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There are many helpful aids and tools available to the
artist beyond the basics of brush, pencil, canvas and paper.
By not using the exact tool for the exact job at hand, the artist will
often make the task of creating even more difficult.
Tools, in and of themselves, of course, cannot create.
That impulse must come from within the artist.
Proper tools, however, can help to translate that creative spark into a
tangible manifestation. In other
words, tools will help you get your ideas to market!
Each particular medium in which you work calls for its own
specific assortment of tools, although some tools that work well in one medium
will work equally well in a different medium.
For example, I work primarily in oils.
And for finely detailed work in oil, I always choose good watercolor
brushes. At the risk of
contradicting my earlier statements, I would urge you to try using tools for
purposes for which they were not intended.
Sometimes this will work and sometimes it won’t.
Go figure.
Most artists, regardless of the medium in which they work,
complain of the high cost of materials. In
order to defray expenses, many artists make the mistake of buying supplies of
inferior quality. This approach
will often prove costly in the long run. Poor quality tools do not work as well or last as long as
higher quality merchandise. Cheap
materials will often work against you and prevent the fruition of your ideas.
There are a number of ways that an artist can deal with the
high cost of doing business. Generally
speaking, you will find the highest retail prices for art supplies at your local
“art supply” store. These
community stores often sell non-related items such as garden supplies, lumber
and cookware. Avoid whenever
possible.
Local businesses that specialize in arts-and-crafts
supplies tend to be small in size and usually have little or no competition.
This translates into higher prices.
If you happen to live in a larger, metropolitan area, you can shop the
various outlets and easily compare prices.
Catalog ordering can also be an effective means of saving
money. The best prices I have found
so far on art supplies have been on the Internet.
Some of the major sites, such as Misterart.com, offer a wide selection,
good prices and fast and efficient service.
However you choose to shop, always buy the best quality
materials that you can afford. And
don’t forget to take care of those tools once they belong to you.
At the end of each day’s work carefully rinse your brushes in
turpentine then wash them with soap and warm water.
Dry thoroughly, shape the bristles, and your expensive brushes will last
a long time.
If you are a professional artist, you will probably qualify
for a tax or resale number. With
this number you may purchase supplies at wholesale discounts and avoid paying
sales tax even on small purchases. Check
with your local state sales tax office for qualification requirements and
details on how the system works.
Next month we will discuss the myriad of tools, supplies
and materials available to today’s artist and how to pick the right tool for
the work you intend doing. |
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