Art Essentials is a well-loved, locally owned art supply store with a long-standing history in Santa Barbara. It offers a wide selection of high-quality art materials, including paints, pencils, sketchbooks, pastels, canvases, and printmaking supplies. The store is known for its good prices and frequent sales, making it a favorite spot for artists to find the tools they need. Customers appreciate the friendly and helpful staff, many of whom are also artists and can give practical advice on materials and techniques. The store has even created special sections and shrine-like displays to help students find their supplies easily. While it mainly focuses on paints, pastels, and traditional art supplies, some wish for more fiber arts and sewing materials. Overall, Art Essentials is praised for its quality, variety, and community support, making it a go-to destination for artists in the area.
Fantastic having a local art store! I was able to get the individual colored pencils I needed to refresh my set!
March 2026
Very impressed by the breadth and depth of supplies. Great watercolor and gouache selection.
February 2026
I panicked until I realized they moved to state st. The old Random space, great space, better parking, great surrounding. Store has so much good stuff and the art student on staff was very helpful.
