Shopping Tips

Advice from some of our expert retailers:

Don’t be intimidated by an art materials store!  An art store is a place to explore, learn and be inspired.  Art materials are for everyone, not just “professional” artists.  Art is a language that everyone can speak.  We all know that a blue wavy line means water.  No one has to tell us this.  We all have a right or maybe even a responsibility to ourselves to explore the rich and concrete world of color, texture and shape.  Frequently this is done with traditional art materials.

Most employees in art materials stores love to create and love their supplies.  Ask questions.  If they don’t love to talk to you about the supplies, try another employee or another store!  Stop in when you are not feeling rushed.  Try to go when the store is not too busy - often, mornings are quieter. Wander around, look at a book.  If you are curious about a product, ask if there is any free literature about it. 

Some stores are very large and the selection can be dizzying.  You may need assistance understanding what the difference is between various tubes.  Ask!  I have a can in my kitchen cupboard with no label on it.  It looks like all the other cans.  It has been sitting there for three months because I have no idea what’s in it! 

Many items in art materials stores are labeled either in codes such as the ASTM, or in the vernacular of art materials (example: “acid free.") The one label you can understand is the price sticker!  In your own best interest, ask why various items are priced differently.  Generally, you get what you pay for.  Your results will vary from brand to brand.  Beware of super cheap paints and brushes or those that are given free as an “upgrade” to another item such as an easel. 

A nice place to start is a small student grade set from a reputable manufacturer.  You will likely find, if you are working with color, that you really need a ton of white.  Just go ahead and get it in the beginning.  From this beginning, you can add tools and colors of either professional or student grade.  Example: Your student grade paint set doesn’t have an intense purple that you need to achieve.  This is the time to forgo your latte and get a tube of something marvelous.

You do not need to set up a whole studio at the get-go.  Better to start small and use good quality materials.  Try some different things.  When you hit on something that you really love and that is working for you, then you can go crazy.  In the mean time you should be enjoying the process.  Your local art supply store will be your friend and haven by then. Pamela Neswald – Upcountry Fine Art, Makawao, HI http://www.wetsetter.com/upcountry_fine_art

Find an independent art supply store that you can build loyalty with. They will give you the best service and information if they see you keep coming back. Ask to be shown the products you need in order to achieve what you want to do. If you don’t know what you are looking for, explain to the store employee what you are trying to achieve. Remember, we all have questions or have asked them at sometime or another! Our employees are trained to answer your questions. James Cook – Cook’s Art Supply, North Canton, OH http://www.groups.aol.com/artistleague

If you are interested in taking up painting as a hobby or expanding your interest in art, call your local art supply store and make an appointment. The store owner, or another knowledgeable employee, will be more than happy to give you more information and make sure that you have all the supplies you need to get started. Kevin Jackson – Jacksons Drawing Supplies, Perth, West Australia

Additional Tips:
• Buy the best quality materials you can afford.  It will help you achieve a more desirable outcome.
• Don’t worry about the outcome of your work – just enjoy the experience.  You might surprise yourself!
• Don’t get frustrated.  Nobody picks up a brush for the first time and paints like Van Gogh or Monet.
• Take a beginner’s class so you can meet others
• Ask questions!  Many independent art store employees are artists themselves and are happy to share their knowledge with you.
• Make sure to explain to the art store employee what you are trying to achieve with your artwork.  They can help you choose the right materials.
• No one brand is best! Through experimentation, artists discover which colors and/or particular brands work best for them.
• Browse manufacturers websites for more information on their product. 
• Have fun!