Welcome friends! In this Guide, we’ll explore Canada's best places to shop for art supplies.

Covering stores from both coasts, these stores are also online and offer shipping nationwide, so don’t be disappointed if you can’t visit in person.

This is a Part 2 Post about Toronto. Check out Part 1 about Vancouver.

Let me walk you through.

Above Ground Art Supplies in Toronto

My favorite location is next to OCAD University on 74 McCaul St. Step into Above Ground Art Supplies, and you'll immediately feel like you've entered an art lover's paradise, inside a 3-storey heritage building.

The store layout is like a treasure map, guiding you through a sea of colors, textures, and possibilities. It's a 3 storey adventure, and you're the fearless explorer.

Curated Selection:

Imagine walking into a store where every art supply feels like it's been handpicked just for you. That's the magic of Above Ground. From premium paints to the fanciest brushes, they've got a curated selection that will make your artistic heart skip a beat.

Quality Matters:

Above Ground takes pride in offering top-notch materials that will make your artwork sing. Whether you're into painting, drawing, or some funky mixed media, rest assured you're getting the good stuff.

For Every Artist:

Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting your artistic journey, Above Ground has something for everyone. It doesn't matter if you're a watercolor wizard, a charcoal champion, or a digital art diva – they've got the supplies to match your creative flair.

Watercolors Selection:

I always make my way to the watercolors section as I’m always curious to see the selection of professional quality watercolors. Here’s the selection you’ll find at Above Ground: Da Vinci, Daniel Smith, M Graham, QoR, Schmincke, Sennelier, Turner, Van Gogh, Windsor & Newton.

Above Ground Art Supplies stands out for the largest selection of everything you can think of when it comes to art supplies. I also spotted lots of cool accessories like pencil cases and planners/journals. They do offer discounts to local students and professionals who are a member of Canadian artist associations in-store.

Happy shopping!

Welcome friends! In this Guide, we’ll explore Canada's best places to shop for art supplies.

Covering stores from both coasts, these stores are also online and offer shipping nationwide, so don’t be disappointed if you can’t visit in person.

This is a Part 1 Post about Vancouver. Check out Part 2 about Toronto.

Let me walk you through.

Opus Art Supplies in Vancouver

Opus Art Supplies is an independently owned art supply store established in 1974.

I love visiting their flagship store in Downtown Vancouver, 555 W Hastings St U1, which you can enter by crossing the street from the Waterfront Station.

Brushes and Tools:

Opus has everything from tiny detail brushes to big, bold bristle brushes. If you’re in need of a palette knife, sponges, or porcelain palettes, they've got those too.

Drawing and Illustration Supplies:

If drawing is more your jam, Opus has your back with pencils, pens, markers, and sketchbooks galore. Whether you're into graphite, charcoal, ink, or colored pencils, they've got the goods.

Canvas and Paper:

Canvas, panels, specialty papers – classic canvases, mixed media, or printmaking, they got them, and their watercolor paper selection is exquisite. I sometimes get that one very expensive that’s the best quality hot press paper by the sheet.

Watercolors Selection:

I always make my way to the watercolors section as I’m always curious to see the selection of professional quality watercolors. Here’s the selection you’ll find at Opus: Daniel Smith, Schmincke, QoR Watercolors, Van Gogh, Winsor & Newton.

Opus Art Supplies stands out for its wide selection of art supply brands and dedication to fostering a thriving artistic community. The staff are artists too, and they love sharing their wisdom. Keep an eye out for workshops, demos, and events that you can register for free on the Opus website.

Happy shopping!