Ever felt overwhelmed staring at a computer screen, trying to pick the perfect set of paints or brushes online? It’s like walking into a giant, digital art store with no map! Finding the right online art supply shop can feel like a treasure hunt where you aren’t sure if you’ll find treasure or just junk.
It’s tough because you can’t actually touch the paper or smell the fresh oil paints before you buy. You worry about shipping costs, slow delivery, and whether the colors you see on your screen match the real thing. These little worries can stop your creative flow before it even starts!
Don’t let online shopping stress you out. This post cuts through the noise. We will show you exactly what to look for, what questions to ask, and how to find the online store that feels just right for your projects. Get ready to stock your digital cart with confidence!
Top Online Art Supply Store Recommendations
- MADE TO MAKE IT EASY Unrivaled range of 120 pencils arranged in color families; named, numbered and color-coded for unerring selection: just flip between the layers of the protective, go-anywhere, fabric zip-around case
- SOFT YET DURABLE Latest advanced formulation by in-house artists and technicians results in cores with soft, buttery laydown that also defy crumbling under pressure and hold their point.
- A JOY TO USE Intensely pigmented, rich, creamy colors for smooth coverage and effortless layering, blending and burnishing to add texture and achieve the perfect shade – on paper, eggshell, canvas, wood and more.
- BUILD YOUR SKILLS Unique fold-out tutorial enables you refine your colored pencil skills by re-creating the stunning galleon illustration on the sleeve cover.
- TESTED AND TRUSTED BY ARTISTS – Developed and approved by our in-house artists to ensure consistently great results. Trusted by over 3.5 million artists worldwide.
- 12 CRAYOLA MARKERS: 12 dazzling Crayola Broad Line Markers to ignite your artistry & celebrate your chromatic flair!
- BROAD LINE MARKERS: Boldly craft powerful expressions, master shading & layering, & explore boundless creativity.
- WASHABLE FORMULA: Fear stains no more! Ultra Clean Washable Markers wash easily from skin, clothes, & surfaces.
- INSPIRE CREATIVITY: Provide countless hours of enchanting artistry for kids and trusty coloring buddies for parents.
- ESSENTIAL SCHOOL SUPPLIES: Embark on an epic back-to-school journey with versatile Crayola markers for notes, projects & artistic feats!
- A complete premium quality professional 162-piece mega deluxe art creativity artist painting, sketching, and drawing set that contains everything an artist needs to create their masterpieces! Aspiring artists, art students, and professional artists love using this fun, safe, and easy-to-use art painting and drawing set! This set makes an excellent gift for birthdays and holidays.
- This set includes an incredible 142-piece art set in a wooden case and storage drawer containing 24 premium professional-grade watercolor paint color cakes, 3 mixing trays, 2 two camel hair brushes, 24 premium oil pastel colors, 24 premium colored pencils, 60 premium wax crayons, 2 - 2B graphite pencils, pencil sharpener, eraser, and a ruler.
- This unique creativity set also comes with 20 additional pieces; a 24 sheet 9" x 12" watercolor painting paper pad, a 30 sheet 9"x 12" premium sketch paper pad, an 80 sheet 5.5" x 8.5" premium hardbound field sketchbook, 15 premium paintbrushes, a plastic painting palette, and a double-sided color mixing wheel.
- Beginning artists will appreciate this supply-packed, comprehensive set. Whether working in colored pencil, oil pastel, watercolor, or with a traditional drawing pencil and crayon, everything you need is included. All the sets components are fully organized within the compartments of a beautiful wooden storage and carrying case.
- Our watercolor paints are kid-safe as they are non-toxic, water-based, acid-free, and conform to ASTM D4236 and EN71. Buy with Confidence: Backed by a trusted brand dedicated to your satisfaction, we ensure a hassle-free experience every time.
- Scobie, Lorna (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 352 Pages - 10/17/2017 (Publication Date) - Quadrille (Publisher)
- MADE TO MAKE IT EASY Ultimate drawing set in robust, good-looking, zipper case; unfolds into organized sections which stand up for simple selection; carry-anywhere functionality.
- TOTALLY ALL YOU NEED Curated by in-house artists for sketchers both seasoned and starting. Graphite, charcoal and pastel pencils; charcoal and graphite sticks, blenders and tools… all to push your creative boundaries.
- A JOY TO USE Balanced and shaped to hold and control; premium quality for smooth, application; reliable performance from non-splinter wood, break-defying leads; blender to explore techniques.
- GUIDE TO BUILD YOUR SKILLS Detailed, easy-to-follow 20-page book crammed with demos and tips to make the most of the art supplies plus. Fold-out tutorial to create drawing using different techniques and media.
- TESTED AND TRUSTED BY ARTISTS – Developed and approved by our in-house artists to ensure consistently great results. Trusted by over 3.5 million artists worldwide.
- START DRAWING - Compact for travel and use just about anywhere, open the sturdy nylon case and and inside you’ll find everything you need to start drawing. Pencils and chalks to paper and tools --- Let your creativity take hold!
- 25 PIECE SET - includes: 10 Graphite Pencils assorted hardness, 10 Soft Pastels in neutral shades, 1 Charcoal Pencil, 1 Sketch Pad, 1, Plastic Sharpener, 1 Eraser & Sturdy Nylon Case.
- COMPACT CARRY CASE - a place for everything and everything in its place! Whether you need to store your supplies at home or pack them in your luggage, the included nylon case keeps everything tidy and visible while you are drawing.
- ALL SKILL LEVELS - It's only paper - whether you are a beginner or experienced artist everyone has been using a pencil to draw and doodle since childhood. Recapture the magic and express yourself with these fundamental tools.
- LEADER IN ART MATERIALS - KINGART is owned by a 3rd generation art materials family and proud of our rich heritage in bringing quality supplies to artists and craftsmen throughout the world. We delight in challenging the status quo and putting our experience to work for you because Art is for Everyone!
- This kit includes everything you need for diamond painting: a wireless 4-nozzle diamond art pen, 4-size lidded trays, 447-color DMC stickers, release paper, roller, positioning ruler, and 120ml sealer. No need to buy extra accessories! Easy to use for beginners and efficient for enthusiasts—its exquisite packaging also makes it a thoughtful gift for friends, family, or DIY lovers
- Electric Diamond Painting Pen: Cordless freedom for clutter-free crafting.No wax, no pressing. Without messy wax or manual pressing. Enjoy effortless diamond art painting with zero residue stains or dropped drills
- 447 Color DMC Stickers: Comes with 4 sheets of 447-color DMC stickers (perfectly matching the diamonds in the kit) to help you quickly identify and categorize diamonds without mixing
- 120ml of high-quality diamond sealer that creates a protective layer on your finished piece, preventing diamonds from falling off and enhancing their shine. Lidded diamond trays keep unused diamonds dust-free and organized, while the sealer ensures your artwork stays intact for years. From creation to preservation, this kit has you fully covered
- 4PCS Diamond Art Storage Trays: Anti-static bottom helps diamonds align automatically with a gentle shake for quick organization. Separate different colored diamonds into individual trays for easy access
- Revolutionary Vacuum Power - No Sticky Residue: First wind-powered vacuum diamond art pen, strong vacuum suction. No wax, no pressing. Without messy wax or manual pressing. Enjoy effortless diamond art painting with zero residue stains or dropped drills - simply click and create
- Cordless Freedom for Clutter-Free Crafting: Wireless diamond art vacuum pen operates 3 hours per charge. Ditch tangled cords and bulky air pumps - our wind-powered e-painter for diamond art painting keeps your workspace tidy while delivering uninterrupted creative sessions
- Ergonomic Comfort for Long-time Sessions: Patented dolphin-curve diamond art vacuum drill pen contours to your palm. The angled grip reduces wrist strain during prolonged use, while textured grooves ensure precise control for flawless diamond placement
- 2-in-1 Multi-Tip System: Speed + Comfort! Switch effortlessly between the Straight Tip (for rapid vertical alignment) and the exclusive Angled Tip (ergonomic comfort). Lock either diamond art accessory in seconds – no tools needed
- All-in-One Portable Studio - Craft Anywhere: Compact diamond art accessories case stores your electric diamond art pen, 4 drill tips, and USB cable. The shockproof storage box slips into bags effortlessly - create dazzling diamond art painting masterpieces at parks, cafes, or on road trips
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Your Online Art Supply Store
Buying art supplies online offers a huge selection. It can feel overwhelming, though! This guide helps you find the perfect tools for your next masterpiece. We focus on what matters most when shopping from an online art store.
Key Features to Look for in an Online Art Store
A good online store makes shopping easy and reliable. Look for these important features:
1. Wide Selection and Variety
- Brand Availability: Does the store carry brands you trust? Big names and smaller, specialty brands are good signs.
- Medium Coverage: Check if they stock supplies for drawing, painting, sculpting, and digital art.
- Student vs. Professional Grades: Ensure they offer different quality levels. Student grades cost less; professional grades offer the best performance.
2. Clear Product Information
Since you cannot touch the items, descriptions must be excellent. Look for:
- Detailed Specs: Pigment load, lightfastness ratings (how long the color lasts), and material composition should be listed.
- High-Quality Photos: Images should show true colors and packaging clearly.
3. Shipping and Returns Policy
Fragile items like paints and mediums need safe shipping. Check their policy on damaged goods. A store with easy returns builds trust.
Important Materials: What to Prioritize
The materials you choose directly affect your art. Focus on these areas:
Paints and Pigments
Paints come in oil, acrylic, and watercolor. Always check the pigment rating.
- Lightfastness: This rating shows how well the color resists fading from light. Look for ASTM I or II ratings for permanent artwork.
- Binder Quality: For acrylics, a higher percentage of pure acrylic polymer means better adhesion and color strength.
Surfaces and Supports
Your surface needs to handle your medium.
- Canvas: Look for triple-primed cotton or linen. Priming prevents paint from soaking into the fabric.
- Paper: Watercolor paper should be at least 140 lb (300 gsm) weight. Drawing paper quality depends on the tooth (texture).
Tools and Brushes
Good brushes last longer and apply paint better.
- Brush Hair: Synthetic brushes are great for acrylics and beginners. Natural hair (like sable) offers superior blending for oils and watercolors.
- Ferrule Strength: The metal part holding the bristles must be secure.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Online stores usually separate supplies into two groups, which affects cost and results.
Factors That Improve Quality (Professional Grade)
- Higher Pigment Load: More pure color means brighter, richer results.
- Archival Materials: Acid-free paper and materials certified for long life ensure your art lasts for generations.
- Smooth Consistency: High-quality mediums mix easily and apply evenly without clumping.
Factors That Reduce Quality (Student Grade)
- Fillers: Cheaper paints use chalk or other materials to bulk up the volume instead of pure pigment. This makes colors duller.
- Weak Adhesives: Low-quality glues or binders in paper or canvas can cause cracking or peeling over time.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about who you are as an artist when shopping online.
For Beginners and Students
You need value. Look for starter sets or bulk packs of student-grade materials. An excellent online store offers helpful tutorials or “Getting Started” guides. Digital art users need clarity on software compatibility.
For Professional Artists
You need specialized, archival products. The store must stock specific sizes, rare colors, and professional tools. Fast restocking services are crucial because professionals use supplies quickly.
Overall, a great online art supply store acts as your physical studio shelf. It offers variety, quality assurance, and transparent information.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Buying Art Supplies Online
Q: How do I know the paint color online is true to life?
A: You cannot be 100% sure due to screen differences. Look for reviews that mention color accuracy. Professional stores often provide color charts specific to their lighting conditions.
Q: Should I buy student or professional grade paint first?
A: Beginners should start with student grade to practice techniques without high cost. When you notice your current supplies limit your results, switch to professional grade.
Q: What is ‘Gesso’ and do I need it?
A: Gesso is a primer. Yes, you need it! It prepares surfaces like canvas or wood so paint sticks properly and doesn’t bleed through.
Q: How long does it take for art supplies to ship?
A: Standard shipping usually takes 3 to 7 business days. Expedited options are usually available if you need supplies quickly for a project.
Q: Are brushes sold online usually pre-shaped?
A: Yes, brushes are sold shaped (e.g., round, flat, filbert). Some stores sell “stiff” brushes that need to be conditioned before first use.
Q: What is the best way to store oil paints once they arrive?
A: Store oil paints in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep the caps tightly sealed to prevent the solvents from evaporating.
Q: Can I return opened tubes of paint if I don’t like the color?
A: Most stores will not accept returns on opened paint or used paper due to contamination risks. Check their specific return policy before purchasing.
Q: How do I find lightfastness ratings easily?
A: Reputable brands include ASTM ratings (I, II, or III) directly on the tube label or in the online product description.
Q: Do online stores sell better deals than local shops?
A: Often, yes. Online stores have lower overhead costs, allowing them to offer competitive prices, especially on bulk orders.
Q: What if my glass palette arrives broken?
A: If the packaging is visibly damaged upon arrival, document it with photos immediately. Contact the store’s customer service right away to start a damage claim for a replacement.