Art shops don't scare me


I am easily intimidated. Art shops intimidate me. So much stuff for real artists. I'm not an artist. But I am now overcoming this fear and have bought art supplies at an art shop.

After going to Lincraft (mistake) and Spotlight (in the city*: big mistake) I realised that if I wanted some good paints and stuff, I had to get it together, and go to an art shop.

*Non-South Australians, talk amongst yourselves: I understand Spotlight in the city (Adelaide) is going to have a makeover. Hallelujah! About time. It was an absolute dishevelled mess. However, having been to Spotlight at Clovercrest I realise what a paradise it can be. I hope the city store will be a little like Clovercrest.


So I went to Eckerleys in the city. Real, amazing heaven. I realised I had no need to be afraid. The staff there were so helpful and, in my usual way, I hated asking for help and admitting ignorance. But they didn't blink an eye and made great suggestions. I'm looking for this but I don't know what it is I'm looking for, etc.

This is a scrapbooking paper dress.

I have wanted to do some drawing but faced with the blank page it has been intimidating (there's a theme here). So I signed up with Suzi Blu's Les Petite Girls to learn about drawing cutesy girls, using watercolour pencils, paint and paper to create mixed media pictures. And I love it! I'll post some more little drawings as they are created.

11 comments:

Jodie said...

I am intimidated by clothing shops - luckt we have op-shops or I might be naked. Good on you for taking the plunge!

Jenny said...

Your drawings are just gorgeous-Ecklerleys is like Aladdin's cave I think-one of those places you can not just pop into but have to take your time to look at everything! Can't wait to see some more drawings-have fun!

Kris said...

Nice! I used to feel the same way about art shops. About 6 years ago I went to my first art class and after the first lesson had a list of supplies to purchase. I had money in my pocket and the desire to purchase, but it took 4 shops before I was able to buy anything! Art shops completely freaked me out. I'm glad you found someone helpful in your first shop. Now I am a professional art shop shopper. One of my favourite art shops is 'Noah's Art' on North East Rd at Holden Hill. (You mentioned Clovercrest and it's not far from there!)

Anonymous said...

There is an art shop in Port Adelaide (I think the only shop thats open there!) run by a lovely man/family from Kangaroo Island. Last time I was in Adelaide he gave us a tour of the artist studios upstairs. Would love to see more artwork as they come to hand.

Anonymous said...

your work is so gorgeous Carolyn! you are amazing

Levin said...

oh oh oh oh! you should definately go to the unley museum and see the sunbeam mixmaster exhibition. it's so cute. i want one now.
l
x
ps - i thought i'd left a comment here the other day but it seems to have disappeared! never mind

angelique said...

Your paintings look very beautiful and interesting. I can't wait to see the rest of them. I went over and checked out Suzi Blu's course I thought about doing it also. Have you found it good/intersting/informative/worth doing? I don't need grand details just a yay or nay is good. Merci.

Ms Brown Mouse said...

Eckerleys are wonderful indeed. (I'm too intimidated to walk into Tiffanys).

Cathy {tinniegirl} said...

That's just the post I needed to read. I have the same problem and end up getting poor quality service and advice. I think it's time I took myself on an outing.

nomes said...

sorry all i could see was your drawings, please tell me you illustrate children's books and tell me where i can buy them

Red Hen (dette) said...

These are lovely little paintings! I love art shops like a kid loves a lolly shop! My fear comes more from spending spending more than I should- I have the same problem with fabric shops too!