[wook]

Hi everyone, I was thinking several times to review my supplies, at least some of them, but I didn't found it suitable to do so. I was thinking, on one hand, it's providing advert for some companies, while for others it will make certain nuisance.
None of the companies are related to the AF (Artist Forum), however it certainly would spare some of money for new artists when they are hunting for supplies. Also, American brands are not common in Europe nor are European in America.

 

[TerryCurley]

Hi everyone, I was thinking several times to review my supplies, at least some of them, but I didn't found it suitable to do so. I was thinking, on one hand, it's providing advert for some companies, while for others it will make certain nuisance.
None of the companies are related to the AF (Artist Forum), however it certainly would spare some of money for new artists when they are hunting for supplies. Also, American brands are not common in Europe nor are European in America.

I talk about the products I use in hopes of sharing the good ones with those who are looking for the same kind of product and complaining about those that are not meeting my needs in hopes to find a better alternative.

Right now I'm not at all pleased with the mediums I'm using. I've been using Walnut Alkyd Medium and find that it leaves a stickiness on the canvas that takes months to dry. It also leaves drips very easily and you have to be super careful not to use too much. The other medium I have tried is Wilson Bickford Clear Glazing Medium. My issues with that is it turns dark. It says it's clear but I beg to differ. So I'm looking for a good medium to use with oils and any suggestions will be appreciated.

If that is the kind of product critiquing you are talking about I don't see any problems with it. What the management company has issues with is people advertising their business or product for free because there are paid advertisers supporting the site.

 

[Susan Mulno]

I like the idea. There are sooo many choices for products, it would be great to have a place where people can discuss the pros and cons of their favorites and least favorites, I may learn something! (?) :biggrin:

 

[wook]

I am glad to see positive feedback...

 

[FanKi]

Hey, I like it!

It would be very useful ^^

 

[Liz]

I like the idea too. I'm always curious to know what art products others use.

 

[ARTadmin]

Do you want a forum category for this?

 

[leighann]

I like the idea...I use a lot of different pencils and markers, and there are good ones and crappy ones. :surprise:

New artists find out the hard way (like I did) just which brands to avoid, and which ones might be worth a little extra $$.

 

[ARTadmin]

Your request has been approved and implemented! :biggrin:
http://www.artistforum.com/art-supplies-reviews/

 

[Susan Mulno]

Thank you Cricket! :vs-kiss:

 

[Bushcraftonfire]

You're wonderful Cricket Oh wait.. that means ANOTHER forum to moderate? LOL!

 

[Butterfly88]

I like this idea.

 

[ChiKevin]

In all my years as an artist I have used many mediums. I believe every medium really has its use. Like color pencils as mentioned, there are soft and hard leads, greasy or powdery etc. When I was young I discovered beautiful artwork can be created with cheap crayons or the most expensive oil paints. What I find more common is if you know what results you want you need to try different products and see what feels right for you. Everybody has a different eye, different hand movements and pressure etc. So one needs to be specific if asking for advice on products, perhaps with samples of work you'd like your style to resemble. Tools however I find different. I believe the right tools like good brushes are extremely important.

 

[TerryCurley]

Hobby Lobby has discontinued all M. Graham products. This really is upsetting to me, because I have been favoring their paints. I know I can get them online but then we are dealing with shipping costs unless I spend over $100. What I have been doing is using the 40% coupon and buying one at a time at HB and it was saving me a ton of money. So I'm left with the decision to switch to Winsor Newton paint and save on the costs or bite the bullet and order online. Honestly I'm leaning to switching to NW. lain:

 

[Susan Mulno]

That is a tough call Terry, it is hard when you get hooked on something and then they take it away. Is HL discontinuing the product or is it going out of production? If it is going out of production, you may only be able to access it online until it is all gone. lain:

 

[ChiKevin]

Hi Terry, there is an art store here in NJ that has prices that I could not find anywhere else. It is called Jerry's artist outlet and they have an online store as well. This is something others may want to look into as well. I would check their site and perhaps even contact them for assistance. I never came across any supplies yet that they didn't carry or get for me when necessary and still charge less then any other art store I used over the years. Good luck on your search. I know what it is like to see your favorite products disappear off the shelves.

 

[Susan Mulno]

Thanks for the info! :vs-kiss:

 

[TerryCurley]

That is a tough call Terry, it is hard when you get hooked on something and then they take it away. Is HL discontinuing the product or is it going out of production? If it is going out of production, you may only be able to access it online until it is all gone. lain:

No M.Graham is not going out of business, HL just isn't going to carry their brand any more.:unhappy:

 

[TerryCurley]

Hi Terry, there is an art store here in NJ that has prices that I could not find anywhere else. It is called Jerry's artist outlet and they have an online store as well. This is something others may want to look into as well. I would check their site and perhaps even contact them for assistance. I never came across any supplies yet that they didn't carry or get for me when necessary and still charge less then any other art store I used over the years. Good luck on your search. I know what it is like to see your favorite products disappear off the shelves.

Is Jerry's artist outlet the same as 'Jerry's Artarama' ? I've used them before and yes that is definitely where I'd get the M.Graham products if I were to order it online. I think their free shipping starts at $150 though.

 

[ChiKevin]

I do believe their site uses the same name as the store. I would welcome anybody to share a place with better prices and selection. Brushes are my favorite buy there. Their prices are about a third of what I have paid at every other small store or chain. Worth looking into I'd say. Funny thing minimum orders as it applies to shipping charges, one because they are so cheap you save a lot and don't need to spend a lot to get what you want and 2, you can easily buy hundreds of dollars of supplies when the prices are so good it's easy to hit the numbers you may need and stock up.