Tuesday 10 September 2013

Coloured Pencils- Changing Art Stores


I treated myself to a box of coloured pencils yesterday. I have a thing about working in coloured pencil - it is incredibly relaxing. I find it more relaxing than painting for some reason.

I think it gets looked down upon by some people. i don't know why - it is a valid medium as far as I am concerned. The web is testament to this, there are some outstanding artists working in coloured pencil: quite inspirational.

My coloured pencil dabblings are in their infancy but I am enjoying working with them - the above is my first usage of my new set. - expect more soon.

I had gone to my local art store to buy them along with some other bits and pieces. Thi sis a shop that has been on the go for decades. I recall going to it in the early 70's with my brother-in-law and it was a magical place.

Yesterday however, it was a shadow of it's former self. Spartan shelves and depleted stock.

Quite by chance, I had a chat with the owner of the store. Very interesting it was too. He was discussing the current climate and not that he was saying they were about to close but e siad that they were having to change. It became clear to me that they had not changed fast enough. The internet has changed so much and the ability to order box canvas online at almost a quarter of the price and have it delivered just wins hands down. Most paints are less expensive online too.

He has become more competitive and certainly better than the likes of Hobbycraft, which I only go to in an emergency! They carry all the big brands but you need to take out a second mortgage to buy them. Hobbycraft's prices are so uncompetitive I don't understand why people shop there - and it is a huge store.

It was really nice to have my opinion heardd and I really hope that the shop in question keeps going. Although there is a convenience to online shopping, I would miss the browsing experience and that unique atmospher that good art material sops have.