Artists Question

I just thought I'd throw this out there to see if anyone had any ideas.
I used to purchase my fine art supplies from Pearl Arts in Crafts in Woodbridge. I know it's far away but I loved all of the variety there and I'd just make it into a special day and drive all the way down there and cruise all the isles. Now gas is getting ridiculous and I have started to order from places online. The shipping is now cheaper than the gas!
My question is, Where does everyone around here get their art supplies, and has anyone been to Dick Blicks Art Supplies in Emmaus PA? I've ordered online from them but have never been to their store. Is it worth the trip? It would be closer than Pearl.
Any store suggestions or ideas of any kind would be greatly appreciated! Thank You

Oh my goodness, I used to get my supplies from Pearl too! (back when I lived only 30 minutes away from there) I love that store! Once in a blue moon when I'm in the area, I'll go there, and it's such a treat! Like you said, it's a lot of time and gas to get down there from here.

I mainly get supplies from the local Michaels or AC Moore craft store, or online at Jerry's Artarama (www.jerrysartarama.com). That website has tons of stuff. It also depends on what kind of art you're into-- sketching, painting, sculpture, etc... I happen to work in colored pencil so colored pencils, pens, and paper are my main needs.

Hope this helps! Great to hear from another artist in the area! :)

Yeah, Michael's at the ITC crossing is a great place, lots in there. I get my supplies from there. They're used to be an art shop on Mainstreet in Hackettstown, but God knows what happened to that.

---Will

I usually go to the Washington one stop, but mostly because it's so close to my house. Definitely not because of their large selection. It's fine for dabbling, but not so much for serious artists (that's my guess... I just dabble, so I can't be sure.)

anna July 17, 2008 6:07 pm | Link

Thanks everyone. I do run to One Stop when I just need a few things. I paint portraits of dogs and horses in watercolors and acrylics. The problem is that Michaels doesn't really carry much variety as far as canvas sizes, and paint selection for fine art. It's fantastic for crafts and decorative things.

Diana, I loved your post. No one can imagine what it's like unless you've been there. I tell everyone that Pearl is like Disneyworld for artists. Two floors of everything you can imagine pertaining to art. I get so inspired to try new things there.
Thanks again everyone!

Growing up, I also loved Pearl Arts & Crafts! I lived in Clark so it was not that far at all. Plus so conveniently located near both malls on Route 1 :) It was great for supplies but also for gift wrap and other fun pre-made surprises, too!

I did an on-line search and found this place in Clinton. I am not sure if it is what you are looking for, but the location seems pretty nearby. Maybe you can e-mail or call them to inquire:

Hetzel's Art Supply & Gallery
34 Main St., Clinton NJ 08809
908-735-8808
hetzelart@embarqmail.com
Custom framing, new and old prints, posters, cards and drawing supplies.

By the way, I received this painting of my lil pooch this Christmas and it was my most favorite gift of them all! I admire your profession!

This is so funny, I was born in Westfield down by the Clark side. That was a long time ago!

I love that painting of your dog. So much character there. It makes it fun to paint when there,s so much life in a dog! I don't get a chance to paint dogs as much anymore. My work has moved mostly over to racehorses. I love horses and I'm so fortunate to be able to make a living off of painting them. It's the best job in the world.

I'm going to try the store in Clinton. I don't get to Main street Clinton much so I never noticed an art store there. Thanks for the research!

Extremely impressive work, petartist!! You are a great talent.

And funny how we keep on being neighbors...quit following me ;)

I hope the store in Clinton works out for you! Best of luck in your supplies search.

Wow, petartist! That's a beautiful painting! Animals are somewhat of a challenge to me, but you make it look so easy. I really admire people who can paint that well. And yes, Pearl is definitely art heaven! :)

I specialize in children's portraits, and my other main focus is paper dolls and doll designs (they become manufactured as collectible dolls by various manufacturers) Have to share one of my drawings, for you to see how different my style is!

Do you have a website? Mine is www.prettypix4u.com

Also, where is One Stop? I've never heard of it, but definitely would like to check it out. Is it a big store?

Diana July 18, 2008 7:51 am | Link

wow- what a talented bunch we got here!

Aga July 18, 2008 8:25 am | Link

This has become a great topic, I want to see more art from everyone!

Also, Thanks for the lovely comments. I do love painting animals!

I love the diversity in all of our artwork. I can't draw people at all yet Diana is fantastic at it. I always find that so interesting and that's why I love all forms of art. Everyone can express themselves differently.

I don't have a website right now. I'm working on a new one an I just haven't had the time to finish it yet! Most of my work now a days is through word of mouth. I know, that's the old-fashioned way!

One Stop is on Rt 31 in Washington. It's not far down 31 just out of town. They don't have a lot of things but they do have a variety of items like crafts, fabric, paint, and it's also an Ace Hardware store. I always go in for one thing an come out with 20. It's just that kind of place!

Hello Everyone - I love this thread! What great talent we have! I remember there being a great art supply place in Morristown - diagonally from the train station, but I can't remember the name. Anyone else know what I'm talking about?

happy2bhere July 18, 2008 10:11 am | Link

Hi,

I actually have to say that Michael's in ITC actually does have a good selection of paints and brushes. They have Golden, Winsor & Newton, Grumbacher and Daler-Rowney. I know they have multiple canvas sizes and I believe canvas on a roll as well. I actually like pastels and they're a bit light for those although they do have Nupastels and Rembrandt if you're into those. They have a lot of different paper, sketch pads, charcoal, pencil, colored pencils and inks. I would definitely recommend checking it out. If you can find what you're looking for, it can be cheaper than a specific art store.

Other than that, you can try Joe Kubert's Art Store in Dover. I used to get a lot from there when I had art classes in school. That's a pretty cool place.

gimli July 18, 2008 10:57 am | Link