Opus Resource Library

Staff Picks for the Studio - Living A Creative Life

As part of our "Living A Creative Life" theme, we explored materials and tools that improve your creative space.

Whether they're bringing light, order, precision, or support, studio tools help facilitate the creative work that we want to be making.

The materials that show up in the final piece often receive the spotlight instead of the behind the scenes tools. So, we asked the Opus Staff to shine some light on tools that help them in their own creative spaces.

Opus Staff Picks for the Studio

Sta-Wet Painting Palettes

"The Sta-Wet palette has enhanced my experience painting with acrylics. This palette allows my paint to stay moist throughout my painting session. My paints stay workable up to two weeks, creating much less paint waste. It is a game changer for acrylic painters who paint in thin layers."

– Jasmine at Opus North Vancouver

SHOP STA-WET

Jasmine's Sta-Wet Palette

ArtBin Boxes & Cases

"The different compartments in the Art Bin makes it easy for me to have my art supplies organized, and allows me to transport them easily!"

– Eri at Opus Granville Island

SHOP ARTBIN

ArtBin Box full of paint brushes and acryla gouache.

Eri's ArtBin Essentials Lift Out Tray Box

Art Alternatives Cutting Mats

"There's a surprising amount of cutting, folding, taping, and gluing that goes into illustration. Having a large cutting mat like this, with the grid and measurements, helps keep those cuts even and square."

– Rachel at Opus North Vancouver

SHOP CUTTING MATS

Cutting Mat options from Art Alternatives

Toyo Steel Toolboxes

"The Toyo tool box is my go-to accessory for storing my favourite gouaches, and watercolour products. It fits my masking fluid, tapes, brushes, and more -- so I'm always equipped and ready to paint on the go."

– Kelsey at Opus Kelowna

SHOP TOYO STEEL TOOLBOXES

A Toyo Steel Toolbox full of art supplies.

Kelsey's Toyo Y-350 Camber-Top Toolbox

Editor's Note: If you look closely at Kelsey's Toyo Toolbox, you'll see an ArtBin nestled within – a staff pick within a staff pick!

Ceramic Palettes

"The paint colours show so vibrantly on ceramic, and the paints mix very smoothly together, getting the clean color I need. I use it for both watercolor and gouache on a daily basis."

– Betty at Opus Coquitlam

SHOP CERAMIC PALETTES

Betty's Ceramic Palette (Not currently available at Opus – click on the button to shop ceramic palettes.)

Bonus: Simple DIY Pencil & Brush Case

"My pencil case is the box that Blackwing Pencils are shipped in. It worked really well as-is, but I wanted to keep my brush points in shape so I hot-glued a small piece of elastic into it and it's the best travel case I've ever had!"

– Jess at Opus Coquitlam

A repurposed pencil box made into an art material kit.

Jess' Repurposed Pencil & Brush Case

Looking for More Staff Picks for The Studio?

Visit us in-store for help finding your favourite art materials and discovering something new! Opus is for artists, by artists, so our knowledgable staff are always ready to provide pointers and recommendations to set you on your way.