Friday, July 14, 2017

Schmincke Horadam Limited Edition 12 Half-Pan Watercolor Tin


SOLD OUT! - Sign up for our email list to be notified when we re-stock!

We are excited to announce receipt of the Schmincke Horadam Limited Edition 12 Half-Pan Watercolor Tin: 12 super moist Horadam colors chosen by artist, Marilyn Garber, founder of the Minnesota School of Botanical Art and past President & Vice President of the American Society of Botanical Artists. Marilyn's palette contains four of the brand new colors, introduced just this year in celebration of the 125th anniversary of the invention of Schmincke's Horadam Watercolors.


This exclusive Horadam 1/2 pan watercolor set has been produced by Schmincke in collaboration with iAMart, a national organization whose membership of independent art materials dealers is dedicated to the support of artists in their local business community.

Armando brought in his set to show us the richness of the colors
By supporting iAMart member stores, such as ARCH, you are ensuring continued vitality of your local art community, and investing in the health of your local economy.

Pairs nicely with a Black Velvet Silver Brush (not included with set)
We have very limited stock on these and once they sell out we won't be able to restock. Hurry in and get yours today!

Thursday, July 13, 2017

New To Stock - Art Alternatives Cradled Wood Panels

More durable than canvas, wood panels resist flexing or warping, making them great for painting, especially thick, heavy applications and palette knife work, as well as encaustic, mixed media and craft use as a shadow box, frame or tray. The 4mm hand-sanded birch wood surface is smooth for detailed work and mounting.


The sturdy pine cradle adds support and allows for hanging without a frame. Available in two profile depths: Studio panels have a 3/4" deep profile and Gallery panels have a 1-1/2" deep profile. We are stocking a large assortment of sizes in both profiles.

It's important to prime and seal wood panels for painting. Looking for advice on prepping wood panels? Read up on the why and how from this article on JustPaint.

Wednesday, June 7, 2017

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! 

Follow Caryn on Instagram

Tuesday, June 6, 2017

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!

Tuesday, May 9, 2017

New To Stock: Fredrix Pro Dixie Stretched Canvas


Introducing our latest line of canvas, the Fredrix Pro Series Dixie Cotton Canvas.  Each canvas is built using kiln-dried stretcher bars to ensure maximum tension and security in hanging.  Stretched with 12 oz. cotton duck canvas, the Pro Series Dixie canvas is suitable for all skill levels, from personal projects up through museum-quality work. These canvases are back stapled and feature a 1-3/8" deep gallery profile.

12oz cotton duck offers a heavier weave which will hold up better to larger brush stokes, a heavy hand, humidity and other studio environments, more so than a student grade 7oz or 5oz cotton duck. 12oz cotton duck is also more affordable than premium pre-stretched linen canvas.


A unique feature of the Pro Series Dixie canvas is the double-primed, acid free titanium gesso used on the canvas.  This surface creates a high-quality ground that maximizes the vibrancy of your pigments and physicality of your paint strokes. These can be gessoed further or are ready for oil, acrylic or alkyd right out out of the packaging.



We are stocking sizes up to 60"x72" and we offer same day delivery within most neighborhoods in San Francisco starting at just $17. Live just outside of the city and need delivery? Give us a call at 415-433-2724 for a quote.


Monday, May 8, 2017

New To Stock: Artist Studio Easels

When it comes to studio easels, there are a ton of options available. We here at ARCH thought long and hard about the qualities our customers in The Bay Area would be looking for in an easel.

 

We knew quality would be of utmost importance. We looked for American made brands, with vendors we knew we could trust. Pricing is another important factor in this decision. Good quality brands may be on the higher side, but they don't need to break the bank. Finally, we took into consideration the footprint and store-ability of the easels. In towns like San Francisco and Oakland artists are not often afforded the luxury of a separate studio.

Classic Dulce Easel
This American-Made studio easel is designed to provide the artist with the most stable unit at a low price. Its sturdy H-frame construction and laminated quad base offer superior strength and stability. It adjusts easily to a variety of custom settings for working seated or standing.
List Price: $510
ARCH Price: $329.50
ON SALE: $289.00


Deluxe Lobo Easel

Built of solid oak, this quad base easel is perfect for the mixed media painter. It is inexpensive, compact but sturdy, reliable and very flexible. Can be used vertically for sketching or painting, and in just seconds can be adjusted to a horizontal position for watercolor, gessoing or varnishing. Plus, the Deluxe Lobo features a built in shelf for supplies or books.
List Price: $400
ARCH Price: $282.46
ON SALE: $239.00

The sale price is limited to the stock we have on hand so hurry in!