Itching to set your creative prowess loose on a blank canvas? Time to dig out those long-forgotten knitting needles? Get set for your next project with our guide to AD’s art and craft suppliers.
Jarir Bookstore
This giant bookstore has a respectable collection of art supplies in its many aisles. Come here for air-dry clay, which is Dhs17 per 900g block, or choose from an impressive selection of picture mounts, which start at Dhs27. The department is clean and organised – perfect for a bewildered new artist looking to stock up on supplies. This is not to say that they are lower quality, though – you’ll find high-end Winsor & Newton paints and brushes, which will set you back: a pack of 12 acrylics starts at Dhs95 and a set of 10 oils costs Dhs119.
Locations: Nation Galleria, Corniche (02 673 3999) and Dalma Mall (02 552 7555)., www.facebook.com/jarirbookstore.UAE .
Craft Corner
As the name suggests, Craft Corner is more of a supply store for crafters than artists, but nonetheless it is worth a visit for its exhaustive range of tools and materials. It’s a little hard to find, but make the effort and Geetha Wanigasekara, the store manager, will be thrilled to welcome you to the immaculate shop, which is owned by Californian Ann Austin. The store is stuffed to the brim with stickers, stamps, hole-punches and paints. Rubber stamps start at Dhs35 and a Color Box inkpad costs Dhs30.
Sat-Wed 9.30am-1.30pm and 5pm-8pm, Thu 9.30am-1.30pm. On the second mezzanine floor of the Lulu Refreshments building, Airport Road, next to World Trade Center Mall, www.craftcornerabudhabi.com
(02 622 2563).
The Green Branch Trading Est
This is the place where real Abu Dhabi artists go. It’s hidden in plain sight on Electra Street, with a small store front and an unassuming entrance. When you go inside, there are a number of pencils and pens, crafts and knick-knacks. Peer around corners to find things like yarn, which is reasonably priced at Dhs10 to Dhs20 per ball, and fabric ink.
But for the real art supplies, head upstairs, where you’ll find an impressive array of Pébéo paints: fabric, silk and glass paints, a selection of oils and acrylics, ink and gouache, which is highly pigmented watercolour.
All of the supplies are decently priced, with a set of 12 oil paints costing Dhs22. The canvases are less of a steal, but still fair at Dhs40 for a stretched and primed 40x50cm canvas. Less experienced artists may be intimidated by what’s available – it sells high-end oils, acrylics, brushes and pastels individually – but there is also a wide array of sets available for beginners.
Zayed the First Street (Electra Street), next to KM Trading (02 621 4507).
Abu Dhabi Art Hub
Living up to its reputation as the up-and-coming centre for art in the capital, the Abu Dhabi Art Hub has a fully stocked selection of art supplies in addition to its galleries, workshops, studios and workspaces.
While Mussafah may be a trek for some, the prices make the trip a worthy venture. A set of 24 oil paints will only cost you Dhs40 and a set of 18 acrylic paint starts at Dhs30. And as for canvas, you can buy a 45x60cm stretched piece for only Dhs20 – that’s half of what you’ll typically pay elsewhere.
Sat-Wed 9am-8pm, Thu 9am-2pm, closed Fri and holidays. Mussafah, www.adah.ae (02 551 5005).
L’Atelier des Arts
L’Atelier des Arts is famous for its unusual and interesting art and craft classes, but it is also a fabulous resource for artists who practise at home. With an extensive selection of supplies, the prices are on the expensive side – but they are all high quality. Canvases range from Dhs20 to Dhs890, while tubes of oil paint range from Dhs11 to Dhs155 depending on size and quality.
Paint brushes cost between Dhs5 and Dhs800. You pay not only for the calibre of the materials here, but also for the exemplary service. This is also an art centre, which means there are experts on hand to help you with any query you may have.
Sat-Thu 10am-10pm, Fri 2pm-10pm. Marks & Spencer Mall, Airport Road, www.latelierarts.com (02 639 7145).
