Damn Those Art Supply Catalogs!

Today when I got home from work there was a http://www.jerrysartarama.com/ Back to School Sale catalog waiting for me. Big deal, I get them all of the time, right? I sit down to glance through it and an hour goes by. Pages are folded down, drool stains are quite evident and I feel exhausted. It is only about 140 pages long and there are only a couple of mediums that I use. So why did it take me an hour? I'll tell you why, it's an addiction, and these art supply companies have us users in the palm of their pastel smeared hands. The glossy full colored picture strewn pages and the "oh so seductive" descriptions. The picture below is an example.

Here's the description that goes with it:

• Specially formulated half pan watercolors that blend easily to create an endless color range

• Water brushes that have a unique reservoir barrel to carry water in the compact kit


• This sleek field kit slips easily into a shirt or jacket pocket, and are perfect for travel or working outdoors

I wear shirts. Heck, I have even been known to wear a jacket, and usually not a day goes by that I don't go outdoors. I must have it! Of course I already have three sets of watercolors...

Alright, I won't get the watercolors. But what about these?

What a great idea. You make miniature pieces of art and trade them with other artists. Jerry's catalog informs me that, "In 1997 M. Vanci Stirnemann, a Swiss artist created 1200 cards by hand as part of an exhibit. On the last day, he invited others to create their own cards and trade with him during the closing reception." The next thing you know I have 5 browsers open and each one has some exciting information about these ATCs (Artists Trading Cards). I simply have to do this. If I did when would I fit in any time to do my regular drawing, play the guitar, not to mention taking care of the yard?

Next we have the Golden Panda Blackest China Ink.

"This imported ink is used by professional artists in the orient to produce vivid black strokes with brush or pen. The ceramic jar is not only ornamental but keeps the ink inside stable and at a more constant temperature than plastic or standard glass. It is the preferred way to store this type of ink, and in the past has not been available in the USA."

I use felt tip pens so I have absolutely no reason to buy this ink, but the whole ceramic jar and not being available in the USA in the past sucks me in.

Nope, I'm going to make do with what I have. It's not what you use but how you use it. The two hours I spent going through the catalog and surfing the net really would have been time better spent drawing. The craving to look at and pine for art supplies is just so overpowering...

"Hello my name is David and I like to draw."

As I threw the dog-eared catalog into the trash I felt a bit guilty, but it will only be a month or two until the Christmas ones get mailed out.

Of course I 'm kidding. Kidding, yeah that's it, kidding. Actually, I really love to receive these catalogs since they inspire me to sit down at my drawing desk.

Here's another monster and he's with a puppy. Aw, a puppy. I drew it with a ballpoint and then went over it with a felt tip pen. The color is a red ballpoint and a blue highlighter. Hey, you use what you have right?

If you are interested in receiving art supply catalogs you can click on any of the links under Art Supplies on the right and sign up.