Art supply stores offer a wide range of materials for artists of all levels. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced artist, selecting the right paints, canvases, and tools can be challenging. This guide will help you navigate art supply stores and make informed decisions. We will cover the types of stores, what to look for in paints, canvases, and tools, and practical shopping tips.
Types of Art Supply Stores
Art supply stores generally fall into a few categories: specialty art stores, general craft stores, and online retailers. Specialty stores focus on fine art materials and often have knowledgeable staff. General craft stores carry a broader range of supplies, including art materials, but may have limited selection. Online retailers offer convenience and often lower prices, but you cannot physically inspect items. Understanding these differences helps set expectations.
Specialty Art Stores
- Focus on fine art supplies.
- Staff may be artists or trained to offer advice.
- Higher-quality products, but prices can be higher.
General Craft Stores
- Carry art supplies alongside crafts, framing, and home decor.
- Selection may be limited to popular brands and student-grade materials.
- Convenient for one-stop shopping.
Online Art Supply Retailers
- Vast selection, including specialty items.
- Read reviews and check return policies.
- Shipping costs and delivery times vary.
Choosing Paints at Art Supply Stores
Paints come in several types: acrylic, oil, watercolor, and gouache. The type you choose depends on your medium and project. When shopping, consider the following.
Paint Types and Uses
- Acrylic: Fast-drying, water-soluble, versatile.
- Oil: Slow-drying, rich colors, requires solvents.
- Watercolor: Transparent, water-based, used on paper.
- Gouache: Opaque watercolor, matte finish.
Student vs Professional Grades
- Student grade: More filler, less pigment, affordable for practice.
- Professional grade: Higher pigment concentration, better lightfastness, more expensive.
- Stores often organize by grade.
What to Check on Labels
- Pigment information: single pigments vs mixtures.
- Lightfastness rating: indicates fading resistance.
- Consistency: heavy body, soft body, fluid.
- Volume: tubes vs jars vs pans.
Sets vs Individual Tubes
- Sets offer a range of colors at a discount, good for beginners.
- Individual tubes allow you to replace frequently used colors.
- Consider your palette needs.
Selecting Canvases
Canvases come in various forms: stretched canvas, canvas panels, and canvas boards. The choice depends on your painting style, budget, and intended use.
Stretched Canvas
- Made of cotton or linen stretched over a wooden frame.
- Cotton: affordable, smooth texture; linen: durable, premium.
- Check for tight stretching and primed surface.
Canvas Panels and Boards
- Canvas adhered to a rigid board.
- Lightweight, portable, economical.
- Good for studies and plein air painting.
Key Features to Inspect
- Priming: acrylic gesso or oil primer. Acrylic gesso works for both acrylic and oil paints.
- Texture: fine, medium, or rough. Affects brushwork.
- Size and shape: standard vs custom.
- Quality: no loose threads, even coating.
Picking Tools: Brushes, Palettes, and More
Tools are essential for applying paint and creating effects. When shopping, consider the following.
Brushes
- Bristle types: natural (hog, sable) vs synthetic.
- Natural: hold shape, good for oil and acrylic; synthetic: durable, good for watercolor and acrylic.
- Shapes: round, flat, filbert, fan, angular.
- Sizes: start with a few versatile sizes.
- Quality: check for secure ferrule and no shedding.
Palettes
- Materials: wood, plastic, glass, ceramic.
- Wood: for oil, requires conditioning; plastic: affordable, easy to clean; glass: easy to clean, heavy.
- Types: handheld, studio, disposable.
Other Tools
- Easels: tabletop, studio, plein air.
- Mediums and solvents: for thinning and altering paint.
- Storage: boxes, cases, portfolios.
Practical Shopping Tips
- Make a list and set a budget.
- Compare prices between physical and online stores.
- Ask store staff for advice.
- Check return policies, especially for online purchases.
- Look for sales and discounts.
- Consider starter kits vs individual items.
- Test products if possible (e.g., open stock brushes).
- Read reviews for online purchases.
Conclusion
Choosing paints, canvases, and tools at art supply stores involves understanding your needs and the options available. By knowing store types, reading labels, and inspecting quality, you can make confident purchases. Remember to ask for help when needed and start with basic supplies as you grow. For more guidance on art materials and creative projects, explore our other articles.