Buying your art supplies online is easy and the options are seemingly limitless. But whenever possible I like to shop in town and support local retailers. There’s something about stepping into a wonderland of paints and inks and brushes, along with fine papers and canvasses, specialty journals and hundreds of pen nibs. I love to sense the endless possibilities and talk with a real live person who understands art and knows what it takes to create it. So, my fellow artists and calligraphers, what’s your favorite local retailer for art supplies where you live?
My favorite local retailer in Santa Cruz, California is Lenz Art. They have been in business for over 50 years. The store is very well stocked, with a knowledgeable and helpful staff. Andrew Lenz (owner) goes out of his way to provide whatever I’m looking for … and even beat online prices!
Another Santa Cruz, CA favorite is Palace Art & Office Supply. With two locations, they offer not only good selection to meet the needs of artists and calligraphers, but also convenience and helpful service.
Just learned the downtown location is closing and they are merging with Palace in Capitola. : (
In Paris, France, my hands-down favorite shop for art supplies is Sennelier Art Store. “This is the place that invented oil pastels for Picasso and supplies soft pastels for Degas. To shop here is to walk in the footsteps of the masters. It's like a candy store of fine art supplies.” This quote is someone else … but I agree!