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where to find bulk art supplies
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Posted
HI, new to the forum here.
Im president of the art society at my university this year and I was wondering where the best places online are to buy bulk art supplies? Im not from the UK so I don't really know what brands are best for decentish quality (acrylic paint, brushes, ect) supplies, not looking for anything fancy just a little bit better than the almost transparent acrylic paint we currently use.
Thanks!
Posted
Hi Cora, and welcome to the forum!
I know what you mean about thin acrylics. I've found that Daley Rowney's System 3 is a decent reasonably-priced acrylic with a good range -- though nowadays I use Liquitex Heavy Body, which is more expensive but has better coverage.
If I'm in the area I buy my paints at Turners near Matlock in Derbyshire -- always super-friendly and helpful, and good prices. Alternatively, I look out for good deals on box sets (eg 12 x 60ml Liquitex) at Cass Art, who have branches in various locations (Glasgow is the one I tend to use).
For brushes I favour Rosemary & Co, ordered online.
No doubt others will suggest more options!
Martin
Edited
by Martin Cooke
Posted
One of my favourite stores is Art Discount - they certainly have System 3 Acrylics (by Daler-Rowney) which as Martin has said are good value, and also very popular. My preferred brand is also by Daler-Rowney, their somewhat more expensive Cryla range. Both of these are good value. I also use Chromacolour acrylic, available from Chromacolour UK. Winsor & Newton artists' quality acrylics are very good, but on a par with Cryla in price terms.
As well as Art Discount and Cass Arts, acrylics can be got from Jacksons, Ken Bromley (the company's name is a bit different, but just Google Ken Bromley and you'll find them). Buying online is always going to be cheaper than buying in a shop or store; but the advantage of a store is that, provided staff are knowledgeable, you can get good advice. Rosemary & Co has been mentioned for brushes: I doubt that you can do better in terms of price or quality, but the Daler-Rowney's Dalon range, and also their Aquafine brushes, are well worth trying.
Contact any of those companies and see if you can get a good deal out of them - in order to meet your needs and help you keep costs down, they'll probably need to know how much/many paints, paper, boards, brushes you're likely to be using before they can make you an offer: they won't expect exactitude (because you'll be unlikely to be able to give it) but an estimate for a year's supply to start with should be possible to put together.
There are other companies - most of which advertise in Leisure Painter and The Artist, so have a good scout around - the companies we've mentioned are very good, deliver speedily, and can offer advice.
PS - Art Discount is Granthams Art Discount, may save confusion if you search for the full name.
Edited
by Robert Jones, NAPA
Posted
I only tend to deal with Jackson’s Art these days, reliable and they have just about everything I ever need.
I’m an oil painter, so can’t comment on acrylics, but I do know that their own brand artists quality paints are excellent, and competitive.
Highly unlikely (but I could be wrong) that any of the online retailers will offer further discounts / they already sell at considerably less than the RRP, or high street stores!
Posted
I agree with Alan and Tessa - I only use Jackson's these days. Their own brand products are very, very good and compare well - and they also supply a bewildering array of products from other well known and established producers. I buy Michael Harding and Jacksons' own artist quality oil paints from them and all the supplies I use as a pastel artist. I'd be very happy to recommend their own brand soft pastels.
Posted
Jacksons tends to be my first point of call. They sell a huge range of Faber coloured pencils in singles at a very good price compared to elsewhere. I currently have my eye on their Moleskine A3 200 gsm sketchbook, as I work primarily in sketchbooks. It's out of stock at the moment, hopefully they'll get more. I've been pleased with everything I've bought from them...good quality and prices.
Posted
As others have said, I find Jackson’s are very good, reliable with an huge range in stock. I don’t where you’re based but Skipton’s Art shop ( and online)is one that’s not been mentioned. They have weekly deals with money off if you’re on their email list. I’m a member of the SAA and they have an extensive catalogue and, if you’re a member, you get free delivery which is especially handy for a small order.