Every artist knows that creating a piece of art is not just about choosing the right paints and brushes but also about having a range of auxiliary materials that make the process cleaner, more comfortable, and more efficient. Some of these supplies can be found in specialized art stores, but many are available in regular supermarkets at much lower prices. In this article, we’ll go over the essential consumables and auxiliary materials for artists, as well as some non-art supplies that can be incredibly useful for painting and drawing.
Essential Consumable Materials
- Primers and Mediums
- Canvas primers (acrylic, chalk-based)
- Oil and acrylic mediums to adjust paint texture and transparency
- Thinners and fixatives
- Fixatives and Varnishes
- Fixative spray for pastel and pencil works
- Final varnishes for oil and acrylic paintings
- Matte, gloss, and satin varnishes for protecting finished pieces
- Canvases, Paper, and Boards
- Stretched canvases
- Sketchbooks and pads for graphic art, watercolor, and markers
- Pre-primed cardboard panels
- Palettes and Mixing Containers
- Wooden, plastic, or glass palettes
- Disposable paper palettes
- Small containers for mixing paint and mediums
- Brushes and Cleaning Supplies
- Various types of brushes (synthetic, bristle, sable)
- Cleaners and solvents for oil and acrylic brushes
- Painting knives and sticks for texture work
Useful Non-Art Supplies for Painting and Drawing
Many consumables and auxiliary materials can be found outside of art stores. In fact, purchasing them from regular supermarkets or home improvement stores can save you a significant amount of money. Here are some non-art materials that are often useful:
- Construction and Household Supplies
- Painter’s tape (for masking edges and protecting surfaces)
- Disposable gloves (to protect hands from oils, aerosols, and solvents)
- Plastic containers for water and paint mixing
- Disposable table covers or sheets for protecting work surfaces
- Office Supplies
- Utility knives and paper cutters
- Erasers, including kneaded erasers, which can often be found in office supply sections
- Rulers, templates, and compasses for precise sketching
- Medical Supplies
- Cotton swabs and pads for blending and correcting details
- Alcohol wipes for cleaning surfaces before painting
- Face masks or respirators to protect against aerosol sprays and solvents
- Household Items
- Kitchen sponges for creating textures in watercolor and acrylic painting
- Paper towels and wet wipes for cleaning brushes and surfaces
- Aluminum foil and plastic wrap (useful for keeping palettes moist)
- Children’s Supplies
- Wax crayons and watercolor pencils (great for mixed media techniques)
- Stencils and sponges for quick backgrounds
- Plastic aprons for protecting clothes while painting
Where to Buy Auxiliary Materials
While specialized art stores are great for professional-grade materials, many auxiliary and consumable supplies are much cheaper in large supermarkets or home improvement stores. Here are some reliable options in Europe and the USA:
- USA: Walmart, Target, Home Depot, Lowe’s (great for construction materials, painter’s tape, brushes, and safety gear)
- Europe: IKEA, Leroy Merlin, Bauhaus, Hornbach (excellent for storage containers, work tables, disposable covers, and gloves)
- Budget Stores: Dollar Tree, Tesco (learn how to get a Tesco Clubcard here), Carrefour (ideal for office supplies and small containers)
Loyalty Programs to Consider
If you want to save even more, check out the loyalty programs available in these stores. Many of them offer discounts and rewards points for frequent purchases:
- Walmart+ – Discounts on selected items and free shipping options
- IKEA Family – Free membership with exclusive discounts and extended return policies
- Lowe’s MVPs Pro Rewards – Cashback options and deals for regular customers
- Leroy Merlin Loyalty Card – Special offers and discounts for frequent buyers
Before making large purchases, compare loyalty programs in your area to find the best benefits. Many of these programs are free to join and can make a difference in long-term savings on art supplies.
Final Thoughts
Creating art requires not only creativity but also a thoughtful approach to choosing the right materials. Auxiliary supplies help keep your workspace clean, organized, and efficient, while making smart shopping decisions can help you save money. By purchasing non-art supplies from regular supermarkets or home improvement stores, you can optimize your creative process without overspending. Happy painting!
