How to Organize Art Supplies
Having well-organized supplies is a top priority for many artists. A disorganized art studio or workplace can lead to unnecessary frustrations and can be time-consuming. Time that could be spent drawing, painting or creating is instead spent cleaning or locating tools. Store like items together, whether your chosen medium is watercolors, oil paints, charcoal pencils or acrylics.
Oil and Acrylic Paints
- Consider the space you have to work with. The best way to store tubes of oil paints is by keeping them upright or at a slight slant. If your workstation or desk has a shelf, lay the tubes on it in a row. You could also consider installing a shelf.
- Acrylic paints can be stored, standing upright, behind the tubes of oil paints. Placing them directly behind similar colors will make them easier to locate later.
Paintbrushes
- Store your paintbrushes upright in empty mason jars or cups. Place them on your desk where they are easily obtainable yet not in the way. Make sure to clean each brush thoroughly before storing it.
Canvases and Sketchpads
- Refrain from storing your blank canvases, sketchpads and mat boards in one of the desk's drawers because they're likely to become lost or bent when stored this way. Instead, opt to keep them in flat files that can be purchased at any art store. To save money, wait until they are on sale or consider making your own version using adjustable shelves or towel rods.
Charcoal Pencils and Drawing Supplies
- Keep pencils in an empty jar or drawer, whichever is most convenient for you. If you opt to keep the items in a drawer, be sure to use dividers to ensure they stay organized.
- Store your erasers, pencil sharpeners and other drawing supplies together. Using clear storage will help you keep track of them. Nearly any container you have will work.