Main Art (Derivan NZ) is a family owned, New Zealand business founded in 1974 to supply the first acrylics to schools. Today we import and distribute a comprehensive range of art materials for both the art student and the professional artist and offer specialised advice on how to use these products.

Initially products were sourced from two innovative suppliers in Australia - Art Spectrum and Matisse-Derivan.

Matisse-Derivan use advanced technology to produce a high quality range of acrylics for all artists from the Matisse Professional Acrylic to the Derivan Acrylics for those beginning in art. Acrylic Mediums, Fabric Screen Paints, Block Printing Inks and Face & Body Paints are also available in the Derivan range.

Art Spectrum offers a traditional range of fine art materials including oils, gouache, watercolours and inks. Traditional methods of production are combined with the latest technology to produce products that conform to world-wide standards for lightfastness. These products are now accepted around the world and are popular due to their unique range of colours and their ability to provide a quality product at a price that is affordable to all artists'.

In late 1990 we expanded our range to include a selection of pre-stretched canvases. The Museum Stretched Canvasses are hand-stretched in New Zealand, ensuring a high standard suitable for professional artists.

The launch of Old Holland Classic Oil Colours in 2005, recognised by artists as one the best oil colours available in the world, followed by Escoda Brushes (handmade in Spain) and Jullian Easels (Paris) means we now offer one of the most comprehensive range of products for the fine art industry.

Our aim is to provide a high quality range of art materials to artists' and we are committed to offering our customers a personal, friendly and professional service.