Art Alternatives

Based in the San Francisco Bay Area we’re a small creative group designing art supply essentials at great prices so that we can all afford to make art part of every day.
Launched in 2000 and specializing in art surfaces including over 350 sizes and styles of canvas and panels, as well as black books and 1000+ other creative tools and supplies. Art Alternatives is available nationwide at independent art stores and online.

Our mission is to make artistic expression affordable for anyone who feels inspired to do it!

5 Products

  • KSh365KSh440

    TheseĀ  canvas panels are great for lighter paint applications, quick studies, practice and class projects. The unbleached 3 oz. cotton is primed with acid-free acrylic titanium gesso to a finished weight of 8 oz. and is wrapped around an acid-free recycled paper board core. Suitable for use with all acrylic paints, oil paints and other wet or dry media.

  • KSh600

    Sets of 5.6mm leads for use with the Art Alternatives Clutch Pencil or other 5.6mm lead holders. The Graphite Set contains four graphite leads two of grade 2B and one each of grades 4B and 6B. The Sketching Set contains five leads in traditional sketching colors: black, bistre, sepia, sanguine and white. Both sets conform to ASTM D-4236.

  • Nylon Palette Knives
    KSh180

    Mix or apply oil and acrylic colors with these universal color mixing tools. The flexible blade easily manipulates paint strokes and texture. The high strength, one-piece, molded nylon is more durable than plastic and is easily wiped clean. More economical than metal, they are light-weight and will never rust. Suitable for both studio and classroom work. Durable enough for many uses.

  • Charcoal PencilCharcoal Pencil
    KSh220
    • Available in HB, B and 3B
    • combines the rich blackness of a charcoal pencil with the smooth control of a graphite pencil.
    • Less abrasive than charcoal pencils
    • Create intense lines and rich, dark tones, allowing unlimited freedom of expression.
  • KSh2,450KSh3,070

    These cradled wood panels are 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, while 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 a