Are expensive art supplies really worth it? If you’ve spent any time in an art community online, you know people have strong opinions about where to save and where to splurge on art materials. Some artists insist you need the highest-quality tools to make great work. Others proudly create with budget-friendly supplies from craft stores or even the dollar store.
There’s no one right answer. Your art practice, budget, and personal preferences all play a role. But after painting for over a decade and trying everything from bargain-bin finds to professional-grade tools, I’ve learned which categories are worth investing in and which ones you can save on without hurting your art.
I started painting as a broke student and have slowly upgraded my tools over time. Some of my investments were game-changers, and others… not so much. The most important thing is to create with what you have. If all you can afford is a pencil and paper, start there. Even Modigliani drew on cardboard when that was all he had.
Here’s my guide to choosing between affordable art supplies and professional-grade materials so you can make the most of your budget.
Before we dive in, you can grab my free e-book resources for acrylic and oil painting, or join my free 7-day Sketchbook Challenge to spark your creativity and keep those brushes moving. All of my resources include free shopping guides and links to my favourite products.
If you'd like, I've also included my full YouTube video, which covers not only the five categories, but also the key differences between lower and higher end products.
Canvases – Splurge
Your canvas is the foundation of your painting, and quality matters. Professional canvases are made with 100% cotton duck or linen, which are durable and resist warping. Linen, in particular, has been used for centuries and is known for its longevity, but it is more expensive than cotton.
Higher-quality canvases are stretched tightly on kiln-dried wooden frames, which hold their shape even in changing humidity. They’re also prepped with better gesso, creating a smoother surface for your paint. Always look for archival and acid-free labeling so your work stays intact over time.
Cheaper canvases are fine for practice pieces, but if you’re selling your art or want it to last, this is a category where splurging pays off.
Brushes – Save
Brushes can be surprisingly expensive, but you don’t need to spend a fortune unless you want to. Budget brushes may lose their shape faster, shed bristles, or have ferrules come loose, but they can still perform well for most techniques.
A little Gorilla Glue can even extend their life...if your brush head becomes loose due to a cheap glue from the manufacturer, just rip the top off and reglue it yourself! I will do this often, even for more expensive brushes.
The only brushes I consistently invest in are small detail brushes like liners and fine rounds. They’re still affordable but make a difference when you need crisp lines. For blending and texture, my old worn brushes are some of my favourites.
If you’re just starting out or painting on a budget, affordable brushes are more than enough to get great results.
Sketchbooks – Split
A sketchbook is more than just a place to draw. It can be an art archive, a personal gallery, or even a portfolio. Higher-end sketchbooks use heavier-weight paper that can handle wet media without buckling, stronger binding that doesn’t fall apart, and options for cold press (textured) or hot press (smooth) paper.
Cheaper sketchbooks are fine for pencil sketches, but the paper may tear or warp with paint or heavy layering. If you’re spending hours on a page, it’s worth having it on archival paper. My favourites are Stillman & Birn and Strathmore. They are an investment, so I wait for sales before stocking up.
So if you are using dry media in your sketchbook and don't need the heavier paper, you can save. If you want to paint in your sketchbook, it's a definite splurge.
Studio Furniture – Save
You don’t need a thousand-dollar easel to make beautiful art. I’ve painted on the floor, used $30 table easels, and even built my own palette holder from scrap wood.
A basic A-frame or H-frame easel is enough for most artists. They fold away easily and are affordable, making them perfect for small spaces or beginner studios. If you want to upgrade later, you can, but it’s not essential to start creating.
Paint – Splurge
If there’s one art supply I’ll always spend more on, it’s paint. I learned the hard way when a student-grade acrylic painting I made turned green in less than a year. The red pigments had faded completely, leaving only the blues and yellows.
Artist-grade paints are archival, meaning they’re tested to last over 100 years without fading. They also have higher pigment loads, richer colors, and better opacity. While they come in smaller tubes, the high pigment concentration means you use less paint for the same coverage.
For me, paint is non-negotiable. It’s the soul of a painting, and worth getting the best you can afford.
Final Thoughts
Deciding where to save and splurge on art supplies is personal. Some artists prioritize archival canvases, others care most about pigment quality. My own rule is simple: splurge on canvases, sketchbooks, and paint, save on brushes and studio furniture.
Whatever your budget, don’t wait to start creating. Creativity doesn’t depend on price tags, it depends on you putting brush to surface.
FAQ: Saving vs Splurging on Art Supplies
Do I need expensive art supplies to be a good artist?
No. Your skills and creativity matter more than your tools. Premium materials can improve your experience, but they’re not required to make great art.
What does archival mean for art supplies?
Archival materials are designed to last for over 100 years without yellowing, fading, or breaking down.
Is linen better than cotton for canvases?
Linen is more durable and has been used in professional painting for centuries. Cotton is more affordable and still excellent if it’s archival and acid-free.
Can I mix cheap and expensive supplies?
Yes. Many artists combine budget and premium tools, such as using artist-grade paints with affordable brushes.
What are the best brands of artist-grade paint?
Popular brands include Liquitex and Golden (acrylic), Winsor & Newton (acrylic & oil), and Gamblin (oil). The best choice depends on your medium and painting style.
If you enjoyed these tips and want to take your acrylic painting skills even further, I’d love to paint alongside you in my Painting Flowers in Acrylic course - perfect for creating vibrant, expressive blooms from start to finish. And if you’ve ever struggled to get the exact colors you envision, my Color Mixing with Acrylics course will give you the confidence and know-how to mix any hue you need.
If you enjoyed this blog post, you'll also enjoy: Acrylic vs. Oil: Which Medium is Best for Beginners?
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