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Art Advice, Local Art Community & Inspiration

Gwartzman's is happy to provide insight to any questions you might have regarding art materials-- what's the difference between brush tip shapes? What does all the labelling on the back of a paint tube or jar mean? Find these answers and more below!

The art community can be a fantastic place to gain inspiration! Check out local artists that you may be familiar with, and some new art and new faces. Look inside studios big and small, and learn about some of our own favourite big names in the art world.
Sennelier Oil Pastels

Sennelier Oil Pastels

When we think of Sennelier oil pastels certain words immediately come to mind on how to describe them. Luscious , soft, smooth , creamy, think of lipstick for painters, or drawing with butter. In the 80’s when we first imported Sennelier oil pastels directly from France nobody was really familiar...
Watercolour Papers: Hot Pressed vs Cold Pressed vs Rough

Watercolour Papers: Hot Pressed vs Cold Pressed vs Rough

Texture and paper are very important decisions for all artists, especially for watercolour artists. However, there are so many options and names that it can get confusing so we're going to break down the basics by exploring cold pressed and hot pressed watercolour paper. Cold pressed paper is mad...
Art Project: Easter Eggs

Art Project: Easter Eggs

Easter is a beautiful holiday - in terms of the art, colours, and patterns. No matter if and how you celebrate the holiday weekend you'll no doubt see shades of pastel blue, pink, purple, yellow, and green and of course eggs! If you think about it, eggs are a blank canvas that you can decorate an...
A Short History of Plein Air

A Short History of Plein Air

June is Plein Air month here at Gwartzman’s! We spoke with New Wave, the makers of these amazing pochade boxes on June 8th on Instagram Live...
How to Read a Paint Tube

How to Read a Paint Tube

Buying paint when you’re unfamiliar with terms on the label can seem overwhelming and confusing, no matter if you’re buying in person or online.  
A Short History of Blue Pigments

A Short History of Blue Pigments

Blue is one of the primary colours in both traditional colour theory and in the RGB colour system. Blue has always been an important colour in art for thousands of years...