The Ultimate Guide to the Best Online Art Supply Stores for Every Artist's Needs
- Baylin Bruell
- 6 days ago
- 5 min read
Finding the right art supplies can transform your creative process. Whether you are a painter, fiber artist, printmaker, or ceramicist, having access to quality materials at reasonable prices makes a big difference. Online art supply stores offer convenience and variety, but not all are created equal. Some specialize in vast selections, others in niche products like fabric dyes or printmaking tools. With my busy schedule, I don’t always have the time to visit a physical art supply store. That’s why I love the convenience of shopping online, where I can easily find and order everything I need for my creative projects, all from the comfort of home. This guide breaks down the best online stores based on selection, quality, price, shipping, and customer service to help you find exactly what you need.
Stores with the Largest and Highest Quality Selections
When you want a one-stop shop with a huge variety of art supplies, a few online stores stand out.
Blick is known for its extensive inventory, covering everything from student-grade to professional-grade supplies. They carry a wide range of paints, brushes, canvases, drawing tools, printmaking materials, ceramics supplies, and fiber art products like yarn and fabric dyes. Their website is easy to navigate, and they offer detailed product descriptions and reviews.
Selection: Over 90,000 products
Quality: Brands like Winsor & Newton, Golden, Faber-Castell
Prices: Competitive, with frequent sales and bulk discounts
Shipping: Free shipping on orders over $79 in the US
Customer Service: Responsive support with live chat and phone options
Jerry’s Artarama offers a vast selection of art supplies with a focus on quality and affordability. They stock professional paints, brushes, canvases, printmaking tools, and ceramics supplies. Their fiber arts section includes fabric dyes and yarn, though it is more limited compared to Blick.
Selection: Wide range of painting and drawing supplies
Quality: High-quality brands and their own affordable lines
Prices: Often lower than competitors, with daily deals
Shipping: Free shipping on orders over $79
Customer Service: Helpful and knowledgeable staff
Best Stores for Fabric Dyes, Fabric, Yarn, and Fiber Art Supplies
Fiber artists need specialized supplies that not all art stores carry. Here are the top online stores for fiber arts.
Dharma Trading Co. is a top choice for fabric dyes, fibers, yarn, and other textile art supplies. They specialize in natural fiber dyes, including Procion MX dyes, acid dyes, and fiber-reactive dyes. They also offer fabrics, yarns, and tools for batik, shibori, and other fiber art techniques.
Selection: Extensive range of dyes and fiber art materials
Quality: Professional-grade dyes and natural fibers
Prices: Reasonable, especially for bulk dye purchases
Shipping: Free shipping on orders over $75
Customer Service: Expert advice available via phone and email
For yarn and knitting supplies, Knit Picks offers a broad selection of fibers in various weights and colors. While not a traditional art supply store, their products are perfect for fiber artists who incorporate yarn into mixed media or textile art.
Selection: Hundreds of yarn types and colors
Quality: High-quality fibers including wool, cotton, and blends
Prices: Affordable with frequent sales
Shipping: Free shipping on orders over $75
Customer Service: Friendly and responsive
Stores with the Best Selection of Paints, Brushes, Canvases, and Easels
Painters need reliable supplies that perform well and last. These stores excel in painting essentials.
Jackson’s Art Supplies is a UK-based store with an impressive range of paints, brushes, canvases, and easels. They carry many international brands and offer professional-grade materials for oil, acrylic, and watercolor painting.
Selection: Wide variety of painting supplies and accessories
Quality: Premium brands like Sennelier, Rembrandt, and Escoda brushes
Prices: Competitive, with frequent discounts
Shipping: Free shipping on orders over $59 (international shipping available)
Customer Service: Detailed product info and expert support
Best Stores for Printmaking, Drawing, and Ceramic Supplies
Artists working in printmaking, drawing, or ceramics need specialized tools and materials. These stores offer the best selections.
Blick Art Materials (Printmaking and Drawing)
Blick also shines in printmaking and drawing supplies. They stock linoleum blocks, etching tools, inks, papers, pencils, charcoal, pastels, and more. Their ceramics section includes clays, glazes, and pottery tools.
Selection: Comprehensive printmaking and drawing supplies
Quality: Trusted brands like Speedball, Prismacolor, and Faber-Castell
Prices: Competitive with frequent promotions
Shipping: Free shipping on orders over $79
Customer Service: Strong support and detailed product info
For ceramic artists, The Ceramic Shop offers a focused selection of clays, glazes, tools, kilns, and molds. Their products cater to beginners and professionals alike.
Selection: Wide range of ceramic supplies and equipment
Quality: High-quality clays and glazes
Prices: Fair pricing with occasional discounts
Shipping: Free shipping on orders over $99
Customer Service: Knowledgeable staff with technical support
Tips for Choosing the Right Online Art Supply Store
Check product variety: Make sure the store carries the specific supplies you need.
Compare prices: Look for stores with competitive pricing and discounts.
Review shipping policies: Free shipping thresholds and delivery times matter.
Read customer reviews: Feedback on product quality and service helps avoid surprises.
Look for expert support: Stores with knowledgeable staff can guide your purchases.
Finding the best online art supply store can be a nuanced endeavor, as it largely depends on the specific medium you are working with and your individual artistic needs. Each artist has unique preferences and requirements based on their chosen discipline, whether it be painting, drawing, printmaking, ceramics, or fiber arts.
For those who are primarily engaged in painting, Blick Art Materials and Jerry’s Artarama are two of the most reputable suppliers, offering an extensive range of products that cater to various painting techniques and styles. These stores provide everything from high-quality oil and acrylic paints to specialized brushes, canvases, and painting mediums. Their online platforms are user-friendly, making it easy to browse through thousands of options, read product descriptions, and even access customer reviews, which can be incredibly helpful in making informed purchasing decisions.
If you are a fiber artist, you may find that Dharma Trading Co. and Knit Picks are exceptional resources tailored to your specific needs. Dharma Trading Co. specializes in a wide array of fabrics, dyes, and supplies for textile arts, including tie-dye, batik, and fabric painting. Their commitment to sustainability and providing eco-friendly materials is a significant draw for many artists. Knit Picks, on the other hand, focuses on knitting and crocheting supplies, offering a vast selection of yarns in various fibers, weights, and colors, along with patterns and tools that are essential for any fiber project.
For those delving into printmaking and ceramics, Blick Art Materials again proves to be a versatile option, but you might also want to explore The Ceramic Shop, which is specifically dedicated to ceramic arts. Blick offers a variety of printmaking supplies, including etching inks, linoleum blocks, and screen printing materials, making it a one-stop-shop for artists who enjoy working with print. The Ceramic Shop, on the other hand, provides a comprehensive selection of clay, glazes, and tools specifically designed for ceramicists, ensuring that you have access to quality materials that will enhance your creations.
In summary, the best online art supply store for you is ultimately determined by your artistic medium and specific requirements. It's beneficial to explore multiple stores to compare selections, prices, and shipping options. Many of these suppliers also offer educational resources, tutorials, and project ideas that can inspire your creativity and help you make the most out of your artistic journey. As you navigate the vast world of online art supplies, consider your unique needs and preferences, and don’t hesitate to reach out to customer service representatives for guidance if you have any questions or need recommendations tailored to your projects.
Have you shopped at any of these online art supply stores? Share your experiences and favorite finds in the comments below! If you found this guide helpful, don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for more tips, reviews, and inspiration tailored to your creative journey. Let’s keep the creativity flowing!
