Art Supplies: Making, Manufacturing and Creating

Encyclopedia of Inspiration #10

by Jane Audas (Writer), Janine Vangool (Design)

The 10th volume in the UPPERCASE Encyclopedia of Inspiration is all about Art Supplies: the provenance, lore and enduring appeal of art-making ingredients, materials and accessories told through profiles of artists, artisans and manufacturers (independent makers and venerable brands with historical legacies). Lushly illustrated through photography and artwork, this exuberant edition is a must-have volume in the UPPERCASE Encyclopedia of Inspiration.

Genres: Art

448 pages, Paperback

Published June 1, 2022

Reviews

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good overview of people and companies involved in the creation of art supplies, from Beam Paints to Liquitex.

[Ginny · Rating 5 out of 5]

New book found on Sketchbook Revival. Full of wonderful makers and their wishes, dreams, and projects. I loved it so much, that I ordered two more in the series . . . .

[Gerisgrltrl2 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a compendium of art supplies: how and why they are made, manufactured or created. It includes mostly handmade, niche supplies:from watercolors, to inks, to leathergoods, made by small entrepreneurs primarily from Canada and the USA; but also includes some internationally known products and manufacturers like Winsor & Newton and Da Vinci.

The photos are stunning. It's really more akin to a small coffee table book than a deep dive into the how's and why's of art supplies. Many of the items are aspirational: a glass baren for over $600 is not a necessity for anyone, but it is beautiful.

As an artist with way too many watercolor palettes, I can appreciate the beauty of this book. If you geek out on beautiful art supplies (e,g, a handcarved bone folder made from actual elk bone), this book is for you. If you are looking for practical advice on how to use Viarco's tailor chalks, or when to use a certain brush, look elsewhere.

I loved it.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was great, loved learning about a bunch of new artists and how supplies are made. Was a bit longer than it maybe needed to be, a lot of people making paint and ink, would have loved to seen someone making vine charcoal

[Marmot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun to find out about lots of smaller, boutique art product manufacturers. Tina of gorgeous photos throughout.