Written by:
Ellie I.

Spring is here and so is our SPRING EASTER SPECIAL! From now until April 1, take 40% off your highest priced non-sale item! Offer applies both in-store and online, but we’d love to see you and answer your questions in our downtown Minneapolis store.

Written by:
Ellie I.

Were you just wishing for another BIG SALE at Utrecht? Well then, this is your weekend! Friday, Saturday and Sunday is PAINT BONANZA!!! Save 30% on ALL Utrecht brand paints, including oil, acrylic, watercolor, fluid acrylic, and all Studio Series paints! This sale will last 3 WHOLE DAYS, from Friday, March 22 at 10am to Sunday, March 24 at 5pm. No coupon required, just your FREE REGISTERED ARTSMART CARD!

Questions? Call us at 612-339-3400 or email at store34@utrecht.com, or visit and speak with a friendly Associate at our Downtown Minneapolis location. We’re happy to help!

*Cannot be combined with any other offer or promotion. Valid on in-stock items only. Discount will be taken at the register once a registered ArtSmart card is scanned. Offer does not apply to Utrecht Best Buy sets or Gouache paints. Valid March 22-24 only.

Written by:
Ellie I.

Our staff receives many questions from customers about our oil paint selection. People often ask us, “What’s the difference between hand-made and machine milled paint?” While oil paints can be prepared either way, each process imparts unique properties to the final product.

Machine Milled: Unparalleled for reducing pigment to fine particle size, achieving optimal suspension and thorough dispersion with no large clusters. Machine processing by skilled craftsmen brings out the best color, appearance and coverage in pigments with multiple millings.

Hand Dispersed: Small batch preparation focuses on premium quality, traditional ingredients and high pigment load. Slow processing allows control over paint properties. Paints are prepared by hand with a glass muller, which is ideal for sensitive colors. The consistency from batch to batch depends on the skill and experience of each individual craftsman.

Hues: A “hue” (e.g. Cadmium Red Hue, Cerulean Blue Hue) indicates a substitute for more costly pure pigment colors. Since hues are blended from several different pigments, they provide different results on the palette than mixing with genuine pure color. Hues are great for high volume coverage or for painters who work with color straight from the tube with little or no mixing. They also are economical alternatives for budget-conscious artists and students.

Written by:
Ellie I.

Today we’re talking transfers! When you want to recreate an image from a photocopy, newspaper, inkjet or laser printer onto a painting surface, a transfer can be an effective and reliable technique. All you need to get started is an Acrylic Gel Medium and a few simple tools.

What You’ll Need:
- Acrylic Gel Medium (Gloss or Matte)
- Paintbrush (Flat or Bright)
- Printmaking Baren/Roller
- Photocopies, Color Prints, Newspaper or Magazine images (to transfer)
- Canvas, Artists Panel or Wood Panel (to transfer to)
- Container of water
- Sponge (optional)

First, put a think layer of acrylic gel medium (we recommend Utrecht or Golden brands) onto your photocopy, use just enough to make the surface tacky. Now, lay the transfer face down onto the surface of choice. Smooth out any lumps of medium with the roller, creating complete contact between your surfaces and the photocopy. Burnish the image with the back of a spoon. Allow the medium to dry for 10-15 minutes then peel back a corner to see if the image has transferred. If some of the image is incomplete, press it back down and wait an additional 10-15 minutes.

To remove the excess photocopy paper from your canvas or other surface, take a drop of water on your fingertip and gently rub away the paper.

The transferred image is delicate and can be damaged if rubbed too hard in the early stages of drying. When all the paper is removed you can apply layers of acrylic paint on top of the transfer or continue to create multiple transfer layers. You may apply oil colors over the acrylic medium just as easily, however, once oil colors are used on top of the transfer you must only use the oil medium through to completion.

For more information on techniques or Utrecht products, visit our Learning Center or stop in to our store to ask our knowledgeable staff!

Written by:
Ellie I.

Don’t fret just because Black Friday is over, we still have great deals going on through the weekend! Saturday, Sunday and Monday, save 25% throughout the store!* Some exclusions apply. No minimum purchase! Stock up and save!

Written by:
Ellie I.

One of our biggest sales of the year.  Save 40% on Utrecht brand and 25% on all other brands.  Some exclusions like our Best Buys and furniture apply.  Coffee and donuts for early shoppers!

Written by:
Ellie I.

Tomorrow is Back-to-School Saturday! Get 25% off for ONE DAY ONLY! Come for the tie-dye event at noon and stay to shop! Stock up on all your must-have back-to-school items and save money!

Written by:
Ellie I.

Now through Monday, get 15% off your purchase of $50 in-store with this coupon! Print it out or show us on your phone or tablet to redeem the offer.

Written by:
Ellie I.

Join us for this Plein Air painting event with visiting artist Richard Abraham on Saturday, July 14. We will meet at our Minneapolis store at 12 noon before heading to Boom Island Park (about 2.5 miles).

Written by:
Ellie I.

Save 20% in-store or online through Sunday with this coupon! Our store will be closed on Wednesday, July 4th, but we’re always open online! Happy Independence Day!