I could shop every day for art supplies, if I had money and the time to do it. But instead I keep a list in my studio of what I need and try to buy when there is a promotion. This takes a lot of discipline. These are 3 things remember;
1) There will always be a sale every couple of months so just hold your breath.
2) Don't buy what you will not be using within the next 6 months unless it is something that is hard to find.
3) Never buy value packs canvases, they are just no good. Spend the extra bit of money to get a good quality.
Having said that I do periodically have to go out for a specific paint that I am using on commissioned pieces that I run out of and of course varnish, which seems to always run out when I need it.
My cost saving tips:
I purchase a lot of mediums that I use on a regular basis, in gallons.
Buy paints that I use a lot in bulk.
Purchase only when a promo happens for items you know you will be using.
I buy in large quantities of things that I use a lot such as eyelet screws because I will always need them. There is nothing worse than getting ready to hang a painting and noticing you are out of them and having to look around for them at ridiculous prices around town. These are one thing I always have too much of, along with the wire.
When visiting Ontario and United States, I do my research first to check out the prices of the products on line that I use regularly and pick it up while visiting. I also ask family and friends to pick up items that I have found to be cheaper or a better quality when coming to visit me.
I will only buy at Michael's with the 40% coupon on a regular priced item that cost less and I really really need it. Most of there sales are not worth it.
Things I try to do ever month:
Go through supplies and items that will not be used that take up space, either store them somewhere else or donate them.
Organize paintings for sale separate from ones being worked on.
Develop hard copy pictures and burn a cd of latest paintings for portfolio.
Clean everything in studio, floors, furniture, and light fixtures and keep the dogs out for at least a couple of days so you get some satisfaction until the next big project.
Things to do daily:
Keep a positive attitude and if you feel tired do not push your painting.
Don't be afraid to experiment.
Have fun doing what you are doing even if you are pretending you are five years old.
If you are not sure if you are liking something about your piece, walk away and come back to it later with a fresh attitude.
Allow a natural instinctive flow to your work. Sometimes you may feel you are doing something different and it might not turn out good but if you don't try, you will never know.
Try to keep your area clean
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