I began dabbling in painting while taking a 2-dimensional college art class in the early 90s.. I revisited painting again in early 2008. I regularly bought supplies at big chain retailers such as JoAnn and Michael’s. I’d have 3 or 4 small items in my basket and not think much of it — that is — until the cashier rang up the total. How can a small tube of paint cost $18? Why is a 12″x12″ canvas nearly $40? I had learned quickly art supplies are expensive.
On taking a trip to a specialty art supply shop, one may wind up with even worse sticker shock. One’s personal budget determines whether supplies can be bought at a retail source or whether it’s time to turn to the local thrift shop.
Not long after taking up painting for the second time, the economy tanked. Many people (us included) were harshly affected. Many were forced into re-evaluating spending habits. When cash flow stops, the first things most people cut from their budgets are luxury items and recreational activities. In an artist’s case, it might mean no more art supply shopping sprees at major retailers. Even when the market is robust, one never knows what circumstances may occur that drastically change the direction his/her life is heading. In a single day we could go from living large to having to eke it out for a time. Does living frugally have to limit your creativity? Absolutely not.
Sometimes the best part about pinching pennies is that it pushes you to see how think outside the box. Some excellent resources for supplies (and inspiration) are thrift shops and yard sales. In order to be truly successful you have to be open to limitless possibilities. Don’t just look at something for what it is, look at it for what potential there may be. For example, you can easily find a handful of painted canvases in various sizes at a thrift store at any given time. Most thrift store art may not be to your personal taste , but they can be painted over with your own art. A canvas that costs $40 or more at a major retail store may be $5 or less at the thrift store – it just won’t be wrapped in fancy packaging.
Additionally, you may have plenty of material for art projects around the house – old books and magazines to clip images and text from; old religious or playing cards to use in a collage; various bits and scraps of anything and everything; and most importantly, your imagination.
Think about what materials you need for a project, then see what’s available in your home or just around the corner at a thrift store or weekend yard sale. Great art can be made without spending a fortune.
