Finding quality art materials shouldn't slow down your creative momentum. Whether you're a professional painter stocking up on oils or a student buying your first set of watercolors, knowing where to buy art supplies online — and how to compare your options — saves you time and money.
Know What You Need Before You Click "Buy"
Impulse purchases in art supplies can get expensive fast. Before browsing, make a quick list organized by:
- Medium (acrylic, oil, watercolor, charcoal, digital)
- Quality tier (student-grade vs. artist/professional-grade)
- Quantity (single items vs. bulk sets for classes or studios)
- Brand preferences (Winsor & Newton, Liquitex, Strathmore, Faber-Castell, Golden)
Student-grade materials typically run 30–50% cheaper than professional equivalents. For beginners, that's a smart starting point. For gallery-level work, professional pigment concentration and archival quality matter significantly.
Types of Online Art Supply Retailers
Not all online stores are built the same. Here's how the main categories break down:
Large General Art Supply Retailers Sites like Blick Art Materials and Jerry's Artarama carry tens of thousands of SKUs across every medium. They're ideal for one-stop shopping and frequently run 20–40% off sales. Shipping is often free above a threshold around $35–$50.
Specialty and Niche Suppliers If you work in a specific medium — say, printmaking, encaustic, or natural pigments — specialty suppliers often carry materials you simply won't find elsewhere. Companies like Gamblin (oil paints and mediums) or Ruscombe Mill (natural earth pigments) cater to serious practitioners.
Manufacturer Direct Buying direct from brands like Golden Artist Colors or Winsor & Newton's online shop occasionally unlocks exclusive products, sample sets, or educational pricing. You also get direct access to technical support and product documentation.
Marketplace Sellers Amazon and Etsy both carry art supplies. Amazon works well for commodity items — sketchbooks, brush sets, palette knives. Etsy is worth checking for handmade supplies, custom sketchbooks, and small-batch materials from independent makers.
What to Look for When Comparing Suppliers
When you're evaluating where to buy art supplies online, go beyond the price tag:
- Pigment information: Reputable paint retailers list lightfastness ratings and pigment codes (e.g., PB29 for ultramarine blue). Avoid brands that don't disclose this.
- Return and exchange policy: Dried-out paint, defective brushes, and incorrect colors happen. A clear return window (30 days is standard) protects you.
- Customer reviews by medium: A store might be excellent for canvas but poor for specialty papers. Read reviews specific to what you're buying.
- Shipping speed and packaging: Liquid mediums, glass bottles, and soft pastels need proper packaging. Check reviews for damage reports.
- Loyalty programs and discounts: Many retailers offer educator discounts (typically 10–15%) or loyalty rewards that add up over time.
Online vs. Local Art Supply Stores
Local shops let you see paper texture, test brush flex, and get immediate advice — advantages worth paying a small premium for. But for bulk orders, specialty items, or simply comparing a dozen paint brands side by side, online shopping wins on selection and price.
A practical approach: visit a local shop to test a few materials, then order the bulk of your supplies online once you know exactly what you want.
How to Get the Best Deals
- Sign up for email lists: Blick, Utrecht, and similar retailers email exclusive coupon codes regularly, often 10–25% off.
- Buy sets strategically: Starter sets are usually cheaper per item but include colors you may never use. Buying open-stock (individual tubes or pans) lets you build exactly the palette you need.
- Watch for seasonal sales: Back-to-school (August–September) and holiday periods (November–December) bring the deepest discounts.
- Check refurbished or lightly used supplies: Platforms like eBay have legitimate listings for studio clearances — useful for large canvases or easels.
Finding Trusted Suppliers in One Place
With so many options across retailers, brands, and marketplaces, it can be genuinely hard to know which supplier is right for your specific needs. Mercoly lets you compare and find trusted Art Supplies & Fine Art providers in one place, making it easier to evaluate quality, pricing, and availability without jumping between a dozen different tabs.
Final Considerations Before You Order
Always verify:
- Whether the store ships to your region (some specialty pigment suppliers have hazmat restrictions)
- The total landed cost including shipping and any applicable taxes
- Whether bulk pricing applies if you're outfitting a classroom or studio
Quality materials make a real difference in your work — and knowing exactly where to source them reliably is half the battle.
Start your search on Mercoly today and find the right art supply provider for your medium, budget, and skill level.