subject: Top options to save money on oil painting hobby [print this page] Top options to save money on oil painting hobby
You have a choice about how you pursue painting. You can choose among the many grades of paint and supplies, and you can decide individually what your budget is. We want to be honest with you painting can be an expensive hobby. We have some tricks, however, to make it less expensive and still end up with lovely results. We priced out the supply list at art supply stores and online retailers and came up with a cost of between $70 and $90 in 2007. You may be able to find other ways to cut costs as well.
We don't want you to spend a fortune, but being economical with your supplies isn't always a good idea. Low-quality art supplies make the learning experience more difficult. The paint doesn't behave properly, the brushes lose their hairs, and your palette knife may break. At the same time, we don't encourage you to be too extravagant with your budget. Being too careful with your expensive equipment and paints may inhibit your learning as well. You also run the risk of ruining some high-priced supplies that you don't know how to use quite yet.
Here are some options to save money:
Do some research in your area for the best prices. Your area may not have enough supply stores to create competition, so shopping online or by telephone is also an option. Some well-known retailers are Michaels, Dick Blick, Pearl Paints, ASW, and Daniel Smith. You can also find smaller, locally-owned retailers in most medium-sized cities.
Look for paint kits that have almost all the colors from our list. Be sure to get regular-sized tubes (37 ml). Shop for a set that has most of the colors from our list and then buy extra tubes of the missing colors.
Paint on canvas paper instead of stretched canvas. Fredrix and other brands make canvas paper pads.
To be more generous with your hobby:Invest in good-quality brushes. Obtain a nice paint box to carry and store your supplies.Use stretched canvases your paintings will look so authentic! Invest in an easel; choose from either a full-sized or French easel (to take outside) both are good options. Buy frames for your completed work. Start simple and then buy higher-quality equipment after you're more familiar with the process. http://www.articlesbase.com/art-articles/top-options-to-save-money-on-oil-painting-hobby-3681890.html
