This store requires javascript to be enabled for some features to work correctly.
Gwartzman's Art Supplies is one of Toronto's most well known shops to buy anything and everything art related. Since the 1960's we've proudly served Toronto's Art Community. Gwartzman's strives to have the best prices in town or online, whether you're experimenting with Gouache for the first time, choosing a new acrylic medium or and oil painting master.
Every painter, no matter the medium will need paint, paintbrushes and a surface to paint on to get started.
Deciding on which paint you want to use will help you decide on the rest. Are soft, dreamy watercolours calling your name? Bright, vibrant acrylics? Or perhaps you'd prefer the favourite of renaissance masters, oils.
Watercolours can be an excellent starting point on your journey. We have affordably priced paints for the the student artist, right up to hand-mulled paints for professionals.
Some starter sets can be found from:
Watercolours can be kept in compact palettes willed with half or full pans, or bought as small tubes.
Pans:
Tubes:
Traditionally, watercolour brushes were made from squirrel or sable hair. While we still have those available, Gwartzman's also has a number of high-quality synthetic bristle brushes.
Watercolour brushes should be made to hold a lot of water and paint in their bristles. Generally speaking, the more expensive the brush, the more water it can carry.
Brush tip shape is another important factor. Rounds are commonly used, as they can go from a small point to a wide stroke with ease. Wash brushes or mottlers can help you put down large flat areas of paint in one long stroke. Angle brushes allow of sharp shapes and precision.
You can buy brushes individually or in sets from many brands at Gwartzman's, and a vast range of prices for the student to the professional.
Shop these brands below:
Selecting a high quality watercolour paper is arguably one of the most important choices you'll make as a painter.
Press refers to the surface texture of your watercolour paper. Hot press is smooth (like an ironed sheet). Cold press has texture. Occasionally you might see Rough Press, which has an even more pronounced surface.
Watercolour paper can be made of cellulose pulp, as many other types of paper are. Higher quality paper is made from 100% cotton. There are of course blends of wood and cotton, ready to suit any budget.
Our Favourite Brands of Watercolour Paper include:
Watercololur & Goauche are very similar paints. In fact, gouche is sometimes referred to as opaque watercolour.
Both paints are made by milled pigments into gum arabic (as well as some other ingredients). Gouache has flat, matte appearance that is prized for illustration, while watercolours remain transparent and luminous.
They can be used together in the same painting for different effects, or you can water down tube watercolours less and use them as you would gouache.
Our Favourite Gouache Brands:
Acrylic paints are a fairly recent invention, popularized by Liquitex in the 1960s. They are formed by an acrylic resin suspended in water. Although you can use acrylic paint to get watercolour-like effects, unlike watercolours, they are permanent once dry.
Acrylics are very flexible for the beginner artist. They dry quickly, and allow artists to paint cover any section of their canvas over and over without waiting long periods of time or ruining the substrate they're painting on.
Acrylics come in different forms. The most common being a Heavy Body paint, which allows for textures to be applied with brushes or palette knives.
Heavy Body Acrylics:
They can also come in fluid versions which are heavily pigmented and ink-like.
There are acrylic paints that mimic the flat, matte feel of gouache as well.
Acrylic paints allow artists huge amounts of creative freedom and expression, and the key to that is acrylic mediums.
Mediums can do all sorts of things, including changing the texture of your paint from thin, to heavy and textured, or even syrupy.
Mediums can also extend drying times, can allow you to change the paint surface to glossy, matte or satin.
Check out our favourite mediums below:
The choice of surface can significantly impact an artist's creative process and the final outcome of a piece. Let's explore the unique qualities of canvas, paper, and wood panels:
Canvas
- Versatility: Canvas is a classic choice suitable for a wide range of techniques, from oil and acrylic painting to mixed media.
- Texture: The textured surface of canvas can add depth and dimension to your artwork.
- Durability: When stretched properly, canvas is robust and can withstand handling and transportation.
- Flexibility: Canvas can be rolled for storage and transport, making it convenient for artists on the go.
Paper
- Affordability: Paper is often more economical than canvas or wood panels, making it ideal for experimentation and practice.
- Variety: Paper comes in numerous weights, textures, and colors, offering endless possibilities for different effects.
- Portability: Paper is lightweight and easy to carry, perfect for sketching and outdoor painting.
- Sensitivity: Paper responds beautifully to water-based media like watercolor, gouache, and ink, allowing for soft washes and blends.
Wood Panels
- Stability: Wood panels provide a rigid and stable surface, ideal for detailed work and mixed media techniques.
- Durability: Wood panels are less prone to warping than canvas and can withstand heavier applications of paint.
- Finish: Many wood panels come pre-primed, saving time and effort.
- Professional Appearance: Wood panels offer a clean, finished look that is often preferred for gallery exhibitions.
Ultimately, the best surface for you depends on your personal style, budget, and the type of artwork you want to create. Experiment with different surfaces to discover which one best complements your vision.
Oil painting offers a unique and rewarding experience for artists of all levels, especially beginners. Here are some key advantages:
- Longer Working Time: Unlike acrylics which dry quickly, oil paints dry slowly, giving you ample time to blend, correct mistakes, and experiment with different techniques.
- Rich Colours and Depth: Oil paints produce vibrant, deep colours that offer a luminosity and richness unmatched by other mediums.
- Versatility: Oil paints can be used to create a wide range of textures and effects, from smooth blends to thick impasto.
- Forgiveness: The slow-drying nature of oil paints allows for easier corrections and adjustments, making it a forgiving medium for beginners.
- Build Layers: Oil paints can be layered, allowing you to build depth and dimension in your work over time.
While oil painting offers many benefits, it's important to be aware of the potential drawbacks, such as the need for proper ventilation and the longer drying time. However, with the right preparation and approach, these challenges can be easily overcome.
Let's explore some of the most common art mediums:
Drawing and Painting Mediums
Watercolour: Transparent paints that blend easily for soft washes.
Acrylic: Versatile paints that dry quickly and can be used on various surfaces.
Oil: Slow-drying paints known for their rich colors and depth.
Gouache Opaque watercolors that offer vibrant colors and coverage.
Encaustic: Pigments mixed with hot wax for a unique textured look.
Graphite Pencil: Versatile and widely used for sketching and detailed work.
Relief Printing: Creating raised images on a surface and inking them.
Screen Printing: Pushing ink through a stencil onto paper.
Graphite Pencil: Versatile and widely used for sketching and detailed work.
Charcoal: Creates soft, expressive lines and values.
Ink: Offers precise lines and washes, often used in pen and ink drawings.
Pastel: Creates soft, chalky effects with a wide range of colors.
Gwartzman's has earned its reputation as a top art supply shop in Toronto for several compelling reasons:
Extensive Selection: They boast a wide range of art supplies, catering to artists of all levels and disciplines. From beginner essentials to professional-grade materials, Gwartzman's has it all.
Competitive Pricing: Known for its budget-friendly options, Gwartzman's offers quality art supplies without breaking the bank.
Expert Knowledge: The staff at Gwartzman's is often composed of artists themselves, providing invaluable advice and guidance to customers.
Community Focus: Gwartzman's has been a part of the Toronto art community for decades, fostering a strong connection with local artists.
Convenient Location: Situated in the heart of Toronto, Gwartzman's is easily accessible for artists and students alike.