Painting a portrait in my art journal
work in progress

Because of my obsession with gouache, I have almost used up the set I have, and I’ll need to purchase more soon. I’m a little torn tho because for the past couple weeks, I’ve been thinking of putting the brakes on buying new art supplies until I use up what I already own. 

I have seen a “no buy” movement sweeping across youtube for 2024. It’s not specifically for art supplies, but it got me thinking about how many tubes & jars of paint I already have on hand – like a closet, wardrobe, and drawers FULL. I also have unopened boxes of oil pastels, watercolor paint, HUGE stacks of paper, and brand new art journals. Plus, 200 to 300 unused hardboard panels & canvas in storage.

I honestly don’t know how much stuff I already have on hand, but it’s a lot. I keep finding Amazon boxes that I’ve never even opened in my studio, and when I do..oh, surprise – more art supplies I bought and forgot about. 

Watching the no buy youtube videos made me question my sanity..like why do I keep buying more? Over the years, I’ve become a hoarder of art supplies, it seems. 

I could easily go months (probably more like 2 years, except for black & white, which I use a lot) without buying more paint, IF I switched to acrylics & oils. I have an abundance of both already on hand. I prefer using oils in the warmer months because I like having ventilation/fans on, but I could at least focus on using up my acrylic paint until spring.

If I keep buying & painting with gouache, instead of using up my stash of acrylics, the acrylics are going to harden up. It would be stupid to let good paint go to waste, imo.

Still, a part of my brain is saying just one more box of gouache, please, and buy it before the price increases AGAIN. And then this thought pops up – Buy it, and then mix it in with the acrylics..that way the acrylics will get used, and it will be more fun because I’ll get to play with my favorite gouache at the same time. 

This last option is probably what I’ll end up doing before the end of 2023, because the thought of not using gouache for months is putting me wee brain into a tailspin. I’m weak, and need help fighting this hoarder demon in my brain, I swear.

Can I go “no buy” for the year in 2024? I think I should try, and see how it goes.  

This is what my gouache palette
looked like
as I was painting this portrait. 

I’m thinking that after I use up the acrylic paint I have on hand, I’ll most likely reward myself by switching to gouache permanently. I love gouache soooo much more than acrylics, at least atm. That’s a long way down the road, and I have no idea if I’ll still feel the same way then. We’ll see. 

Here are some videos for you to watch if you want some “no buy” inspiration for 2024. I’m sure others will be popping up soon, but this is a good start. 

No Buy Art Supply 2022 | One Year In What I’ve Learned – the beginning of this video makes me think I should buy new gouache before 2024. I think it will be stressful if I don’t. 

I also dislike feeling bored with my art supplies, which she talks about. I like her idea of mixing things up to keep that from happening. I do that often when switching to a new art journal. Having a new theme keeps me going. 

Surviving a No Buy – My experience, tips and tricks x – I’m going through the “lies I told myself” stage right now. What if I run out of this or that, and I love art hauls, too..even if I never get around to opening the boxes for months. Ha! I also get FOMO when I see other artists using art supplies I haven’t tried yet, but want to. Her advice is most helpful. 

A comment she got on her video – “We all know that buying art supplies and using art supplies are two completely separate hobbies :)” Ummm..yeah, exactly. Ouch! 

My ART No-Buy Rules and 2023 Goals! – she talks about masking fluid. I’ve had some for years, and never opened it. Oof!! I also have a ton of “less than ideal” paper, but I’m going to use it anyway. 

No Buy Art Supply 2022 | Final Inventory – I’m nowhere near as organized, and won’t be making an inventory list or keep track of what I use. It would take days, and I’d rather be doing anything else. I’ll know how much I use by how empty my shelves & drawers get, and that will be enough satisfaction for me. 

Why I’m Not Buying Art Supplies for a FULL Year! 2022 No Buy – this one resonated with me the most because I will allow myself to buy IF I run out of something, in order to keep painting. I have an Amazon gift card, also, with a little over a $100 on it to use, so I technically won’t be spending money. 

MY ART SUPPLY COLLECTION #NOBUY2023 (adult language..if you have an aversion to cussing, f bombs, or have little ears in the room, you might want to skip this one)

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