibition runs May 26 – July 5, 2022 Craig Talbot – Artist Statement Instinct, raw emotion, honesty and courage are some of the themes that weave their way through my work. My […]

Water-soluble Materials

Review: Schmincke Liquid Charcoal and ArtGraf Graphite Have you tried liquid charcoals or water-soluble graphite? The Paint Spot has many new lines of greyish-black drawing materials that are transformed with the addition of water. Below are two demonstrations of four different water-soluble drawing materials. ArtGraf Water Soluble Graphite ArtGraf Water Soluble Charcoal Schmincke Kohle Liquid […]

SoFlat – Introducing Golden’s New Line

The new line of ultra-flat, matte paints By Samantha Williams-Chapelsky About three years ago, Golden Artist Colors, an acrylic paint company out of New York State, embarked on a journey of developing a super matte, ultra-flat acrylic paint. By 2021 Golden was ready to release SoFLAT – a low-viscosity, highly pigmented, flat acrylic with some […]

SolarFast

Sun prints in colour! SolarFast dyes only develop color and become permanent upon exposure to sunlight (UV). This unique property means it may be used to create remarkably detailed photographs, photograms, and shadow-prints on paper or fabric by harnessing the power of the sun! Anything you place on the painted surface to block the light […]

Cyanotype

The post is guest-written by Arlene Westen. Foolproof Sun-Printing I have been an art instructor for many years, and one of the most common remarks that I have heard from beginner students is, “I want to make art but I’m just not that creative.” I know that it’s not true, but my job as an […]

Beth Pederson – Yesterday’s Everyday

Beth Pederson – Yesterday’s Everyday exhibition Runs Thursday, December 9, 2021 – Sunday, January 16, 2022 at the Naess Gallery at The Paint Spot. Beth Pederson – Artist statement My work takes inspiration from my surroundings and the beauty I find represented in everyday objects. For this exhibition, Yesterday’s Everyday, I chose to focus on […]

#LivingFigureChallenge

Are you itching to get back into live figure drawing? If so, join us! #LivingFigureChallenge Missing Live Figure Drawing? We have the antidote #LivingFigureChallenge We have reference material available thanks to our favourite figure model Andrea Lewis and artist Harry Abbink. High-resolution photo packages are available to purchase online. The first sessions show Andrea at […]

Washi Art Talk

Join us for a special evening. This Washi Art Talk presentation will infuse your creative process with new possibilities.   Sigrid Blohm’s Washi Art Talk presented an introduction to washi-making, followed by images of artwork illustrating the characteristics of washi and how it’s used by artists. A particular focus will be on Heritage Washi and […]

Winners #LouvreYEG Mural Contest

The #LouvreYEG mural project was a collaboration between Procura Real Estate, Louvre Residences at Century Park and The Paint Spot. Check out the winning entries: View the Finished Art Participating Artists! This project is a collaboration between Procura Real Estate, Louvre Residences at Century Park and The Paint Spot.

Reflections – Dave Thomas

Dave Thomas’ exhibition Reflections exhibition runs from October 28 – December 7, 2021 at the Naess Gallery, The Paint Spot. Dave Thomas – Artist statement I aim to use the interplay between abstraction and realism to convey intangible and intuitive emotional material that is elicited by specific life experiences and world events. The process of […]

Bubble Gum – Jennifer Rae Forsyth

The Jennifer Rae Forsyth Exhibition Bubble Gum runs Thursday, September 23 – Tuesday, October 26, 2021 at the Naess Gallery, The Paint Spot. Jennifer Rae Forsyth – Artist statement I am a painter whose mediums include objects, images, and paint interchangeably. Paintings and mixed media works examine material culture. They focus on traces left in […]

Mark Henderson (Hende 27) – Tile Vision

Tile Vision by Mark Henderson runs from Aug. 5 – Sept. 14, 2021, at the Naess Gallery, The Paint Spot. Mark Henderson is a multidisciplinary visual artist who graduated from the University of Alberta Extension program with a certificate in Fine Arts. His creative endeavors encompass painting, printmaking, and photography, drawing inspiration from architecture, industrial […]

Block Printing School Projects

Block printing is a popular unit for all ages. Rubbings, found objects, and cardboard plates are ideal for younger students, and lino blocks and reduction printing can challenge senior students. Here are step-by-step project plans and videos to help you. We’ve compiled some block printing projects and techniques for different age groups. Block printing lesson […]

Gel Printing Projects for Schools

Here are our favourite three picks for simple effective gel printing projects using materials we stock. Speedball Gel Plates for gel printing Akua Inks Speedball Baren Speedball Brayer Arnhem paper Amy Nack with Wingtip Press demonstrates nature printing for elementary students using Akua Inks and Speedball Gel ink and 5″ x 7″ plates that come […]

Pierre Bataillard – Scribbles & Shapes

Exhibition: Scribbles and Shapes by Pierre Bataillard ran from June 24 to August 3, 2021, at the Naess Gallery, The Paint Spot. Artist statement – Pierre Bataillard In my work I seek freshness and spontaneity, to this end, there is no preliminary preparation such as sketches. I work directly on the final piece. Sometimes I […]

Where to Find Magic – Brie Adkins

Exhibition: Brie Adkins, Where to Find Magic, ran from May 13 – June 22 at the Naess Gallery, The Paint Spot. Brie Adkins Hello, my name is Brie Adkins and I live in a rural hamlet called Entwistle which is one hour West of Edmonton along the Pembina River. In which techniques do you mostly […]

SNAP 2021 – Member’s Print Exchange

This SNAP show features 23 artists who each created an edition of 6 prints based on their interpretation of this year’s theme Present Impressions. The theme had the participating artists consider what it means to make a print today and to be present in the here & now. Present Impressions allows us to reflect, remember, […]

Stencils – 50 Ways to Use Them

Jaime Echt from The Crafter’s Workshop shares a demonstration today on how to use one stencil in three different ways. Start with one great stencil, add sprays, molding paste, and watercolor paper and you’ll have three beautiful creations! We want to thank Jaime for her excellent demo on stencils. The Paint Spot team went wild […]

Marabu Colour for Mixed Media

Marabu art crayons Are you looking for innovative tools for drawing and painting mixed media? Check our Art Crayons and Art Sprays videos and project ideas. Number of Colors Available 25 + Blender Most permanent workable surfaces paper, gesso, wood, dry acrylic mediums and grounds, plaster, bisque-fired clay, and most absorbent or semi-absorbent surfaces Least […]

Sara Norquay and Mark Dutton – Implications of a Relationship

Norton, with Sara Norquay and Mark Dutton showed at the Naess Gallery from April 1 – May 11, 2021. Watch their artist talk that discusses their collaboration and process. Norton artist statement – Sara Norquay and Mark Dutton Norton is the name of the collaboration between Sara Norquay (woodcut) and Mark Dutton (silkscreen). There are […]

Tim Mikula

The Tim Mikula exhibition ABLegGiftShop ran at the Naess Gallery at The Paint Spot from Jan. 6 – Feb. 16, 2021. Tim Mikula – artist statement The ABLegGiftShop chronicles the surreal cast of characters and the state of affairs in contemporary Alberta politics. It began with the Kijiji sale of a haunted portrait of Jason […]

Hailey Coogan – Chroma

The Hailey Coogan exhibition Chroma ran from Nov. 27 – Dec. 31, 2020, at the Naess Gallery, The Paint Spot. Watch her artist talk below. What is your name and where do you live (city)? Hi, I’m Hailey Coogan and I live in Edmonton. In which techniques do you mostly work? I tend to like […]

Melissa Baron – Studying the Sky

The Melissa Baron exhibition Studying the Sky ran at the Naess Gallery at The Paint Spot from Oct. 13 – Nov. 24, 2020. You can watch the artist’s talk below. Melissa Baron – About the exhibition My interest in skies began with colour-drenched winter sunrises. In the darkest moments of the year, the start of […]

Mussini® Oils by Schmincke – The History and Beauty

MUSSINI® represents the finest resin oil paint, based on the old masters’ formulations guarded by Cesare Mussini. Schmincke optimized the formulation using modern techniques, and raw materials, making them both traditional and modern. The character and the quality of MUSSINI® are unique throughout the world and meet the requirements of demanding artists. Cesare Mussini Cesare […]

Making Your Own Paint – Tips

Have you considered following in the footsteps of the old masters and making your own paint? It’s certainly one way to become more intimately involved with your artwork. We offer some tips, tricks, and products to help you along your journey. Making your own paint with pigments and binders from Schmincke Many artists, even today, […]

SolarFast Sun-Powered Printing

Easily create sun-powered photographic art prints and one-of-a-kind T-shirts with SolarFast by harnessing the power of the sun! The  SolarFast Starter Kit comes with everything you need to get started, except the sun. Fabric painting: Printmaking starter kit Whether making prints from drawings, photographs, folds, or objects, on paper, fabric, canvas, or clothing, the starter kit […]

Sun Printing Botanicals on Fabric with Dye

We offer two options for sun printing with dye on fabric and creating gorgeous pieces using easily-found botanicals and other whimsical materials. Fabric Painting: Sun printing with dye! Materials: Dye-Na-Flow Fabric Paint in a colour of your choice or SetaColor Transparent fabric paint in a colour of your choice Any smooth fabric. Try prepared Silk Hoops of […]

DIY Indigo Shibori Dyeing

Follow the post and watch the video to learn how to approach a successful DIY indigo Shibori dyeing project. Pre-reduced indigo instructions Read through all instructions before beginning. Extremely easy to use, pre-reduced indigo makes setting up an indigo vat almost effortless. This specially formulated indigo is already 60% reduced so it allows you to […]

Gilding with Gold Leaf – Tips

Here is a video showing bad and good techniques for gilding with silver leaf. Gilding supplies Gesso Acrylic paint Gold leaf size (oil-based or water-based adhesive) Imitation leaf (booklet is 25 sheets of 5”x5”) Soft hair brush for applying gesso and size Squirrel hair brush for burnishing gold leaf Scissors Tips for gilding – Method […]

Encaustic Painting: Getting Started

Encaustic painting material is composed of natural beeswax and pigment; damar resin is most often added, sometimes other waxes or oil paint, too. Molten encaustic, applied to a surface, is fused by applying even heat to create a lustrous, enamel effect. The waxy, semi-translucent natural colour of beeswax imparts an exquisite visual property. Encaustic can […]

Drawing Project Ideas for Schools

A few years ago The Paint Spot hosted workshops called Teacher Tuesdays. From 8 to 12 junior high and senior high teachers attended. We shared product knowledge and tossed out a few art project ideas for the teachers to experience. Getting the feedback was important – the art therapy was greatly appreciated. Out of these sessions, […]

How to Price Your Artwork

Things to think about before you price your artwork for art walks & other festivals There are many questions to consider when pricing a work of art, therefore, determining the price of your masterpiece can be tricky. Pricing your artwork can be daunting and even emotional for many artists. Time, talent, materials, education, research, marketing, […]

Varnish a Watercolour

Imagine if you could varnish a watercolour like an acrylic or oil painting and frame it without a mat or glass. The appeal is great — no more glare, no more cracked or broken glass, lighter to transport, and easier to store. The good news: There are now a number of new products to help […]

Watercolour Brushes – How to Choose

Most brushes comprise of a handle, usually wooden; a ferrule, usually metal; and hair: natural animal hair, synthetic ‘hair’, or a blend of the two. Watercolour brushes are designed to suit watercolour, not oil or acrylic paint. Brushes vary hugely in price, size, shape, and material. Brush quality varies, too, so it is wise to […]

Oil and Acrylic Brushes – Tips

Examples of oil and acrylic brushes

Watercolour Pan Sets – Why Choose Schmincke?

In this post let’s discuss the advantages of watercolour pan sets as opposed to tubes. Watch the video above for insight into selecting the right pan set and learn practical tips for making your compact watercolour travel set. What are advantages of pans vs. tubes? Watercolour painting is one of the most popular painting techniques. […]

Fabric Painting

Follow along to learn three techniques to approach creative and beautiful fabric painting projects. 3 easy techniques Jacquard Dye Na Flow is an excellent textile paint and will create professional results in your custom-painted art and wearable items. The paint comes ready to use and can be thinned with water to create lighter or pastel […]

Varnish an Oil Painting

Not everyone chooses to varnish their oils. The benefits of applying a coat of varnish to an oil painting are to improve the appearance, unify the finish of a painting and get rid of ‘sunken-in’ areas. Varnish makes a painting easier to clean and provides a barrier to dust, pollutants, and physical damage. 10 Tips […]

Big, Big Studio Still Life Show

We all love art materials! Let’s paint a still life to honour these humble materials, collections of creative tools, or favourite brands that work so hard for us. For our 35th Anniversary in May 2020, we’re filling our walls from front to back and side to side with your paintings of art supplies and studio […]

Varnish a Painting – 12 Tips to Help You

Not everyone chooses to varnish their painting. The benefits of applying a coat of varnish to an acrylic painting are: to improve the appearance of, and unify the finish of the work; to make it easier to clean; to provide a barrier to dust, pollutants, and physical damage. This post will help you avoid some […]

Inktober 2019

We are taking on the InkTober challenge! Follow our Instagram @thepaintspot to see all the drawings and highlighted materials. @jakeparker                                                                          […]

Gamblin Oil Painting Tips

Gamblin has solvent-free alternatives Back to school is often the time we hear the perennial concerns over oil painting and solvents in the classroom. Fear not, Gamblin has safe alternatives. Here are links to practical advice. Gamblin’s mission is to lead oil painting and printmaking into the future. This means crafting materials as they ought […]

35th Anniversary Sketchbook Exchange Project

Let’s take a moment to note and celebrate our history through a little visual storytelling. We invite you to help us illustrate an archive. Over the next several months we are hosting a sketchbook exchange project. Add a drawing, painting, cartoon, doodle, or caricature to our book and we will add art to your book. […]

Mehndi Henna Body Art

The Mehndi Henna body art is a tradition that spans more than 5,000 years, the people of India, Africa and the Middle East have practiced the beautiful and mysterious art of painting on the body with preparations using the henna plant. History The art form is referred to as Mehndi In India and in the […]

Introduction to Oil Pastels

In 1949 Pablo Picasso asked Henri Sennelier to create a completely new medium that had the qualities of oil paint and soft pastel in an easy-to-apply stick form. Picasso told Henri, ‘I want a coloured pastel that I can paint on anything…wood, paper, canvas or metal without having to prepare or prime the surface.’ This […]

Introduction to Soft Pastels

Imagine pure artists’ pigments coming directly from your fingertips. Soft pastels, or chalk pastels, are the most direct medium for working in colour. Pastels are basically pigment and chalk compressed with a small amount of gum tragacanth, with no additives or solvents. You won’t need many tools to create stunning works of art. Here are some […]

DIY Repair a Small Canvas Tear

A small tear in a canvas can be heartbreaking. Luckily, most can be fixed reasonably successfully. This DIY canvas repair is best left to the artist. Here are step-by-step tips to help you with your DIY canvas repair SUPPLIES Acrylic gel Palette knife #12 unprimed canvas Sheets of disposable palette paper or glassine A heavy […]

How to Buy Art

Becoming a collector of art The Whyte Avenue Art Walk provides new patrons with the opportunity to meet emerging and established local talent. With 400+ artists exhibiting at Art Walk it can be hard to know where to start, so we want to offer some suggestions on how to buy art. It is our hope […]

Street Art Contest During Art Walk

Registered aerosol artists will be spray painting on the fence of the construction site on Whyte Avenue between 106 St and 107 St (across from the Varscona Hotel) during the street art contest. #SOUTHPARKONWHYTE #STREETARTCONTEST during the street art contest. Please use the artists’ Instagram handles and the hashtags #southparkonwhyte and #yegartwalk. Share images of […]

10 Mural Tips for Artists

Public art and mural painting

Masking Fluid for Watercolours

Masking fluid is like latex glue. It is sometimes called ‘liquid frisket.’ It is a slightly rubbery substance that can be applied to watercolour papers to preserve the white areas that are too tiny or complex to paint around. Why use liquid frisket The main reasons to use masking fluid are: to protect the white […]

Host Your Own Shibori Party!

Sometimes, you just need to do something creative—and why not share that with a group of friends, neighbors or colleagues? Make a day of it with this Shibori party tea towel workshop. Luckily for me, my day-to-day is working in the Art Materials Industry. I have taught courses and led demos on a huge range […]

Egg Decorating: The Art of Pysanky

Layers of beeswax and dye are used to create beautiful designs on Ukrainian Easter Eggs. Generations of Ukrainians handed down the tradition of Easter egg decorating. They are famous the world over for their colorful Easter Eggs (Pysanky). More than 2000 years ago, before the time of Christ, people decorated eggs believing that great powers […]

How to Write an Artist Statement

You’re ready to show your work! Whether at a gallery or an Art Walk, you’re going to need to write an artist statement. The artist’s biography and artist’s statement are required documentation when submitting works for a show, gallery, or event. Most people visiting the Art Walk website don’t know you, so you need to […]

Tips for Buying Gifts for Artists

Beautiful art materials are timeless gifts. Do you struggle when buying gifts for artists? Do you have an artist or maker on your list? Inspire their creativity with beautiful and practical materials. Did your Mom or Dad do art when they were younger but put brushes aside to work or raise a family? Perhaps now is […]

DIY Gifts – Ideas You Can Make

There’s nothing like receiving thoughtful DIY gifts that are made with love and creativity. DIY Gifts – Think Like an Elf and Make It Yourself  Every year at The Paint Spot we draw names to exchange a handmade gift for our annual company Christmas party. It’s appropriate for The Paint Spot. After all, we are […]

Watercolour Projects – 10 ideas for Beginners and School Teachers

We have gathered videos and printable PDFs of some of our favourite watercolour projects. Basic supplies are also linked for sale. In the first video below the lesson plan is how to paint a fried egg with watercolours. Next up is a demonstration of how to paint a sleeping cat, followed by an exploration on […]

Acrylic Painting – 10 Step-by-Step Projects for the Classroom

Get ready to explore some ideas for acrylic painting projects to use in classrooms or for beginners. Acrylic colours are quick-drying paints based on 100% acrylic resin (a synthetic dispersion). When applying acrylic paints thinly and/or thinned with water, a watercolour effect can be obtained. Usually, however, acrylics are applied thickly and the result appears […]

Gouache Paint – Easy Projects for Beginners

Like watercolour paint, gouache paint is a water-based medium.  Watercolour paint is generally transparent and can be lightened by dilution, which allows more of the white paper visible. Gouache’s opaque nature means it dries to a matte finish and obscures the layers below.  This characteristic also allows gouache to be used on coloured papers and […]

Pentel Fabric Fun Pastel Tips

Use Pentel Fabric Fun Dye Sticks to create fun projects. Follow along for instructions, then get ready to dig in! Materials Draw directly onto most textiles using these oil pastels. Enjoy a quick and immediate way to create dramatic, unique designs. Pentel Fabric Fun Dye Sticks (Set of 12) are special crayons to be used on fabrics. […]

What Makes Schmincke Soft Pastels So Good?

Working with Schmincke finest extra soft pastels leads you back to the origin of colour and is a real painting experience rather than simple drawing. Why are Schmincke Pastels so soft and beautiful? It is the unique manufacturing process that makes the pastel so soft and non-crumbly. Watch the video to see how they are […]

The Big, Big Pet Portrait Show 2018

In the summer of 2018 we filled our walls from front to back and side to side, and the Artisan Nook too, with the Big, Big Pet Portrait Show. Artists painted portraits of pets, as in pet iguanas, puppies, peeves, rocks — whoever/whatever your pet may be. Everyone was invited to participate! It’s as easy […]

Body and Face Painting: with Caran d’Ache

Here are some tips for face painting, passed on to us by people who have painted thousands of children’s faces. Although Caran d’Ache water-soluble wax pastels do not have official cosmetic approval, they are accepted by the hobby and toy industry, which means kids can get them on their skin and even eat them without […]

POSCA Paint Markers

Since 1983, POSCA water-based paint markers have been used by professionals, beginners, and children for artistic creation, creative crafts, hobbies, decorations, urban art, educational activities, and fine arts. The markers work on almost any surface –  paper, wood, textiles, cardboard, metals, ceramics, glass, plastics, and more. POSCA’s aim is to create an artists’ community and […]

Even More Mixed-Media with Marabu

Do you want to add a bit of colour quickly to keep up with your mixed-media creative flow? Check out these two videos featuring new products from Marabu products. Yes, we stock these products! Just click on the order buttons to see the colour range and sale price. Art crayon and mixed-media: Highly pigmented and water […]

Gift Cards – Top 10 Uses

There are so many uses for gift cards and artists find the most creative application for these little plastic marvels. Besides scraping ice off car windows, little plastic cards are handy and can be used for many art applications. A few handy ideas for gift cards… a carving tool for wax and encaustics a scraping […]

Schmincke Mussini Oil Colour Videos

If you love colour you will love these beautiful videos about Schmincke Mussini Oil colours. Artist Suzie Morris shares her atmospheric and multi-tonal technique for oil painting. There is some unexpected and wonderful colour mixing suggestions to liven up your palette. The videos are divided by hue so pick your favourite or pick the one […]

Ruby Red Face Paints – Tips and Videos

Ruby Red Face Paints is a hypoallergenic vegan product. It contains no lanolin, parabens, nuts, gluten, animal products, fragrance, or latex. How to apply Ruby Red face paints Ruby Red Face Paints are sold in cake form and are water-activated. When you first open it, you can press your finger slightly into the semi-moist product. […]

5 Reasons to Take Art Classes

What’s your resolution for the New Year? Is it to make time for yourself and find your creativity? Start with us. We can relate to the many reasons for procrastinating, but would rather offer reasons to get going. So let’s share 5 great reasons to take art classes. Why start art at The Paint Spot’s […]

Pens for Writing and Drawing

A good pen feels good in your hand. It makes you want to write, draw and doodle. The Paint Spot is proud to stock many popular lines of writing pens. The best way to select a pen is to try it and see how you like it. If it feels good and fits your style, […]

How Did We Make the Paint Spot 6 Murals? #PaintSpot6 Murals

It has been a 6-year process to improve the exterior of our building and it didn’t start with our Paint Spot 6 murals. Our goal was to transform the utilitarian, cement-block structure into a work of beauty.  During the summer of 2010, we painted the long wall a deep purple colour. Even back then, it was […]

For the Love of Handwriting!

In the middle of the last century, pens were everywhere. Good penmanship and handwriting were valued. Can the art form make a comeback? There were fountain pens, writing implements with internal ink reservoirs and metal nibs, and ballpoint pens (you know, the kind that nerds in old movies have lined up in their breast pockets […]

Fabric Painting For Beginners

When it comes to painting on fabrics we’ve got paints, tools, practical advice, and how-to videos fabric painting for beginners. Follow along with these videos and instructions for ideas. Tips for getting started painting on fabric With so many mixable colours from which to choose, our fabric paint allows for many designer combinations. Watch the […]

Handmade Costumes Are The Best

Ruby Red face & body paint

5 Tips for Filling Your Sketchbook

This January we honour the sketchbook. Read on for great tips for staying motivated and filling them up! A fresh start to the New Year begs for a fresh new sketchbook. A new book speaks of the unlimited potential and of great things yet to be discovered and recorded. There is a sequence in each […]

10 Tips to Find Time for Art

How can I find time for art within my busy schedule? Where does one find time for activities and things we are passionate about? It is a struggle for every person to find time for creativity in their busy life. Work, school, family and friends, and all the other priorities we juggle daily offer enough […]

54 Things You Can Make with Handmade Papers

The Paint Spot carries many handmade papers. Japanese Paper Place and St Armand are our favourites. Paper Mulberry (Saa) Modern artists, craftspeople, and hobbyists have vastly expanded the range of applications for mulberry paper, called Saa in Thailand and chiyogami in Japan. The most common uses are probably as cover papers for bookbinders, and as […]

Top 5 Reasons to Start Art

Here are reasons we think art is essential for everyone and why you should start art. Everyone can start art Create balance and harmony in your life. Creating is a joyful act, playing with colour reduces stress, and busy hands can be a welcome distraction. Remember the joy you got as a kid as you […]

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