Quick answer: Here is how to get art supplies online without overspending: choose a source that fits what you need: large online marketplaces for fast shipping and wide selection, dedicated art supply retailers for professional brands and expert product details, and manufacturer sites for full color ranges. Before buying, check pigment codes, lightfastness ratings, paper weight and fiber content, read the seller’s return policy, and buy from authorized sellers to avoid counterfeits. Order paints and liquids in mild weather when possible, since freezing and extreme heat can damage them in transit.
Buying in person lets you feel paper, test brushes, and see real colors. Buying online offers far more choice, better prices on many items, and access to brands your local store may never carry. Learning how to get art supplies online well comes down to knowing where to shop, how to read product listings for quality, and how to avoid the common pitfalls of shipping, counterfeits, and misleading photos.
This explainer walks through the main types of online sellers, how to evaluate supplies from a product page, what good beginner supplies look like, and how to save money without sacrificing quality. If you want a curated shortlist of starter materials, our guide to the best art supplies for beginners narrows things down.
Where Can I Get Art Supplies Online?
Several kinds of sellers cover nearly every art supply need. Each has strengths and trade-offs.
| Seller type | Strengths | Watch out for | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Large online marketplaces | Huge selection, fast shipping, easy returns, many reviews | Third-party sellers, counterfeits, inconsistent product details | Beginner sets, common brands, quick restocks |
| Dedicated art supply retailers | Professional brands, open stock, detailed specs, knowledgeable support | Shipping minimums, slower delivery on some items | Artist-grade paints, papers, brushes, single colors |
| Big-box craft store websites | Frequent coupons, in-store pickup, craft and hobby range | Fewer professional lines | Craft paint, kids’ supplies, canvases, frames |
| Manufacturer websites | Complete color ranges, accurate info, technical data | Often full retail price | Hard-to-find colors, product research |
| Educational and school suppliers | Bulk classroom packs, value pricing | Sold in large quantities | Teachers, homeschoolers, group programs |
| Independent and small-batch makers | Handmade paints, unique brushes, small-run sketchbooks | Higher prices, limited stock | Specialty items and gifts |
| Secondhand marketplaces and local listings | Low prices on easels, drafting tables, lightly used sets | Condition unknown, no returns | Furniture and equipment |
Local art stores with online ordering
Many independent art shops now sell online or offer local pickup. Ordering from them supports a store you can visit when you need to test a pen or ask for advice.
How to Judge Art Supply Quality From a Product Page
Online, you cannot touch the product, so the specifications on the page do the work your hands would do in a store.
Paints
- Grade: listings usually say student, artist, or professional grade. Artist grade generally has higher pigment load and fewer fillers.
- Pigment codes: look for Color Index codes such as PB29 (ultramarine) or PY35 (cadmium yellow). They tell you exactly what pigment is in the tube.
- Lightfastness: ASTM I or II ratings, or the brand’s equivalent, indicate colors that resist fading.
- Single-pigment vs mixed: single-pigment colors mix more cleanly.
- Volume: compare price per milliliter or ounce, not per tube.
Paper
- Weight: listed in pounds (lb) or grams per square meter (gsm). For watercolor, 140 lb (about 300 gsm) is a common minimum to reduce buckling.
- Fiber content: 100 percent cotton watercolor paper handles washes better than wood-pulp paper.
- Acid-free: important for work you want to keep.
- Surface: hot press is smooth, cold press is lightly textured, rough has strong texture.
- Format: pads, blocks (glued on all sides), or loose sheets.
Brushes
- Hair type: synthetic for acrylic and general use; natural hair like sable or squirrel for watercolor; hog bristle for oils.
- Shape and size: rounds, flats, filberts, and liners are the most versatile. Sizes vary between brands, so check actual dimensions if listed.
- Handle length: short handles for close work and watercolor; long handles for easel painting.
Pencils, markers, and pastels
- Core type: wax-based or oil-based colored pencils behave differently.
- Ink type: alcohol-based markers blend smoothly; water-based markers are less odorous and good for kids.
- Refillability: refillable markers and replaceable nibs lower long-term cost.
- Safety labels: look for ASTM D-4236 conformance and non-toxic labeling, especially for children.
What Are Good Art Supplies for Beginners?
Good supplies are not necessarily the most expensive. They are reliable enough that the materials do not fight you while you learn.
| Category | Good starter choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Drawing pencils | A set ranging from about 2H to 6B | Covers light sketching through dark shading |
| Erasers | Kneaded eraser plus a plastic eraser | Lifting highlights and clean removal |
| Sketchbook | Medium-weight paper, around 60 to 80 lb | Handles pencil, ink, and light washes |
| Acrylic paint | Student-grade set with primaries, white, and black, or a few artist-grade primaries | Forgiving, fast drying, easy cleanup |
| Watercolor | A pan set with 12 or more colors and cotton paper | Paper quality matters more than paint for beginners |
| Brushes | Synthetic round sizes 2, 6, and 10, plus a flat | Covers detail and broad strokes |
| Surfaces | Canvas panels or canvas pads | Inexpensive practice surfaces |
| Palette | Plastic palette or a sealed wet palette for acrylic | Easy mixing and cleanup |
Sets vs open stock
Sets are convenient and often good value for a first purchase. Open stock, meaning individual tubes, pencils, or brushes, lets you choose exactly what you need and replace only what runs out. Many artists start with a set and switch to open stock as their preferences develop.
Where to Spend and Where to Save by Medium
Not every item in a kit needs to be top quality. Knowing where quality makes the biggest difference helps you spend wisely when shopping online.
| Medium | Spend more on | Safe to save on |
|---|---|---|
| Watercolor | 100 percent cotton paper | Palette, water jars, student-grade paint to start |
| Acrylic | A few artist-grade primaries and a large white | Practice canvas pads, synthetic brushes |
| Oil | Paint with good pigment load, a quality medium | Canvas panels for studies |
| Drawing | A good eraser and acid-free paper for keepers | Pencils, which perform well across many price levels |
| Colored pencil | Soft, lightfast artist pencils if you plan detailed work | Sharpener and blending tools |
| Markers | Refillable markers if you use them often | Marker paper pads |
Buying Art Supplies for Kids Online
Shopping for children adds a few extra checks to the process.
- Safety labels: look for non-toxic labeling and conformance with ASTM D-4236, plus age guidance on the package.
- Washability: washable markers, tempera, and crayons save clothing and furniture.
- Small parts warnings: beads, charms, and some kits are not suitable for young siblings.
- Durability: sturdy cases and chunky tools survive daily use better than thin, flimsy sets.
- Quantity versus quality: giant all-in-one kits look impressive in photos, but kids often get more from fewer, better tools.
Reading reviews from parents and teachers is especially useful here, since they tend to comment on mess, durability, and how well kids can actually use the materials.
How to Avoid Counterfeit and Low-Quality Listings
- Buy from authorized sellers. On marketplaces, check whether the product ships from the brand, the marketplace itself, or a third party, and look at seller ratings.
- Be wary of prices far below normal. Professional paints and markers are common counterfeit targets.
- Compare packaging photos with images on the manufacturer’s site.
- Read recent reviews for mentions of different packaging, smell, or performance.
- Check the brand’s list of authorized retailers, which many manufacturers publish.
- Keep receipts and photos of what arrives in case you need to return it.
Reading Reviews and Photos Critically
- Color swatches on screens are not accurate. Look for real customer swatch photos and manufacturer hand-painted color charts.
- Reviews from beginners and professionals may differ. A set that delights a hobbyist may disappoint a working artist, and vice versa.
- Look for patterns across many reviews rather than one strong opinion.
- Be cautious with reviews that only discuss shipping or packaging rather than the product.
Shipping Considerations for Art Supplies
Temperature
Water-based paints, mediums, and inks can be damaged if they freeze in transit, and extreme heat can affect some materials. In very cold or hot months, consider expedited shipping, or arrange delivery when someone can bring packages inside quickly.
Restricted items
Solvents, aerosol sprays, some varnishes, and resins may be classified as hazardous for shipping. They can carry extra fees, ground-only shipping, or regional restrictions. Some sellers do not ship them to certain areas at all.
Fragile and oversized items
Large canvases, glass palettes, and easels may ship separately or carry oversized fees. Inspect them on arrival and report damage right away.
Free shipping thresholds
Many art retailers offer free shipping above a certain order value. Group purchases to reach the threshold rather than placing several small orders.
How to Save Money Buying Art Supplies Online
- Watch seasonal sales. Back-to-school season, Black Friday and Cyber Monday, and end-of-year sales often bring significant discounts.
- Sign up for retailer newsletters for coupon codes, often including a first-order discount.
- Compare price per unit, especially for paint and paper.
- Buy larger sizes of colors you use most, such as white, which typically runs out first.
- Look for student discounts at art retailers if you are enrolled in classes.
- Consider open-box or clearance sections for equipment.
- Avoid huge budget sets with many colors you will not use; a smaller, higher-quality set often lasts longer.
Returns and Customer Support
Return policies vary widely. Before ordering, check:
- How long you have to return items.
- Whether opened items can be returned.
- Who pays return shipping.
- Whether hazardous or clearance items are final sale.
Dedicated art retailers often have staff who can answer product questions by chat, phone, or email. That support is valuable when deciding between similar products.
A Simple Online Buying Process
- List what you need for the project or skill you are working on.
- Decide the grade, student or artist, based on budget and goals.
- Research specifications on manufacturer sites.
- Compare two or three sellers for price, shipping, and return policy.
- Confirm seller authenticity.
- Check weather and timing for liquid supplies.
- Inspect the order on arrival and test products early so you can return within the window.
Common Mistakes When Buying Art Supplies Online
- Choosing by photo or color name without checking pigment codes.
- Buying the biggest set instead of the most useful one.
- Ignoring paper weight and fiber content.
- Ordering paint for doorstep delivery during a hard freeze.
- Buying from unknown sellers to save a few dollars on professional brands.
- Missing return deadlines because supplies sat unopened.
FAQs
Where can I get art supplies online?
Common options include large online marketplaces, dedicated art supply retailers, craft store websites, manufacturer sites, educational suppliers, and independent makers. Choose based on the brands, prices, and support you need.
Is it cheaper to buy art supplies online?
Often, especially during sales or when buying larger sizes. Shipping costs, minimum order amounts, and restricted-item fees can change the math, so compare total cost.
What are good art supplies for a beginner?
A range of graphite pencils, good erasers, a medium-weight sketchbook, a small set of acrylics or watercolors with quality paper, and a few synthetic brushes cover most beginner needs.
How can I tell if art supplies online are genuine?
Buy from authorized sellers, compare packaging with the manufacturer’s images, read recent reviews, and be cautious of unusually low prices on professional brands.
Can paint freeze during shipping?
Yes. Water-based paints and mediums can be damaged by freezing. In cold weather, choose faster shipping or ensure packages are brought inside quickly.
Should I buy art supply sets or individual items?
Sets are convenient for beginners and gifts. Individual items let you build a palette of exactly what you use. Many artists start with a set and then buy open stock.
Final Thoughts
Buying art supplies online works best when you shop with specifications in mind: pigment codes and lightfastness for paint, weight and fiber for paper, and hair type for brushes. Choose reputable sellers, watch shipping conditions for liquids, and take advantage of seasonal sales and open stock to build a kit that grows with you.
For a curated starting point, explore our roundup of beginner-friendly art supplies worth buying first, chosen to help new artists start with materials that perform well.
