Amelie CameronI love getting into new artistic hobbies. I mean, why should I just stick to drawing using pencils when I can also learn how to paint and use pastels?
That’s why art stores are my best friends right now. They provide me with the supplies I need to succeed (or fail) in all my endeavours. Plus, it’s so much fun to browse the aisles of these stores. So much colour and whimsy!
If you’re creative like me, I think you’ll blow a gasket at my fave art supply stores in Toronto, listed below.
How much do art supplies cost in Toronto?
The cost of art supplies in Toronto varies greatly depending on the category. For example, paints can be as cheap as C$10 (acrylic paint) or as expensive as C$60 (dry pigment) per bottle.
Meanwhile, pencils can be anywhere between C$2 and C$80, depending on the type (e.g., charcoal or graphite) and brand.
Sketchpads are usually C$30, but for specialized sketchpads (i.e., made for a specific medium), the price tag can be higher, even reaching C$200.
How We Chose
Above Ground Art Supplies
Address: 74 McCaul St
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday—10 am to 7 pm
- Saturday—10 am to 6 pm
- Sunday—12 pm to 5 pm
Contact Number: +14165911601
Above Ground Art Supplies was the first-ever art store I ever visited as a child, and to this day, it’s one of my favourites. It helps that it has two locations within Toronto, making shopping for art supplies more convenient for me.
My go-to location is the one on McCaul St because it’s bigger with its three stories. As a result, it has more space for a fantastic variety, and that’s exactly what I get—just aisles of brushes, pencils, paints, panels, papers, and more.
The staff is another reason why I love this store. Everyone is helpful and kind, and some even have specialized knowledge. For example, Kody is an informative framer, and when I was overwhelmed, he gave me amazing frame recs for my painting.
The prices here are also pretty great. This store tends to skew on the affordable side, which is why it attracts mostly casual artists and students. Oh, speaking of students, this store also has special discounts for them, which is fantastic news.
However, I have two complaints about this store. First, it’s harder to find premium supplies here; they’re there but buried. Secondly, online shopping could be better; it actually takes a week or two for something to be shipped out, which is annoying.
Customer Reviews
Well-organized and unbeatable prices
“So grateful to have such a nice art store in the city. Their house brand of sketchbooks, pencils and other art supplies cannot be beat for the price and value, especially when on sale. Everyone working here is knowledgeable, helpful and kind. I like to grab some cheap sketchbooks when I’m in the area and just browse. It’s well-organized too!”
- Prince Choco, Google Review
Knowledgeable and informative staff
“Kody is an extremely knowledgable, kind, helpful and informative framer here at Aboveground! He made the process of choosing a size, mat, and wood type incredibly smooth in creating a custom frame of my friend’s work. They had a wide variety of frame types and mats, as well as pre-made frames in standard sizes to choose from! Kody was very collaborative and had lots of great ideas on how best to display the work. The service was very reasonably priced and had a quick turn-around, especially for a custom piece – I was moving so I had a hard deadline! I’m so excited to hang the piece in my new place and really appreciate all of Kody and the staff at Aboveground’s hard work! Thank you again for all your help & excellent service – I’m so happy with the piece!”
- Sophie Masson, Google Review
DeSerres Toronto–Uptown
Address: 124 Eglinton Ave W
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Wednesday—9 am to 7 pm
- Thursday and Friday—9 am to 9 pm
- Saturday—9 am to 6 pm
- Sunday—10 am to 6 pm
Contact Number: +14164850331
DeSerres is a popular art store chain in Canada, so I was thrilled to learn that it has a few outlets in Ontario, including several in Toronto.
What I like most about DeSerres is the variety of products. It covers almost all art types and media that you can think of. Painting and drawing supplies are the most abundant, but they also have resins and calligraphy inks.
The store also caters to crafters, much to my delight. I’m also a knitter, so I love browsing the shelves of colourful yarn skeins. That’s not all; I’ve also found supplies for making miniatures, soaps, and candles!
I also love the online store. The website is neatly organized, making it easy to find what you’re looking for, and they also offer free shipping for orders that total or exceed C$89 (if you live in Quebec and Ontario).
The one downside is the staff; many people have told me they’re rude and dismissive. One client even shared that she was shouted at by an employee for touching a computer that she mistakenly thought was for customers to find inventory.
Customer Reviews
Fantastic selection
“I’ve been purchasing my art supplies here for about two decades, and I always find exactly what I need. The store has been my go-to for high-quality materials, whether I’m stocking up on paints, brushes, or sketchbooks. It’s a reliable spot where I know I can find the perfect tools for any project. The selection is fantastic, and the service has always been top-notch. If you’re an artist or just trying, this is the place you can trust to have everything you need to create your best work!”
- Natasha Denkovski, Google Review
Friendly and knowledgeable
“I love DeSerres! This has been my go-to craft store for at least ten years. Everyone who works there is so friendly and knowledgeable about the products, so they always help me find the exact thing I need. Big shout-out to Greg for his expertise, problem-solving, and art history knowledge. I appreciate their full collection of DMC embroidery floss.”
- Alex Ratkovic, Google Review
Gwartzman’s Art Supplies
Address: 448 Spadina Ave.
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Saturday—10 am to 6:30 pm
- Sunday—12 pm to 5 pm
Contact Number: +14169225429
Gwartzman’s Art Supplies is a family-owned and run store, so it has a down-to-earth vibe.
I love coming here! In particular, I love the selection of art supplies, which is more curated. This store focuses on the essentials, such as different types of paints, brushes, pencils, surfaces, and papers.
The physical store is also wonderfully organized. Even when it was my first time coming here, I was able to find what I wanted. Plus, the store has a hands-on approach, allowing me to test some materials before I decide to buy them.
Unfortunately, because of the small staff, the service feels a bit slow at times, especially if you buy from their online store.
If you purchase online, the time it takes to pack and ship your order usually takes a week, and that timeline doesn’t include weekends. The wait might even get longer during their peak season when orders pile up.
On the bright side, the staff here is ready to offer any advice or recommend products that fit your difficulty level and budget. Everyone is also warm and friendly, and I appreciate that.
Customer Reviews
Unique and friendly art supply store
“A truly unique and friendly art supply store! There are so many things to explore here that I’ve never seen before – inks, papers, and watercolours made by Indigenous people using natural materials and no plastic. Wow! This shop isn’t just a well-run, family-owned art supply store – it’s an experience.”
- Natalie Karavaeva, Google Review
Nice selection
“Beautiful art supply store with a nice selection of supplies. You can find some nice deals here and unique tools that are difficult to find in other places. This store has been here for a long time and it’s always a pleasure to visit. The staff is also super nice!”
- Prince Choco, Google Review
Collective
Address: 389 Spadina Ave.
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday—12 pm to 9 pm
- Friday and Saturday—11 am to 9 pm
- Sunday—12 pm to 8 pm
Contact Number: +14169017007
Collective is the art store for people who love graffiti art. Their collection of spray paints is pretty extensive; not only do they have the most popular brands like Montana and Molotow, but they also have a wide variety of caps and adapters available.
Other than spray paints, this store sells markers, pens, inks, paint refills, and sketchbooks. However, their selection is smaller compared to other stores.
Another downside to Collective is the online store. Some clients complained about the inventory not updating in a timely manner, making them lose out on the chance to buy an item because it was marked “available” when really, it was already sold out.
Despite the slight problems, Collective is a wonderful shop to visit. I especially love the staff. Not only are they sweet and passionate about street art, but they’re also funny and bubbly. They also gave me a great deal on some products, which was a nice gesture.
Customer Reviews
Nice and funny staff
“Staff was funny, super nice, gave me great deal on some products, would recommend checking them out for some cool merch! Has tons of good spray paints/paint products and some really cool collectables from blind boxes to old sports cards to pokemon cards. Definitely a cool spot in toronto to check out. From the pokemon card girl.”
- Amanda M, Google Review
Huge selection of spray paints
“Collective is hands down the best spot in Toronto for graffiti supplies. Huge selection of spray paints, colors you won’t find anywhere else. The staff really know their stuff and are always cool to talk to. Definitely the go-to shop if you’re into street art.”
- Rafa, Google Review
ARTiculations Art Supply
Address: 2802 Dundas St W
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Saturday—10 am to 6 pm
- Sunday—10 am to 4 pm
Contact Number: +14169017464
What makes ARTiculations Art Supply stand out is that it’s also an art school! You can actually book workshops, classes, and demos here so that you can improve your skills as an artist.
I have to say that the selection of products here is pretty small. Painting is the main highlight here, which is why you can find paints for oil, acrylic, watercolour, and gouache, and there are a few non-painting supplies like pencils and pastels.
What the store lacks in variety, it makes up for in the quality of its products. I’m actually impressed with the brands they carry. They have Rublev paints, Rosemary brushes, New Wave wood palettes, and more.
I have to commend the staff here as well. When I came here, I was still a novice painter, and the employees helped me with their vast knowledge by picking out the best supplies to start with. They also answered all my questions without a fuss.
That said, I do find this store to be pricier than others, thanks to all the premium brands. That’s why I won’t recommend this to beginners or amateur artists.
Customer Reviews
Knowledgeable staff
“One of my favorite art supply stores. Everything is super curated, and you can tell the staff is very knowledgeable and proud of the products they sell. They also offer classes and activities which helps foster a fantastic supperitive and safe arts community (and this is coming from someone who isn’t normally a joiner!) Ordering online and picking up in person is a seamless experience. But also a great spot to browse and maybe find something you didn’t know you needed. Will always be a return customer.”
- Suzan M, Google Review
Personalized experience
“A true gem in the Junction! Articulations is a beautifully curated, locally owned art store with a warm, welcoming vibe. Erin helped me and was incredibly kind, patient, and knowledgeable – they made the whole experience feel personal and inspiring. I left with exactly what I needed and a big dose of creative motivation. Can’t wait to come back!”
- Oli B, Google Review
