If you were to buy someone a paint set for Christmas, what would you look for?

What are some places to look at?

Michaels
AC Moore
Jerry's Artarama
Askew-Taylor

Any other places? Is one place better than another?

12/19/2007 9:50:35 AM

Jerrys or Michaels always has some big sets on sale. I'd just go there and grab something.

12/19/2007 9:51:55 AM

I actually have a BA so I'm an expert in this field.

12/19/2007 9:52:55 AM

You're a confirmed bachelor?

12/19/2007 9:56:34 AM

^ no, I'm not. Thanks for asking though - I wouldn't want you to hit on me or anything

12/19/2007 10:01:02 AM

^^^ BA = Black American ?

12/19/2007 10:02:36 AM

I have a Black American?

Carlos Mencia is funnier than you guys.

12/19/2007 10:04:32 AM

12/19/2007 10:05:38 AM

you're an expert, but we have yet to see an answer

12/19/2007 10:06:46 AM

Ok, my BA was actually in Economics, so my answer would be...

Buy the paint that would give her the most utility per dollar - whatever that is.

12/19/2007 10:08:48 AM

Jerry's Artarama

12/19/2007 10:09:22 AM

what kind of paints are you looking to get?

I like askew-taylor and artorama, but you might get a better deal on a set at Michaels or something depending on what you're looking for (water colors, oils, whatever)

12/19/2007 11:20:50 AM

i was thinking either oils or acrylic...probably acrylic

12/19/2007 11:39:00 AM

there is a pretty big difference between oils and acrylics.....

oils perform better on the canvas (translucency etc) remains workable for a good while after being put down, but are much more difficult to clean up, and they have a learning curve with regards to mixing and layering

acrylics are usually cheaper, easy to clean up, but they dry fast, poor translucency and do not layer well. they mix ok.

acrylics are the best for the beginner, oils for advanced intermediate - professional levels

watercolors are a interesting mix of the 2, and can be very difficult to do well.

12/19/2007 11:57:04 AM

I'd actually go watercolors
they're much more versatile than the two

just don't get the cheap shit, get pans or tubes of color and she will be very happy
does she have the right materials for this stuff too?

I have one like this:


[Edited on December 19, 2007 at 12:11 PM. Reason : .]

12/19/2007 12:08:49 PM

you know...I thought it was more about the brushes less about the paint. You will get diff opinions from different artist.
IMO- Go to Sephora and get some diff kinds of make up brushes. They are very well made. I'm seriously. They are awesome! and then go to Michaels/Ac Moore and get some cheap paint

12/19/2007 12:22:56 PM

Quote :

"does she have the right materials for this stuff too?"

No, I'll have to get everything.

I'm leaning towards the acrylics because she mentioned using them in the past.

Thanks for the suggestions!

^ I'm looking for a kit with reasonable materials. I don't know shit about painting, so I'd be reluctant to purchase too much separately.

[Edited on December 19, 2007 at 12:27 PM. Reason : ]

12/19/2007 12:26:26 PM

I would go to Askew-Taylor, ask them to help you gather some starter materials

you could also get a couple starter things + an Askew gift certificate

and be sure to get dat NC State discount

Jerry's would be the second suggestion

I wouldn't bother with Michael's and AC Moore because a good number of the people there are about as helpful in art as some of those Best Buy people are with music knowledge

12/19/2007 12:36:49 PM

Quote :

"you know...I thought it was more about the brushes less about the paint."

I agree somewhat, you need to have brushes that will last... i just meant don't go to wal-mart and get a thing of the crayola watercolors if she wants to have the paints for a long time

12/19/2007 12:43:38 PM

make sure you take that 40% off coupon

12/19/2007 12:51:17 PM

askew

12/19/2007 1:30:53 PM

12/19/2007 1:43:00 PM

Jerry's

12/19/2007 1:44:24 PM

bump for the evening crowd...

Thanks to everyone else for their suggestions.

12/19/2007 5:32:39 PM

40% off

12/19/2007 5:40:24 PM

dude-

don't forget to get canvas. if the person really likes painting you should get:

-canvas (the boards- not the stretched- nobody really needs that unless they're way serious about a project- maybe one canvas- but they're way expensive)

-various acrylic paints. the ones that come in the cylinders with the pop tops- that's the hot shit. Don't get the el cheapo ones though- they're way watery.

12/19/2007 5:59:02 PM

Is this someone who already paints or are you looking for a starter kit kind of deal?

If it is something new for them:
I would go to Askew-Taylor and tell them your situation and ask what they would recommend something. When I've been in there they have been very helpful. The reason I say this is that if it's a new thing you don't want to go get an expansive nor expensive set (art supplies can be very expensive) and the person never really use them, or find out they like acrylics better than oils or vice-versa. But at the same time you don't want to get them shit because that could ruin their experience. And when it comes to art supplies quality does vary. So having some very informed advice would be good.


If they have been painting for a while:
Don't buy them anything. Take them shopping for supplies.

People can be picky (and sometimes for good reason) about what they use. I don't paint, but I draw. And I've used pencils, pastels, colored pencils, charcoals, etc. that i really enjoy using... and some I absolutely hated.

So either snoop around and see what the person uses (or just bring it up in conversation), get them a gift certificate to some place like Jerry's art-o-rama or askew taylor, or take them shopping. With the latter you're giving them a gift as well as getting to spend time with them. I imagine anyone you're willing to buy a gift is probably worth spending some time with.

12/19/2007 5:59:58 PM