My studio was full of boxes and boxes of second-hand art supplies of all types and varieties—paint for silk, masking fluids, fabric markers, canvasses and more. It was totally overwhelming. I needed to sort it out, work out what I would use, and where it would go.
It started a few days beforehand when my good friend Jonathan messaged me.
“I’ve got some of mum’s old art stuff for you”
I knew that his mum, Elizabeth, had passed several years ago, and his dad had more recently moved into a home. Jonathan and his sister had been getting the house ready for sale. Sorting through all the possessions would have been tough, and I’m glad that he thought of me. I wanted to support him, and he said taking these would help, plus new supplies can be inspring.
I don’t really know why, but I was expecting a shoebox full. I was a bit shocked when he turned up with a carload of stuff.
So. Much. Stuff.
They’d taken everything out of Elizabeth’s studio, kept the work and given the supplies to me. Jonathan was keen that these old art supplies were used, and he knew I was a user. I’m very grateful—new art supplies can be fun and inspiring.
But at first, it was a bit too much. And as I loaded it into my studio I wondered what I would do. There was studio detritus of all types—what remained after decades of varied creative pursuits.
First, I needed to know what was there and what I would do with it. I put it into three categories:
Stuff that I knew I would use. Watercolour palettes, brushes, unused sketchbooks, and a whole heap of paper of various sizes. Things that are already part of my kit.
Stuff that I wanted to use. This included an extensive set of linocut tools, tubes of gouache, and paints for marbling paper. I’ll play with these new and exciting toys and try to make something.
Stuff that I knew I wouldn’t use, and needed a better home. Fabric paints, sewing supplies and plenty of beautiful Indian woodblocks for printing fabric; the local arts centre will appreciate these.
And then there were a few dregs. Leftover things. Dried up bottles of ink. Crusted over paint tubes. Frayed pens. Perished brushes. Reminders that we should use up our art supplies.
What struck me most was how almost everything was mostly used up. There were very few full jars. This was stuff that was left behind. Not saved for a special occasion.
There were a few untouched things that might have been saved. I’m not sure. But one day, all of these were new and exciting toys—some still had the price stickers on them. Then they sat on the shelf until today.
I know how it happens. Despite the best intentions, sometimes we leave paint in the tube, save that nice paper for the right project, or leave that fancy sketchbook on the shelf.
It’s easy to think of reasons not to do something. It’s happened to me. It’s probably happened to you too. We’re afraid or anxious or feeling unworthy or waiting until we’re better at art. Or the rest of life takes over, or we don’t want to waste the supplies.
I want to honour Elizabeth’s memory and use the rest of these supplies. I’m a pretty good user-upper.
So, I started by using up some of the paper. I grabbed Elizabeth’s watercolour palette and brush and my favourite pen. I looked at some of the things that were now mine, drew, and painted. I used up some of these supplies.
What supplies have you been saving? How are you going to use them up?
Mostly, I don’t get too concerned or precious about gear. But occasionally, I do.
I was given a screen printing kit years ago, which is still in the box. I’ve made all sorts of excuses, but at the moment, it’s being wasted. It’s just sitting in the second drawer in my studio dresser.
Saving art supplies is a form of creative procrastination—putting off using them until another time because… whatever. The reason doesn’t matter. The solution is to start using them.
We can get mental blocks on using them up. I like to remember these few things to help me use up materials.
They are still making them. There are factories all around the world making these things. They’re not rare or unusual or special. We’re not going to run out of art supplies. If you use them all you can go and get more. It only costs money…
Even though they’re expensive, they’re not that expensive. I don’t like spending money. Maybe that’s why I don’t ride horses or play golf. If you think good fancy paper costs a bunch, wait until you see the price of a fancy driver.
Better gear = better art. We can save that fancy paper, but I’ve found that I make better art when I use more expensive materials. Maybe I take it more seriously. I don’t know if it’s true for everyone, but this is a real phenomenon for me. I make a better drawing with a nice pen on watercolour paper.
Saving is wasting. The paint does nothing when you leave it in the tube, and eventually, it perishes.
You’ll always be better in the future. You’re never finished learning art. There’s always more to know. Saving these supplies for when you’re “good enough” is pointless—you’re good enough now.
So, please. Go and find those precious art supplies that you are saving somewhere.
Use. Them. Up.
Elizabeth would want you to.
This Sunday morning at 7:15am NZ time, I’m hosting the first edition of Sketchbook club, an online meetup where we’ll draw together (and use up some art supplies). The meeting link is in my subscriber chat.
The first session is open to all subscribers. Bring a sketchbook, pen, and something to drink—we’ll be drawing our drinks (I’ll have coffee).
Excellent advice Andrew.
I recently sorted through my arts and crafts supplies. Some I sold, some I donated to schools, but my favorite was donating to a senior women’s group that meets up to do crafts. I was really satisfied with that one. They were so happy and excited!