Ever felt overwhelmed staring at a screen full of paint tubes, brushes, and canvases? Choosing the right art supplies can feel like a treasure hunt where you’re not sure which map to follow. Finding the perfect online store to fuel your creativity shouldn’t be a chore, but sometimes it feels like it is! You worry about getting the best quality for your money, or maybe you just need one specific shade of turquoise that seems impossible to track down locally.
Navigating the world of online art retailers presents its own set of challenges. Which sites have the fastest shipping? Where can you find those hard-to-get specialty items? It’s easy to waste time clicking through pages without landing on the perfect shop. That’s why we’ve dug deep into the digital aisles for you.
This guide cuts through the clutter. We will show you exactly how to spot the best online art supply stores that offer great prices, wide selections, and reliable service. Get ready to discover your new favorite art supplier and spend less time searching and more time creating. Let’s dive into finding the perfect online art haven for your next masterpiece!
Top Online Art Supply Stores Recommendations
- 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.
- Evan-Moor Educational Publishers (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 160 Pages - 01/01/2019 (Publication Date) - Evan-Moor Educational Publishers (Publisher)
- 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.
- MADE TO MAKE IT EASY Essential range of 72 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 gryphon 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.
- 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!
- Laporte, Tamara (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 144 Pages - 08/06/2019 (Publication Date) - Quarry Books (Publisher)
- Walter Foster Botanical & Bird Illustrations Book
- Walter Foster Botanical & Bird Illustrations Book- This thorough, yet easily digestible, guide includes overviews of key illustration techniques and basic color theory and mixing, and it's loaded with exercises designed to help you learn to see shape, val
- By learning to understand plant life and anatomy, you can craft elegant flowers, leaves, trees, and much more in no time.
- Chapters include: getting started, illustration techniques, and putting it all together.
- 144 pages, soft cover.
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Online Art Supply Stores
Buying art supplies online is super convenient. You can find almost anything! But how do you pick the best store? This guide helps you shop smart for your next creative haul.
Key Features to Look For in an Online Art Store
Good online stores make shopping easy and fun. Look for these important features:
Vast Product Selection
- Variety: Does the store carry supplies for painting, drawing, sculpting, and crafting? A big selection means you buy everything in one place.
- Brand Availability: Check if they stock the specific brands you trust, like Winsor & Newton or Faber-Castell.
Clear and Detailed Product Listings
- Good Photos: You cannot touch the paint online. Clear, high-resolution pictures are crucial.
- Accurate Descriptions: The description must tell you exactly what the item is. For paint, this means pigment load and lightfastness ratings.
Shipping and Returns Policy
- Shipping Costs: High shipping fees can ruin a good deal. Look for free shipping minimums.
- Return Process: Mistakes happen. Make sure returning a damaged or wrong item is simple and not too expensive.
Important Materials to Consider When Shopping
The quality of your materials directly affects your art. Pay attention to these details:
Paints and Pigments
For serious artists, the pigment quality matters most. Cheaper paints often use fillers. Look for terms like “Artist Grade” or “Professional Grade.” These use more pure pigment. Beginner sets are usually fine for practice.
Surfaces (Paper and Canvas)
Paper weight is vital. Heavy paper (like 140 lb or higher for watercolor) will not buckle when wet. Check if the paper is “acid-free.” Acid-free paper lasts longer without turning yellow.
Tools and Brushes
Brush quality depends on the bristles. Natural hair brushes (sable, hog bristle) are usually more expensive but hold paint better. Synthetic brushes are durable and budget-friendly.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Online stores present information that helps you judge quality.
Quality Boosters:
- Lightfastness Ratings: This tells you how well the color resists fading when exposed to light. Look for ASTM ratings I or II (Excellent or Permanent).
- Reviews and Ratings: Real user reviews often reveal hidden flaws or surprising strengths of a product.
Quality Reducers:
- Vague Terms: If a store only says “Good Quality” without listing specifics (like pigment number or paper weight), be cautious.
- Mismatched Imagery: If the picture looks professional but the price is extremely low, the product inside might be very low quality.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about why you are shopping. Your needs change how you use the website.
For Beginners (The Explorer)
Beginners need value and guidance. Look for stores that offer starter kits or bundles. A good site will have tutorials or suggested supply lists for different mediums (e.g., “Watercolor for Beginners”).
For Professionals (The Specialist)
Professionals need reliable stock and fast reordering. They benefit most from stores offering loyalty programs or bulk discounts. Quick search filters (like filtering by color index number) save valuable time.
Website Usability
Can you easily navigate the site on your phone? Does the checkout process take too many clicks? A smooth user experience keeps you coming back.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Online Art Supply Stores
Q: How can I ensure the paint color I see online is the color I get?
A: You cannot be 100% sure because screen settings vary. Always check the pigment name or index number listed in the description. That number is universal, unlike the screen color.
Q: Are online art stores always cheaper than local shops?
A: Often, yes, especially on large orders or sale items. However, you must add shipping costs. Sometimes, local shops have better deals on clearance items.
Q: What is “lightfastness,” and why does it matter?
A: Lightfastness is how long a color keeps its original brightness when light hits it. It matters if you plan to sell or display your art long-term.
Q: Should I buy student-grade or professional-grade supplies online?
A: Buy student-grade for practice, large studies, or messy projects. Buy professional-grade for final artwork where color permanence and quality are essential.
Q: How do I know if the website is trustworthy for handling my payment?
A: Look for “https://” in the website address bar and a padlock symbol. This shows the connection is secure for your credit card information.
Q: What is the best way to handle damaged supplies upon arrival?
A: Immediately take photos of the damaged box and the item. Contact the store’s customer service within 24 to 48 hours to start the claim process.
Q: Do I need to worry about paint freezing during winter shipping?
A: Yes, especially acrylics and liquid watercolors. If you live in a cold area, check if the store offers “heat packs” or ships during warmer weather windows.
Q: What does “gesso” do, and should I buy it online?
A: Gesso is a primer. It prepares surfaces like canvas so paint sticks better and doesn’t soak in too much. It is easy to ship, so buying it online is fine.
Q: Are there good online stores just for digital art supplies?
A: Yes! Stores specializing in drawing tablets, styluses, and software subscriptions exist. These often focus less on physical paints and more on electronics.
Q: How can I find clearance or sale items quickly?
A: Most good sites have a dedicated “Sale,” “Clearance,” or “Deals” section clearly marked in the main navigation bar at the top of the page.