Art Supplies - an overview

Your local art shop

Good art shops will stock a vast range of materials. Plus they often sell 'singles' of items such as pastels or neocolour II so you can choose the shades you require. When it comes to brushes and papers, being able to handle the product is very helpful.

Please complete the form below so we can build up a directory of great local art shops.

web address: www.curtisward.co.uk

High Street Chains

• HOBBYCRAFT: to be very useful as it stocks Daler Rowney fw acrylic inks; a variety of palettes; a good range of brushes and a great selection of hand made papers. I often use Hobbycraft (I am lucky to have one only a couple of miles away) when I unexpectedly run out of something and really need it to meet a deadline.
• THE RANGE: This is an Aladdin's Cave and has an art and craft section that is worth exploring. Some of the materials you will find are student rather than artist's quality - it depends on your needs and budget. They do stock a really great selection (size wise) of Windsor & Newton box canvases. They are competitively priced and of a good quality. Also, for brushes to apply glue or gesso, they are very useful. It is certainly worth browsing around a branch if you have one locally.
• WHSMITHS: WHSmiths do a limited range of art materials. The bigger the store, the more they stock. This may be a convenient option, even if not that competitively priced.