painting

Recently, someone was watching one of my videos and commented on how much paint I was using to demonstrate. Many beginning painters and even more experienced painters on a tight budget can be very hesitant about using materials for fear of wasting them. I can SO relate to this feeling! If you’re one of these “Frugal Frannies” as I was, this video is for you.

Most of us can benefit from finding ways to save money, so I have some of my top tips.  PLEASE share yours in the comments below.

1. Surfaces

The most common surface material for painting is stretched canvas. Buying the pre-stretched canvases is your most expensive option. Here are some alternatives:

• Canvas board: Canvas boards are canvas stretched over cardboard and come primed with gesso and ready to.
• Cardboard, heavy Bristol board or chipboard. Before painting, I would suggest prepping the surface with gesso.
• Wood: You can often get pieces of wood inexpensively at a lumberyard in their scrap bin. If you want to buy larger quantities, try Masonite or MDF board and have the large sheets cut to your preferred size on site.
• Heavy weight rag paper: Available at art supply stores. You may need to ask a sales associate to show you which papers are 100% rag. You will want to prep the surface with gesso before painting on paper.

2. Paint

There are many grades or quality levels of paints. Student grade paints are more economical but not all are created equal. If you are interested in learning more, you can watch my video on the 4 Different Types of Acrylic Paint. Two student grade paint brands I can suggest are:

• Liquitex Basics – get a lot of paint for your money with good pigment load.
• Windsor Newton Galeria – has a good pigment density

A quick note on housepaint because I often get asked about it – it’s not meant to last a long time and has less pigment but is ok for learning and practice.

3. Brushes

I have another video where I discuss different types of brushes. I strongly believe that if there is anything you are going to spend good money on, invest in good brushes. Poor brush quality can make paint hard to control.

4. Palettes

A lot of times beginners and students use disposable palettes. I don’t prefer these because of the impact on the environment and the fact that they actually get expensive because you keep having to replace the pad once you run out.

Another disposable material you can use is freezer paper that is found at most grocery stores. It’s the same material as the disposable palettes, but it’s a lot cheaper.

I prefer the butcher tray palette. It’s a metal tray covered in enamel. You can easily cover it and keep paints wet for future painting sessions. Please watch this video for more details.

5. Bargain shopping

Art supply stores often have “Back to School” sales. Look for these at the beginning of the school semester. Many stores also have coupons or coupon apps.

You might also try Ebay. In a quick search I was surprised how many acrylic paints came up. Just make sure that if  you are purchasing from someone online that they have good reviews and accept returns. Garage sales and estate sales, thrift stores and reuse stores may also yield new or gently used art supplies.

Here are some resources for artists in the SF Bay Area:

Scrap 801 Toland St, San Francisco, California 94124 (enter on Newcomb)

East Bay Depot for Creative Re-Use 4695 Telegraph Ave. Oakland California USA

FabMo Designer fabric and samples for creative re-use 970 Terra Bella Avenue, Suite 5 Mountain View, CA 94043

I’d love to know: How do you save money on supplies? Please share your tips in the comments below!

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