Paris is a city that draws people in for countless reasons. But beneath it all, love always plays a crucial role. Whether it’s a love for the charming Parisian lifestyle, a love for a special someone, a love for exploration, or, as in my case, a love for the artistic opportunities the city offers, Paris has a way of captivating your heart.
It’s a city that inspires, but ultimately, inspiration lies within ourselves. Paris simply encourages you to embrace it, to explore its every nook and cranny, to open your eyes to the beauty that awaits. It beckons you to seek out the extraordinary, to find the things that ignite your creativity, whether you’re a painter, a sculptor, or an artist of any kind.
My Artistic Sanctuary
My atelier is a vibrant haven, filled with a colorful symphony of art supplies. Paints, pens, notebooks, all yearning to be brought to life. My inner-organizer cries out to experiment with every brushstroke, every ink mark, every scrap of collage paper. But time, as always, is a precious commodity. I’m often caught in the throes of my current artistic obsession, be it a specific color, a marker, or a piece of collage paper begging to be glued.
The Allure of Art Supplies
“Glue, scissors, warm pink gouache, fuchsia pastel, acrylic paint, Tombow markers – yes, please!” This is the internal dialogue that echoes through my mind whenever I walk past an art supplies store. It’s a dangerous place, a tempting realm where I find myself wrestling with my inner demons – the siren call of new supplies versus the voice of reason reminding me I already have more than enough.
But then, the Parisian art supply scene is unlike any other. It’s a mesmerizing world where legendary artists once walked the same aisles, where you can unearth the exact tone of apricot orange you’ve been searching for your entire life. The sheer variety and quality of art supplies in Paris is enough to make any artist’s heart skip a beat. Simply spending time in these havens of creativity is an experience in itself.
A Parisian Art Supply Odyssey
Let me guide you through some of Paris’s best art supply stores, from the renowned to the hidden gems.
Sennelier: A Universe of Color
Sennelier is more than just a store; it’s an immersive experience built on the magic of color. Sennelier is renowned for their hand-picked pigments, but what truly blows my mind is the availability of real pigments for creating your own custom colors – a nod to the techniques used by artists like Vermeer. Forget the convenience of pre-made tubes; Sennelier invites you to embark on a journey of color discovery, searching for the perfect shade to bring your vision to life.
Did you know? The Sennelier family crafted Pablo Picasso’s first professional pastels, the artist being so enamored by their quality he insisted on using them on any surface.
Le Géant des Beaux-Arts: A Giant of Artistic Supplies
Translated as “The Giant of Fine Art,” Le Géant des Beaux-Arts lives up to its name with its massive stores. I adore the fact that they carry brands I can’t find anywhere else in Paris, like Derwent and Molotow, which I use daily. And the staff? Always friendly, offering helpful advice in both French and English, not just on art supplies, but on life in Paris in general.
Rougier et Plé: A Treasure Trove of Creativity
Rougier et Plé, one of the oldest art supply establishments in France, is a true haven for artists of all kinds. From embroidery threads to clay to envelopes for love letters, and even frames, you name it, Rougier et Plé has it. It’s a store of endless possibilities, so I always make a list beforehand to avoid getting lost in the artistic wonderland that awaits.
La Corderie: A Modern Oasis of Inspiration
La Corderie, founded in the 1990s, is a modern art supply haven. I remember my first visit as an architectural student, searching for the perfect sketchbook. And I found it – a beautiful pastel blue that I still cherish today. La Corderie offers a wide range of materials and supplies, and the staff is always happy to help.
Atelier de l’Image: A Parisian Secret
Atelier de l’Image, open once a week on Thursdays (or by appointment), is a place that has always fascinated me, even before I stepped inside. It’s like a magical wonderland, a place where you feel like Alice falling down the rabbit hole, surrounded by a world of colors, pigments, and pastel sticks being lovingly stamped. It’s like stepping into a museum of art supplies, an obligatory visit for any art enthusiast visiting Paris.
