For the novice artist, experimentation with a variety of painting media can be a costly business. However, rather than purchase professional art materials from the outset, it makes sense to start with cheaper alternatives.

ART MATERIALS

Paints, Paper etc
Cheaper ranges of paints, papers and canvas allow the beginner to experiment and make many mistakes without wasting expensive resources. The novice will find staring at a blank canvas bewildering enough, without the additional worry of the expense.

Brushes
By contrast, it is worth investing in a high-quality set of brushes, as they are the tools that will be used most often. Good quality brushes, with the appropriate care, work out to be more economical in the long term. When purchasing brushes, visit an art supplier and look, feel and practise painting strokes with different sizes / types of brushes. This will give an indication of the type of brushes that feel most comfortable.

Palettes
At the outset, cheap plastic will suffice.

Painting Knives
A painting knife is used with oil paint. Any reasonably priced knife, preferably with a wooden handle will do to start.

Pastels, Charcoal and Coloured Pencils
A similar principle to the purchase of brushes applies. Cheap pastels and charcoal break frequently and coloured pencils will require repeated sharpening. Good quality items are more economical in the long run.

Sources of Affordable Art Materials

Art Shops
The easiest and most accessible source of artists' materials and equipment is your local art shop. Many such outlets stock reasonably priced ranges, with the amateur or novice artist in mind. Art shops can also be an excellent source of advice. Many are run by proprietors who are themselves artists, who will be able to advise on the appropriate choice of materials and equipment for a particular application.

Internet
Entering "art supplies" into a search engine such as Google returns some nine million results, of which four hundred thousand are U.K. based. Many online art suppliers offer reasonably priced ranges of equipment, or large discounts on more expensive, professional products. Prices compare extremely favourably with those in art shops. A large number of online operators offer free next day delivery for orders over a certain value. One word of warning: Don't buy brushes online. You will be better served by paying a little extra in a local art shop, where you can see and feel what you are buying.
Otherwise, the Internet seems to be the outstanding source for affordable art supplies, both in terms of price and availability.

As skills develop, it may well lead to the purchase of more expensive, professional equipment. However, in any case, the chance to buy affordable art supplies may lead to an enjoyable, rewarding hobby.

CRAFT MATERIALS
Anyone embarking on a new craft can never be certain what their aptitude for it is likely to be, or how well they will like their new endeavour. In order to try out a new craft, with minimal expense, it is recommended that a beginner invest in a craft kit. Such kits contain sufficient supplies for a couple of projects, providing a good introduction to the chosen craft. They may cost slightly more than just the materials, but this is offset by the inclusion of comprehensive instructions and the surety of having all the correct materials.

Any worthwhile craft project requires an adequate input of time to complete properly. Craft supplies are generally expensive. As a result, one way or another, most projects require a substantial outlay. Therefore, it makes good economic sense to shop around for craft materials.

Sources of Craft Supplies

Craft Shops and DIY Outlets
Most craft supplies are readily available at local craft shops and DIY chains. Both sources offer a substantial amount of free information, including "how-to" guides and demonstrations of various techniques. DIY shops are generally able to offer lower prices on most items. If a craft involves any type of wood, it is worth enquiring as to the availability of "off cuts." Quality timber, ideal for small projects, can be bought for a few pence (or sometimes free). If a craft involves sewing, it is worth seeking out discount fabric shops for bulk supplies of material. Fabric by the metre is far less expensive than smaller pieces in craft shops.

Internet
Craft materials are available from hundreds, if not thousands of online sites. When comparing prices, be sure to include postage and packing in calculations. The main benefit of ordering online is the availability of materials that cannot be found locally.

Mail Order
Mail order catalogues are convenient because you can browse through them at your leisure and order supplies quickly and painlessly over the phone. Prices generally compare well with other sources and delivery is usually prompt
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