If you make, sketch, draft, or paint in Aotearoa, you’ve probably heard the name Gordon Harris. It’s a go-to art and graphic store for New Zealanders—from first-time painters to design professionals who live by pantone charts. This guide explains what Gordon Harris is, how to shop it smartly (online and in-store), what you can buy, the pros and cons, and practical steps to pick the right materials for your project.
By the end, you’ll know how to choose the right paints, paper, markers, brushes, and accessories with confidence—and how to get the best value from Gordon Harris without wasting time or money.
What is
Gordon Harris is a well-known art and graphic supply retailer in New Zealand. The brand focuses on materials for fine art, illustration, design, technical drawing, and craft. Think paints, canvases, specialist papers, markers, pens, pastels, easels, portfolios, cutting tools, adhesives, and studio essentials. If you need to draw it, paint it, cut it, mount it, or carry it, Gordon Harris is likely to stock it or a suitable alternative.
It serves a wide audience: school students building starter kits, uni students in architecture and design, hobbyists levelling up their skills, and professionals who need consistent, reliable brands. The mix covers budget-friendly lines through to premium, archival-grade gear.
You can shop Gordon Harris online across New Zealand, or visit physical stores where staff can help you compare surfaces, test swatches (where available), and match accessories. For many Kiwis, it’s the first stop for studio refills and project deadlines.
Who shops at Gordon Harris?
- Beginners assembling their first art set
- Illustrators, concept artists, and designers who need specific colours and tips
- Painters working in acrylic, oil, watercolour, or gouache
- Technical drafters, architects, and students needing rulers, compasses, and markers
- Teachers and schools sourcing classroom supplies
How it works
Gordon Harris sells through an online store and physical locations. The online shop lets you browse categories, filter by brand or medium, and check pricing in NZD. Many products include specs such as lightfastness, pigment codes, tip sizes, paper weights, and archival ratings—use these to match your needs without guessing.
In-store, you can often compare textures, weights, and colours in person, and ask for brand comparisons to find the best value. Staff are typically knowledgeable about surfaces, brush shapes, pigment behaviour, and which tools suit your level.
Delivery options generally cover NZ-wide addresses. For time-sensitive projects, look for delivery timeframes at checkout and consider in-store pickup if available at your nearest Gordon Harris location. Always check the current returns policy and stock status before you place an order.
Step-by-step: How to order from Gordon Harris online (and avoid common mistakes)
- Search by medium: start with “acrylic,” “watercolour,” “markers,” or “technical drawing.”
- Open 2–3 similar products: compare sizes, pigments, and price per ml or per sheet.
- Check stock and delivery estimates: make sure items will arrive before your deadline.
- Choose core colours first: white, black, primaries, and one warm/cool variation.
- Add surfaces to match: the wrong paper or canvas can waste good paint or ink.
- Include essentials: tape, palette, brush soap, spare nibs, blades, or a cutting mat.
- Review returns and warranty info: especially for tools, electronics, or expensive sets.
- Place your order and save your cart: useful for reordering studio staples later.
Types / examples
Below are common product areas you will find at Gordon Harris, plus who they suit.
Painting
- Acrylic paints: fast-drying, beginner-friendly, versatile on many surfaces
- Oils: slow-drying, blendable, rich colour depth for advanced layering
- Watercolours: transparent washes, portable, great for sketching on the go
- Gouache: opaque water-based paint, flat colour fields, vibrant illustrations
- Mediums and varnishes: flow improvers, retarders, gloss/matte finishes
- Brushes and knives: flats, rounds, filberts, liners, palette knives for texture
- Surfaces: canvas, canvas boards, gessoed panels, watercolour blocks
Drawing and illustration
- Graphite and charcoal: from HB to soft 8B, plus blending stumps
- Coloured pencils and pastels: wax- and oil-based pencils, soft and hard pastels
- Markers and pens: alcohol-based markers, fineliners, brush pens, technical pens
- Inks: waterproof, pigment-based, dye-based, calligraphy inks
- Sketchbooks and pads: mixed-media, marker, watercolour, toned paper
Technical and graphic
- Drawing boards and T-squares: for accurate layouts
- Compasses, rulers, French curves, set squares
- Cutting tools: craft knives, spare blades, guillotines, safety rulers
- Adhesives and tapes: spray mount, glue sticks, archival tapes
- Portfolios and sleeves: protect and present work safely
Studio essentials
- Easels and table easels
- Palettes (plastic, wood, ceramic) and mixing trays
- Brush cleaners, soaps, jars, rags
- Aprons, drop cloths, storage boxes, tool rolls
Comparison: Which paint fits your project?
| Paint medium | Best for | Drying time | Cleanup | Works on | Skill level | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acrylic | Versatile projects, quick results | Minutes to hours | Water (wet), soap | Canvas, paper, wood, primed panels | Beginner to pro | Studio studies, murals, mixed media |
| Oil | Rich colours, blending, glazing | Days to weeks | Solvent-based (use safely) | Primed canvas or panels | Intermediate to pro | Gallery pieces, layered techniques |
| Watercolour | Transparent washes, travel kits | Minutes | Water | Watercolour paper (cold/hot press) | Beginner to pro | Sketching, plein air, illustration |
| Gouache | Flat, matte colour, corrections | Fast | Water | Illustration board, paper | Beginner to pro | Design, poster work, animation |
Pros and cons
Benefits of buying from Gordon Harris
- Wide choice: a large range across painting, drawing, and technical tools
- NZ-focused: pricing in NZD and shipping options designed for local buyers
- Product depth: from student-grade to professional, archival materials
- Knowledgeable staff in-store: practical advice when you need it
- Online convenience: browse specs, compare options, order from anywhere
Potential drawbacks to consider
- Analysis paralysis: the range is big—easy to overbuy or duplicate items
- Availability: popular colours or sizes can sell out during semester peaks
- Shipping time: rural delivery may take longer—plan ahead for deadlines
- Budget creep: accessories add up; set a list and stick to it
How to use or choose
Picking supplies from Gordon Harris is simple when you match the tool to the job. Use the pointers below to build a reliable kit without waste.
Choosing paint the smart way
- Decide finish and pace: if you need fast results, try acrylic or gouache. For slow blends and glazing, pick oils.
- Start with a limited palette: a warm and cool of each primary, plus white (and black if needed). Learn mixing before expanding.
- Buy fewer, better brushes: a round, a flat, and a filbert cover most painting styles.
- Match the surface: watercolour paper for water-based washes; primed canvas or panels for acrylics and oils.
Paper and sketchbooks
- Weight: 90–120 gsm for dry sketching; 200–300 gsm for wet media.
- Tooth: more texture (tooth) grips charcoal and pastel; smoother paper favours ink.
- Binding: spiral for fieldwork and easy tearing; stitched for durability and flat spreads.
Markers and pens
- Alcohol-based markers: smooth blends, vibrant colour, may bleed—use marker paper.
- Pigment fineliners: waterproof, archivable line work; ideal for technical drawing.
- Brush pens: expressive lines for illustration and calligraphy.
Cutting and mounting
- Use a self-healing cutting mat and a metal safety ruler with a finger guard.
- Fresh blades are safer and produce cleaner edges.
- For displays, use archival tapes or spray mount according to the substrate.
Budget tips for shopping at Gordon Harris
- Compare price per unit (ml, sheet, or nib) instead of pack price alone.
- Build slowly: buy core colours and one or two specialty items per project.
- Try student-grade for practice and professional-grade for final pieces.
- Watch for promotions on bundles like brush sets or paper multipacks.
Comparison: Online vs in-store at Gordon Harris
| Shopping method | Best for | Advantages | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Fast reorders, rural delivery, comparing specs | Convenience, wide selection, easy price checks | Can’t feel textures; allow for delivery times |
| In-store | Testing papers, brush feel, colour matching | Hands-on advice, immediate pickup | Limited to store hours and local stock |
FAQ
What is Gordon Harris?
Gordon Harris is a New Zealand art and graphic store offering paints, papers, markers, technical drawing tools, and studio supplies for beginners through professionals.
Does Gordon Harris sell online to all of New Zealand?
Yes, you can order online for delivery across NZ. Check shipping options and timeframes during checkout, especially for rural addresses.
Is Gordon Harris good for beginners?
Yes. You’ll find student-grade sets, affordable brushes, and mixed-media sketchbooks that make starting simple without overspending.
Do they carry professional and archival materials?
They stock a range that includes professional-grade and archival options. Look for lightfastness ratings, pigment codes, acid-free papers, and solvent-safe tools.
How do I choose between acrylic, oil, watercolour, and gouache at Gordon Harris?
Base it on drying time, finish, and workflow. Acrylic and gouache are fast and forgiving; oils are slow and blendable; watercolour is transparent and portable. The comparison table above helps you pick.
Can I get advice in-store?
In-store staff can help compare brands and surfaces, and suggest the right tools for your level. Bring a reference artwork or brief if you have one.
Are there student-friendly options?
Yes. You’ll find value packs, starter sets, and bulk paper. Watch for promotions that align with semester start dates.
What if an item is out of stock?
Consider close equivalents (e.g., a different paper weight or brush size) or sign up for restock alerts if available. For deadlines, choose in-stock alternatives.
Any safety tips for solvents and sprays?
Use in ventilated areas, wear appropriate protection, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Store away from heat and children.
How can I save money when shopping at Gordon Harris?
Plan a list, compare unit prices, start with a limited palette, and wait for sales on big-ticket items like easels or marker sets.
Final thoughts
Whether you’re piecing together your first sketch kit or upgrading to archival papers and pro pigments, Gordon Harris gives New Zealanders a deep range to choose from. Use the steps and tables in this guide to match your medium to your project, compare like-for-like options, and buy what you’ll actually use. Fewer, better tools—and the right surface—will do more for your art than a crowded trolley ever will.