Shopping for My Favorite Art Supplies! With Rajiv Surendra

[@namabeni]

as an artist who fought for my craft, I never had my parents giving me allowance so I can buy nice art supplies. But I really worked hard and practiced with what I had when I was younger. Now that I can afford the nicer art supplies, I still battle with myself whether I am "worthy" of using such nice things. I love how you completely turned that idea around Rajeev. It's a more helpful and beautiful way of looking at things. Invest in the highest quality supplies you can afford so you will be inspired to make more and better. Thank you for taking us with you to Blick~ I've always wanted to visit their Soho store~

[@rajivsurendra]

Thanks for watching.

[@mard9802]

If you have been engaged with your craft for years, then you have earned your stripes - get the good stuff!

[@Jo-Anne.Clarke]

❤❤❤

[@MossyMozart]

You deserve the quality items. They will work much better for you then trying to force cheap items that don't work so well. Your results will be finer and more professional, too, therefore more valuable.

[@ritaroad]

This reminds me of my son-in-laws upbringing. I encourage him because I so admire anyone with talent. Keep at it. I read once that when John Singer Sargent passed away his sister was in possession of thousands of sketch books. As a child he was not allowed to rip out pages. He was told to turn the page. Picasso would draw a mere doodle and tack it on the wall. When a friend gifted his wife a beautiful red shawl Picasso scanned the wall and gifted him a sketch.

[@sallyb7472]

You have inspired me to take up my watercolors after a 29 years. Thank you.

[@rajivsurendra]

Yay!!!

[@moumoun7]

The world is better with you in it, Rajiv! Thanks for all the creative, inspiring and refined content you share with us.

[@rajivsurendra]

Thank you for watching.

[@Blick_Art]

We can't express our thrill at hearing, "My favorite art store here in New York City, Blick in SoHo on Broadway"! Thank you so much for sharing your visit and for offering such valuable advice to artists. We couldn't agree more about the advantages of selecting high quality materials and the importance of attention to craft in every detail, including how artwork is presented to collectors. It really makes a difference! Now, excuse us while we go play that "favorite art store" part over and over again until somebody asks us to stop!😍

[@hazeleyedrebel]

Hi Blick, love you!!!!🥰🤗

[@alissaevelyn]

What would we do without you Rajiv? We learn so much from you, not just about the things you show us but in how to show up with grace and joy in the world each day ❤

[@powersandassoentdorothya8981]

Amen We Thank YOU So Much 🙏💜🕯️

[@scpmdt]

A guy after my own heart. He never ceases to amaze me with the content he presents.

[@Marybarfield64]

I used to spend hours wandering around Pearl Art before they closed. The place looked like it had been there for decades and everywhere you looked was some random hidden treasure. My mother is an artist, so art stores smell like home to me.

[@artfx9]

Turpentine? That is cancerious.

[@Marybarfield64]

@@artfx9 Art stores don’t smell like turpentine. They smell like paper and beeswax and wood.

[@artfx9]

@@Marybarfield64 True, have not payed enough attention to my nose.

[@MossyMozart]

@@Marybarfield64 - I miss Pearl. B^(

[@valeriecoopet9897]

Every time I walk into an art store I get butterflies in my stomach, like I’m going on a special date with a special someone. Oh! The fun I’ll have with my new treasures! Thank you for sharing your love of art and your trip to Blicks!

[@infinitefaithart777]

Same here 😊

[@sharonperry8978]

Like me going into a pen store 🥰

[@diannefajardo8817]

Dear Rajiv, my son and I visited NYC this weekend to see 3 Broadway plays. As soon as we got to Manhattan on Friday, our first stop was Santa Maria Novella, where we purchased amazing products. I told the salesmen, Andy and David, about you. They were awesome with impecable customer service. Then, we went to the street, you stopped and plan to pain, then to St Patrick's Cathedral and looked thru the tiny black steel windows, you did in the video. Also went to the Prince Street Pizza Shop. Thank you for making our lives richer and intentional.

[@rajivsurendra]

Aww this made me smile! I'm so glad you had a nice time, Dianne.

[@ilahjarvis]

As a professional watercolorist and art teacher I agree with everything you shared. So many people buy crappy watercolor supplies and blame their lack of skill when their supplies let them down. If money is tight, Princeton brushes and Van Gogh paint will work fine, but I can't deny that Winsor and Newton (not Cotman) paint and Isabey 100% squirrel brushes are wonderful. If I could marry a paper it would be Arches cold press. Buy a giant 22" x 30" sheets and cut it down or purchase a pad. The blocks are overpriced, especially since the glue on the sides routinely crack and the paper detaches from the cardboard. This only became a problem when Canson bought the company.

[@leahferrell3110]

I buy the big sheets, but I tear them down. Somehow that is such a soothing process for me.

[@bobbiebouvier1111]

Rajiv- I’ve been watching your videos and have resisted a comment because I felt like everyone feels the same way, but you and I are twins from different mothers! Every video I watch I think, “YES!!! I’m with you!!” I would love to spend an afternoon with you! It would be a total “YES!!” fest!! I have a BFA in Interior Architecture and over the years of my career I have studied, worked and taught in faux finishing, watercolor, calligraphy, product design, graphic design, performance art and most recently quilting… when people ask I can’t always call to mind everything that I’ve done over the years! I grew up in New Orleans and learned to appreciate the concept of accumulating a few fine things over inexpensive ‘throw-away’ items. Oh, I could go on and on! Thank you for taking the time to share your life and your appreciation for art in all its forms in such a quietly profound way!

[@Vieweratlarge]

You sound like a fascinating and talented human, just like Rajiv! Keep creating. The world needs us!

[@SKN1763]

Well, you, Rajiv and me must be triplets! I enjoy every video.

[@bobbiebouvier1111]

@@Vieweratlarge Awe… Thank you! As I re-read this it sounds a little braggy, but I just have such a hunger to keep finding ways to create! I love to make things for people but I’m not always sure that they appreciate it as much as I did creating it! 😜

[@sarahmascara]

After a 5 day long panic over the future of our country, this video is just what I needed to bring some peace into my life. Thank you, Rajiv.

[@susanhodel3194]

I have been stressed also about the future of our country-so worried.

[@leahferrell3110]

This soothed me also. Rajiv, do you have a fave art store in Brooklyn? That's where I go when I visit my daughter in NYC.

[@adrienrenaux6211]

You are one of the reasons that I started to regularly practice drawing for the very first time in my life at 24 years old. I'm apprenticing to become a joiner, but my dream is to design and build custom furniture, so i've always wanted to be able to design furniture on paper instead of on 3D software. You are one of the things that motivated me to actually start

[@Yourhighnessnona]

I said it once, and I will say it again: you are the embodiment of the contemporary renaissance. It's people like us that beautify the world by adding poetry to the mundane ❤ Keep inspiring us, Rajiv! Thank you.

[@hw3874]

Couldn’t agree more. Well said!

[@pennielane3799]

Thank you so much for an inspirational tour ❤ “Too poor to buy cheap things.”

[@hepolaroth]

Sage advice on buying good art supplies. I love the “we’re too poor to buy cheap things”. Fun to go to my happy place with you!

[@rajjo007]

When you said your idea of good time is when you’re in a hardware store, grocery store or art store… I felt seen! ❤

[@leahferrell3110]

Yes!!

[@anblesduke6360]

R, you are so delightful. Please never lose your joy or become cynical. Your fans adore you so much (including me)!

[@glimbimbim2718]

please please please more art videos! I love your insights and knowledge! :)

[@vandanabhagat706]

I agreeeeee

[@freedomwalkerpeace3727]

Who here remembers Pearl Paint Art Store? Thank you Rajiv for the tour of Blick Art Store.

[@Lisa-jm3nk]

Yes, lock me up overnight in an art supply store- I would be delighted. I miss NYC’s Pearl Paint. Jerry’s Arterama is still my happy place.

[@IsidoraSage]

In my late teens /early 20's I took art lessons in NYC and made weekly trips to Pearl. Rarely could I afford much but the inspiration was priceless. Thanks for reminding me of the memories

[@lzrd8460]

#1 for me is huge hardware shops! Then arts & crafts shops. I can spend a half day just looking around. 🥰

[@narranaut]

Aah, Schmincke ♥️ My first ever watercolor tube of Schmincke was a 5ml Potter’s Pink that I got for around $10 from a local reseller (I live in Southeast Asia). About two years later, after I’ve exhausted my 5ml Potter’s Pink tube and acquired a 70+ mixed-brand watercolor collection, I revisited Schmincke again after finding another source that sells it for a more reasonable price, and I’m able to get another Schmincke Potter’s Pink tube along with 5 other colors, 15ml tubes this time, for roughly $8 (it was on sale, and I had vouchers), nearly half its original price. Potter’s Pink is one of my favorite watercolors ever. Not the most versatile or even the useful color, I must admit, but seeing it in my palette just brings me joy and inspires me to paint.

[@susandorward2293]

I have painted watercolor for 40 years. My base is Arches paper, Winsor Newton paints, and the best brushes that I can afford! Also one can not have too many pencils. I learned to frame musuem quailty in the first couple of years when I was learning to paint. It has saved me so much money over the years!

[@drebugsita]

How did you learn? Any tips on how to start?

[@susandorward2293]

@@drebugsita I took art coarses. There wasn't the internet when I started to paint. I joined a couple of art groups and we painted together. That was great fun. Surround yourself with people that paint.

[@secretscarlet8249]

Even watching through a small video screen inspired me. I now want to do more art and tour an art store. Thanks for this Rajiv!

[@powersandassoentdorothya8981]

You are a true gift 💯♥️ what a blessing to be taken on the journey. Be Good To Yourself 🙏💜🕯️

[@cynthiaann4465]

There’s also watercolor pencils. You draw with the pencil and then go over your drawing with water. It’s a way to get a watercolor look that is easier to attain for a beginner. 👍

[@kathleenmacdonald5511]

You are such a cool guy Rajiv, without even trying. I wish you the best of everything in life.

[@lindajanke6194]

I'm not a professional artist like my friend, Rajiv, but I dabble, and I love going to art supply stores. My granddaughter is an excellent portrait artist and I buy for her as well as myself. Thank you for the tour and giving us the gift of your time and knowledge.

[@totoro888]

Faber-Castel has kneading erasers. Dunno about Germany, Austria is filled with them, even the simplest children art section will have several colors of kneading erasers. And Faber-Castel is a German brand.

[@samanthafranklyput]

I just had the instinct to watch a relaxing video and this popped up in my notifications. Perfect timing 😊

[@peggymurphy6747]

Rajiv, I just love seeing the joy on your face when you show us things that mean so much to you! I'm not an artist, but I appreciate art so very much and it is so enjoyable to learn things about art from you. I hope you do more videos demonstrating the different types of art activities that you love doing. It's very satisfying and relaxing to watch an artist at work. And thanks for taking us around the City and showing us where you enjoy going. Love love love your videos

[@Angelika-r3p]

Hi Rajiv, love your videos and love that you quote in German from time to time. Herzliche Grüße aus 🇩🇪

[@missmagic707]

Highly recommend trying out the Blackwing Pencils - gorgeous to work with, they feel amazing on paper but also create amazing depth of graphite.

[@jodes327]

Blick is my favorite store! I live in France and we don't have one, but I always visit when in the US! Thanks for the visit! Merci!

[@rajivsurendra]

Merci à vous!

[@jodes327]

@@rajivsurendra Bisous!

[@maxineoliver7404]

I didn't know that you have some beautiful cursive writing! Thanks for sharing what's in the Art store- love it!🎨

[@lauriewarner4848]

What is the best, watching you in an Art Supply Store. ⭕️❤️

[@susangolden7383]

This was amazing! I would love to wander around in such a fantastic art store!!! Thank you for taking me with you!

[@maggiemae6867]

I had a framer tell me to pick the frame and matte first and then paint the painting, It'll save you so much money. And he was right!!

[@orisarijose]

That is exactly how I feel when I enter an art store wherever I am in the world… it’s so magical 🎉🎉

[@pamelasorrells2187]

I wish we had one of those stores here! 💙 Thanks for sharing your happy place 💙🕊

[@ritaderuysscher3535]

I’m with you Rajiv. I hate, absolutely hate shopping, except ☝️ when it comes to art supplies, books, yarn and plants! Then, you can’t get me out of the store 😅 As always, love your content so much I got other people hooked on your channel. Cheers from Ottawa 🇨🇦

[@juneclements2111]

Art supplies, books, yarn and plants!!!!❤️❤️❤️

[@leslierobertson385]

Come out west to Victoria! We have many shops in all those categories! I think we're the independent bookstore capital of Canada? My list is the same as yours except I don't knit so instead of yarn shops it's bead shops!

[@txspacemom765]

I had a two wonderful art teachers in high school. They saw, and nurtured, my natural talent for art and being creative. They used to tell me understand your tools, appreciate your tools as an extension of yourself, you will understand your art. They taught me to try as many different tools as I could, so I could literally feel the difference and see how things move, combine, etc. I can spend HOURS in an art supply store, just touching and examining everything. It's a true experience!

[@carolnacarato4448]

As a person who grew up about 40 minutes away from Galesburg Illinois, home of the original Dick Blick store and having a satellite store 10 minutes from my home in Central Illinois, I have to say I'm so happy there's one near you in NY. It's a fabulous company and I still order art supplies several times a month from them (yes I have a serious addiction for art supplies) even though I have since relocated to Florida a year ago. Love love them!

[@i.a.m.270]

Blick Soho… so many good memories of my life in Manhattan. Thank you!

[@oliviacarriveau]

This video itself is a piece of art ❤

[@spoon3413]

When I’m tired..I find myself on your channel…and being uplifted and reinspired again.

[@lindaabraham8715]

Love it. My addiction is fabric. Remember the costume designer you know? And, your apron-sewing venture? Consider going to great fabric store. My online favorite is Mood Co.

[@the_artsy_kanya]

I love spending my time in art stores! Indeed the best way to feel inspired!

[@jezanne]

I would add to your list of favorite store: fabric store. Any store where you can find raw material that you can transform into something else bring me joy and inspiration.

[@minniek4679]

Thanks for the reminder to go to my local Blick store. I'm very grateful to have one nearby.

[@lisabaurmeister1572]

Could not agree more Rajiv! I love me a good art store and Blick is awesome. Some girls collect purses or shoes; me, I collect top quality paintbrushes. I love the German saying too!

[@Jamie_kemp]

I love the way you dress. I’d love to see a video on your wardrobe / how you acquire and manage your clothing collection.

[@rajivsurendra]

I was criticized by a European in my last video for attire that wasn't deemed appropriate by European standards (likened to 'underwear'). So it's very nice to read your lovely words of support. Thank you ;-)

[@Jamie_kemp]

@@rajivsurendra I’m English and I would be happy to wear the stuff you wear, especially now when it’s hot. I think they have higher expectations of formality in mainland Europe than we do here.

[@dineshacosta5208]

I love the art stores - I can spend hours. I have learned to control the urge to buy everything I want coz art supplies are quite expensive now. But I agree on the quality ❤

[@Sheerambivalence]

I would love to see where you go for grocery shopping in the city!

[@SusanGeyer-l4k]

I love looking at colours in paint shops...the very fine difference can make or break.

[@hellovicki6779]

Why am I not the least bit surprised that Rajiv loves water colour. I also have graduated to water colour from other mediums, it is another realm. He is completely correct about 100% cotton paper.

[@meh4168]

You are my soulmate!!!! I live in Toronto. and I wish we had this selection and variety here.

[@clara-sophiadaly9882]

HI! Would you ever do a day-in-the-life / daily routine video? I would love to see what you tend to do on a daily basis, although I am sure there is some variation.

[@suesummers8813]

I love art and stationery stores, always go in them wherever I am in the world.

[@jerrycratsenberg989]

Thank you for sharing Rajiv! This video takes me back to the days when I majored in art at the University of Wisconsin. Mmmmmm! The marvelous smell of turpentine and linseed oil wafting through the halls of the Elvehjem Art Center.

[@AA-jn3oc]

It was a pleasure accompanying you virtually on this art shopping tour. 🎨 😊

[@Vanessa_S0]

This store is magical, I would love to go there in person someday. I was never able to buy on their website (shipping fee + enormous taxes for imports in my country), but when I was a teenager I would browse their website just to daydream about art supplies and to get inspiration

[@Eazyjaypee]

pro tip: ask the framing dept or local store to purchase scraps of 8 ply for projects. most will places have a bin they're literally about to throw out. odd shapes and sizes but most mats can handle acrylic paint. 8 ply mats can definitely handle oil paint after primed.

[@ptoyman]

I’ve always wondered where and how Rajiv stores his art supplies in that beautiful apartment. I don’t recall seeing that in his apartment tour video. I’m in the process of downsizing my living space and won’t have as much room for a dedicated studio.

[@bonnerdebbie]

Thanks Rajiv, art stores are one of my favorite places!

[@elinorshirvanian9546]

Just the smell and visuals in a good art supply shop is enough to inspire me

[@AnaSchultz-kx9tq]

Your channel is a bliss, is an aesthetic, a feeling. Soul nourishing and life afirming with the beauty of art. Keep this so meaningfull work ❤

[@jennyoung586]

I’m an artist who orders all of her supplies from Blick online. How I wish I lived close to this beautiful brick & mortar Blick location! I would surely spend hours enjoying myself! Thanks for the lovely tour, and tips on your favorite items, Rajiv. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

[@Softtail]

I absolutely love your videos. I'm a late blooming artist. I like water color and calligraphy. Some times even acrylic painting. I live in the Adirondacks so most my supplies come from Amazon. If i ever came across a store like Blick my family would never see me again. I have learned so much from you. Love you dearly. ❤

[@susanhodel3194]

Love your easy smile and that was very informative! Thank you!

[@ChaiTogether]

Looking forward to watching this as I was reading a history book about Monet and how paint brushes and paint was created! 🎉❤ Love this good life 😊 Thanks for playing a solid role for us!! Cheers ☕️

[@janinafisher101]

Rajiv, if this video went on for an hour, I'd still be here watching. Is there anything more fascinating than an art store (well, for an artist, anyway). I'm in rural Eastern Ontario and just lucky to have a tiny art store 45 minutes' drive away! If I were in that Blick store I would be totally like a kid in a candy store. I have never seen some of the things you showed in even the biggest art stores I've been to here in Canada. Good thing you moved to NYC!

[@prof.jezebel]

DeSerres in Canada has an online shop and ships. Selection is good for Canada (not like Blick!).

[@prof.jezebel]

Also, in Toronto, Aboveground Art Supplies! Gwartzman's in Kensington Market was great for cheap prices.

[@ArtandGreenTea]

I loved that german phrase “were too poor to buy cheap things” I resonate with this so much! I invested in all of my materials because there is a very slim chance i will be disappointed and i cant afford to be disappointed. I often feel like my art supplies are out of my league but learning without supplies fighting against me is helping me learn what I’m doing wrong or what I need to change. Lovely video, new subscriber!

[@mgpm17]

I love Schminke too!!! I don't have a Blick near me but I went to one in San Diego and it was such a treat!! As was this video... two of my favorite things, art supplies and Rajiv. ❤️ I also like Qor paint and a myriad of handmade colors like Purple Fish.

[@archivist17]

I have learned so much from visiting art supply stores and just looking at what there is. Especially when I didn’t actually buy anything, but went away to think of possibilities.

[@francklie6568]

What a beautiful art supply store! We have nice art supply stores here too, but way smaller than that. I love that store, you're so lucky to have it!

[@joannrabideau1657]

Going shopping at the art store!! My most favorite thing to do❤️

[@crystalipock9725]

Firstly, I so admire all of your rich talents!! You inspire me so much in MULTIPLE aspects of life and better living. Blick is my FAVORITE art supplier, and I so enjoyed watching you browse the store and share some of your favorites as well. I plan to visit the brick and mortar here in Wisconsin at the end of the summer!! I have only ordered from them online at this point! Happy, happy; joy, joy! Here's to many more fabulous oil and watercolor masterpieces from you my friend! Looking so forward to your next share with us; always leaves me a little joyful, awed and inspired. Thanks for all you do! You're fabulous!

[@karinmeira]

YES! …double sided tape is sooo handy, for so many varied uses! 🤩

[@jellyfish1969]

Next up, Rajiv discovers making his own watercolors from dry pigments and binders.. I can already see it...

[@suegreen8214]

First timer here, from Australia, throughly enjoyed your post / clip , I am hooked😊

[@heathernelson1095]

Standing on business 🖤

[@carlarivas1238]

What a fantastic art store. Thanks for taking us along!

[@anuya888]

Seeing you talk about Watercolors makes me very happy ❤️

[@curlew-3592]

Oooooh, in my dreams tonight I’ll be shopping in that art shop. 🥰😊🇬🇧

[@sarj8164]

😊❤👍 He always brings so much joy and wonder to everyday things and make them fascinating😊. Great video. Loved it❤👍👏👏

[@VS-rv1btartnfun]

this is a beginners master class in art materials ❤😂

[@CanadaFree-ce9jn]

I don't paint but I can open Master Lock 175s without the combo; hey everyone needs a hobby. lol I just enjoy watching your videos and will sometimes walk around our art store as you'll never know what you'll find that might come in handy.

[@lindaweigel8572]

While traveling via train to Chicago there are always two places I head for and that's the Art Institute of Chicago to visit my favorite works and then over to Blick's to stock up. That to me is a gold key day! I also love the archival boxes for storing old prints and photos between layers of acid free paper. After watching this I think I need to take the train real soon and make my rounds! Thanks for the inspiration!

[@claudiamann7111]

Thank you so much for the wonderful tour of the art store. Blick is fabulous. So good to learn all that about the different pencils.

[@julieschnorenberg5370]

Yes, Blick is great. I buy a lot of my supplies from their huge catalogue! Love to keep discovering more useful and colorful ‘needs’! Many thanks!

[@berolinastrassmann]

Yes, I could spend the whole day at such stores. Thanks for bringing us along. Who knew the mat or brush section could be so interesting ?! Well done for pronouncing Schmincke correctly! 🇩🇪 Mr Schmincke was one of the founders, and Mr Horadam formulated many of the paints back in the 1900s, giving his name to the professional line of paints. Knowing your love for hand made items, you should check out Rosemary & Co brushes, handmade by a family led company in Yorkshire. Would you consider visiting TALAS in Morgan Av. In Brooklyn? They carry bookbinding supplies and papers, which i think you might like. 0:52 I have this Cavallini poster in my studio, as well as the onewith thesystem of colours. 😍

[@arncj18]

quality as always, it's like watching my hunt for quality in every object in my life.

[@sherylvalentiner6115]

I completely agree. Art supplies and beautiful paper stores. I as in one in NYC years ago. My brother was infinitely patient with me! 💜

[@pch409]

Rajiv, Thank you for your work, and for the creative and diverse content you are providing. It has been immensely reassuring and inspiring - and often comforting - particularly these days as I negotiate some tough territory. You help call us all back to a healing creativity from which so much can emerge, including a way forward. So, thank you my KZbin friend. Kindly, Beth

[@smusz]

Rajiv, you're quite the aesthete....have always enjoyed the art store encounter, just like hardware stores...fascinating.

[@emmyashbaugh]

Aaahhhhh, I am also a sucker for watercolor supplies, clay and candle making as well. I could get lost in there. Thank you for another gem, Rajiv! Your videos are works of art in and of themselves. It is so inspiring and uplifting to get these little glimpses into your world.

[@startpage717]

OMGOSH!! Agree. Hardware, Market, and Art supplies. 🥰 SAMEEEE! Watercolour

[@DanielChapmanYT]

Watching a person Literally glow when they are talking about the passion of their creativity on top of a very soft and gentle voice is ASMR Gold, you make my body feel like it's melting like butter when you are explaining things and the music in the background is perfection. I don't really do art as an adult anymore but it really reminds me of my childhood when I studied art for my exams in the UK.