The Best Intuitive Art Supplies and Where to Order Them
I teach intuitive art and corporate art events that include using art as a mindfulness tool. One of the most common questions I get asked is “what art supplies do I recommend and where do I purchase them?” So, I compiled this list of my favorite art supplies for intuitive painting and abstract intuitive art making. Dick Blick is a great vendor for purchasing art supplies - either online or in person. Since I now live in a very rural area, online art supply shopping is the way to go for convenience without compromising variety in options! Even shopping online I feel like I’m transported to a boutique art store on Dick Blick’s website. So many good feels!
Using high-quality art supplies for intuitive painting is paramount for facilitating creativity and allowing the artist's vision to flourish. Good supplies, such as premium paints, brushes, and canvases, contribute significantly to the overall experience and outcome of intuitive painting. Quality materials offer superior color pigmentation, smoother textures, and better durability, enabling artists to fully express themselves without being hindered by subpar tools. They foster a sense of confidence and freedom, allowing artists to explore their instincts and emotions more authentically. Moreover, these supplies ensure that the final artwork reflects the artist's true intentions and vision, elevating the entire creative process and resulting in a more fulfilling and impactful expression of art.
My Favorite Intuitive Art Supplies from Dick Blick
Studio Pastel Set
I bought these chalk pastels a couple of years back and have had more fun adding them into my abstract art practice. They are durable enough to stand an intuitive mark making session and yet they also are fun to smear around and add layers of depth to any art piece.
Golden Paints
There comes a point in any painter's career when you realize the difference between cheap paint and quality paint. It’s exciting to realize you’re that advanced, and also scary to realize you now must spend a little extra for the good stuff. In my opinion, Golden Paints are the best acrylics on the market. They come in two varieties, both of which I use and recommend. In fact they are great to mix and match together.
Heavy Body Acrylics
These are fun for big, thick marks on canvas or paper. The consistency of butter, this style of paint can be utilized in a variety of ways. Golden’s paints are super vibrant and high quality, which is why I love them.
Fluid Acrylics
These are so perfect for making drips and washes! It’s the consistency of watered down paint without dullness. Every color is vibrant, but fluid. I also love that Golden has so many color options for both acrylic styles. While you CAN get these on Amazon, the color selection is way more vast on Dick Blick.
Quick Dry Tempera Paint Sticks
These are another art supply that I use in almost every workshop. They also were designed for toddlers, which means you really can’t go wrong. The ease of use makes them much less intimidating, which I find can free your mind to create what you want to create.
Woody’s 3-in-1 Art Pencils
These may be my all time favorite art supply. Designed for toddlers, I love that these are virtually indestructible and that you can hold them with your fist if you want. No preciousness here! These pencils can be used like a crayon or like a colored pencil. If you add water, your markings magically turn into watercolor! I love spraying water on my marks and smearing the color around with my fingers.
Canson 7 x 10” Mixed Media Sketchbook
https://www.dickblick.com/products/canson-xl-mix-media-pads/
I like to use this brand and size of mixed media sketchbook to practice painting in. This helps hold all of my various art mediums - paint, glue, collage, pen, pencil - it all absorbs nicely into this 100 gsm paper. Plus the 7 x 10” size gives my ideas room to roam.
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Why Dick Blick instead of Amazon?
Okay -so I know Amazon is totally convenient. I shop there often, too. But when it comes to art supplies I have to try and sway you to use Dick Blick instead. 👀
There are numerous reasons why opting for Dick Blick over Amazon for art supplies is a fantastic choice. Firstly, Dick Blick specializes in art materials, offering a wide array of high-quality products tailored specifically for artists. Unlike Amazon, where art supplies might be one of many product categories, Dick Blick's focus ensures a more extensive selection and expertise in art-related items. Moreover, Dick Blick fosters a supportive community of artists, providing valuable insights, tips, and resources that cater to creative minds. Their knowledgeable staff often comprises artists themselves, offering personalized recommendations and assistance, enhancing the overall shopping experience.
Additionally, Dick Blick's commitment to sustainability and environmentally friendly practices ensures that artists can support their passion while being conscious of their ecological footprint. Ultimately, by choosing Dick Blick, you're not just purchasing art supplies; you're joining a community that values and supports artistic endeavors in every way possible.
Here are a few reasons why I support Blick Art Supplies:
You can order in bulk
If you are teaching an art class or ordering supplies for school, Dick Blick is a great place to order supplies in bulk. Plus, I love that you can have stuff shipped right to your door so you don't have to haul a big truck to go pick it all up. I once ordered three 4’ x 4’ canvases and had them delivered to my house. It was incredible because my tiny car wouldn’t have been able to carry them home from a store.
You can order a specific color in bulk
Something fun you may not know is that if you really really love your blue Woody 3-in-1 pencil, through Dick Blick you can actually order a whole box of just blue! I don't think you can do this anywhere else, so it’s neat to have such customizable options.
Higher Quality Brands
High quality art supplies can be hard to find, especially on large corporate sites that don’t cater to artists like WalMart and Amazon. Your best bet is to stick with a company that specializes in professional grade art products. It’s good to know what you’ll be getting ahead of time.
Typically have lots more color options
Dick Blick typically has five or ten times the color options as Amazon. I often compare Golden acrylic paints on both sites and it’s much easier to find specific and unique colors on Dick Blick’s website.
Support US Businesses and Jobs
I have ordered paints from Amazon that took a month to ship because they were coming across the world. Dick Blick is an American company with headquarters in Galesburg, Illinois. It’s great to know you’re supporting an American business with jobs right here in the USA. Plus shipping times can be significantly faster.
Supporting a company that supports artists
Not only is Dick Blick an American company, but they also support the artists they serve, which I absolutely love. There’s a whole section of their website dedicated to featured artists, artist resources and much more!
https://www.dickblick.com/learning-resources/featured-artists/
Outstanding customer support
Because they are a small company, Dick Blick’s customer service is rock solid. They have both a live chat and phone number to call in case you have ordering questions. This type of support is becoming harder to come by, which in my mind makes it all the more valuable! We appreciate talking to humans!
Ordering intuitive art supplies from DickBlick is a recommendation steeped in both quality and support for the artistic community. Their commitment to providing top-tier art materials ensures that artists have access to the tools necessary for their creative expression. Beyond that, DickBlick's support for artists extends beyond the transaction—they actively contribute to the growth and sustainability of the artistic community. By choosing DickBlick, artists not only invest in premium supplies that enhance their creative process but also contribute to a company that values and champions the artistic journey, fostering a partnership that goes beyond the canvas and brushes, embodying a shared commitment to the flourishing world of artistry.
Ready to put your supplies to work?
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