Traveling With Your Supplies

Summertime is travel time. Visiting a new place is a great time to get inspired. We always recommend have a sketchbook and some of your favorites tools at the ready, but we recognize the need to pack lightly.

I asked Caryn for some her thoughts on packing economically while traveling. Check out some of her ideas below.

On your next trip take along a compact watercolor travel palette. Sakura Koi Watercolor sets are a great place to start.

Only 4x6" - Perfect for Travel

The set of 12 pans is small enough to fit in a pocket with mixing space built into the lid - Ideal when space is at a premium.

Mixing palette, paints, rinse sponges, water brush and a Fluid Watercolor Block. The additional travel brush is loaded with Walnut ink.

The set of 24 pans can be paired with a 4x6 Fluid Watercolor block or Strathmore Postcard Watercolor pad which fits right into the lid that can double as an easel. In addition, there is a detachable palette that provides extra mixing space.

TIP: Pre-stamp postcards or buy interesting stamps abroad and mail friends or family scenes from your trip. Snail Mail is still a great way to stay in touch!!

All sets come with a water brush which eliminates the need for a separate water container. Just fill the brush reservoir with water and squeeze to wet the brush tip. When you need to clean the brush, squeeze more water into the tip and dab on the provided cleaning sponge. My preferred method is to bring along a single paper towel or napkin to clean up. Either way, you're good to go.

You can buy additional travel brushes, with various tip sizes as well.

TIP: Fill some of your additional brushes with a permanent india ink to use as a base for your painting or fill it with a water-soluble ink to create interesting washes. I like the Walnut Ink by Tom Norton. It's a rich, light shade of brown that you can layer to increase tone. 

These ideas also translate well if your studio happens to be your home. We know how pressed for space we all are in the Bay Area. Don't let that stifle your creativity! 

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Summer Sale On Now!

Have you visited our new store on Carolina Street? In addition to our continued effort to grow our stock, we have put together a summer sale with great ideas for summer travel, quiet studio time and birthday gift giving.

SALE ENDS 07/21/2017

>>>>>Plenty of FREE off Street Parking<<<<< 

>>>>>Open M-F until 7:30pm! Saturdays Noon-5pm<<<<<

Daniel Smith 15ml Extra Fine Water Colors and Sticks
On Sale 40% OFF List

ARCHES 22x30 Water Color Papers on Sale!
Buy in bulk - SAVE MORE!

90, 140 and 300lb single sheets and bulk packs. Available in Hot and Cold Press

Save on Caran d'Ache Water-soluble Sets

Caran d'Ache Supracolor Pencils Sets and Neocolor II sets are all marked down. The tins are perfect for travel or urban sketching expeditions. We have open stock available to try in-store.

Supracolor 12 piece set ARCH price: $31.32 - On SALE $25.95

Supracolor 18 piece set ARCH price: $46.98 - On SALE $32.95

Supracolor 30 piece set ARCH price: $78.30 - On SALE $64.95

Neocolor II 10 piece set ARCH price: $21.47 - On SALE $16.95

Neocolor II 15 piece set ARCH price: $32.22 - On SALE $25.95

Neocolor II 30 piece set ARCH price: $64.31 - On SALE $49.19

Gift Idea for Grad, Dad or Birthdays!
SALE on Sakura Koi Travel Watercolor Set

This is a staff favorite for its portability and economy. Each set comes with a Koi water brush, sponge and palette. Fits comfortably in a backpack and is good for beginners to the advanced water colorist. This would make a great Father's Day or Birthday gift!

12 pan set ARCH price: $21.19 - On SALE $17.97

18 pan set ARCH price: $26.79 - On SALE $22.33

24 pan set ARCH price: $31.61 - On SALE $26.33

New Product! - Sennelier Abstract Acrylic Paints
On Sale 40% OFF List

Go Big and Save!

32oz - Gamblin Gamsol - 40% OFF List

Fredrix Pro Dixie Canvas
Select Sizes 50% OFF List

We have even more deals in-store, plenty of parking and demo stations of some of our favorite products. If you have not yet paid a visit, it is time to get re-acquainted with ARCH. Your continued support of locally owned businesses helps keep San Francisco unique.

Source your materials locally at ARCH!




The fine print: This sale takes place 06/03/2017 through 07/21/2017. Sale prices applicable for in-stock items only; no special orders or back orders. No further discounts applicable to sale items. See store for more details.

New To Stock: Sennelier Abstract Acrylic Paint

As we continue to expand our stock we knew we wanted to add a better quality, student grade acrylic paint. Sennelier makes premium lines of colors and we have heard good reviews about their new Abstract acrylics.

Meeting the stringent quality demands that Sennelier paints guarantees, these paints have a creamy-to-thick consistency and handle well with brush, palette knife or straight out of the package.

Let's talk about the packaging! These come in a unique bag with clear fronts so you can see the actual colors of the paints. You won't waste any paint as you can squeeze every last bit out and the unique nozzle prevents air from getting in which can cause paints to dry up.

Abstract is composed of 34 single pigment colors 

among the range's 60 shades

• 36 Satin Finish Colors
• 12 High Gloss Colors
• 6 Iridescent Colors
• 6 Fluorescent Colors

Come in and try them out. We would love to know what you think!