Art City Den Bosch - De Kwast (art supply shop)
Today I went back to Den Bosch l, it's official name is' 's Hertogenbosch. I took the train and was curious to see if the dragon fountain would be on this time.
At the station itself, there are a few small shops where you can buy books, food and groceries, amongst other things. I used test bottle of cuticle oil, there's nothing in stock since months!
This city has plenty of art of you keep your eyes open.
The weather was bad, so I was glad I’d brought a coat, although I still got soaking wet. So I stayed in ‘De Kwast’ a bit longer. Just to dry off and warm up a bit, and of course to have a quiet look around. This shop seems to have more stock than the one in Arnhem, but I haven’t really seen what they have online. For a moment, I stood there with the Rembrandt pastels in my hand. They’re cheap (well, cheap!), cheaper than usual for a pack of over 100.
My own box is at least 25 years old.
There’s a wide selection, but given the high prices they charge and the torrential rain, I decided to just have a look. Looking costs nothing… besides, I’d already placed an order last night with Gerstaecker, who are a lot cheaper. I had a quick look at the prices for Talens Acrylic Creative A paint, which was 1.95 per 75 ml there, whilst elsewhere it costs between 3.50 and 9 euros, but we’re talking about student-grade paint here and I’ve got plenty of that already; I’d rather use that up first.
On the way back – or rather, on my way to the Jheronimus Bosch Art Centre . I came across a craft shop that called itself the most creative in Den Bosch. That’s quite a claim. I did buy a few paintbrushes here to replace my broken Van Gogh one. ‘De Kwast’ did have them, but 30 euros for a brush when I don’t know how it feels in the hand is a bit too much for my liking.
Perhaps I’ll try a small one sometime?
There’s all sorts of stuff on sale for artists, but is all this really necessary? I have my doubts, but all this stuff is certainly good for fleecing people out of their money, and there’s no guarantee. What I’m looking for isn’t there, so my visit didn’t amount to much for ‘De Kwast’.
3-7-2026
There’s all sorts of stuff on sale for artists, but is all this really necessary? I've seen some people buy just for the sake of buying, it makes me laugh a bit. They look at an object, ask their companion, "What's this for?", the companion says "I don't know," and the response is, "I'm going to buy it!" hahaha
Interesting. It must be FOMO in combination with cluttering.
I frequently hear artists say that art shops makes them greedy and make them buy more than they can afford. It makes me nervous all those stuff. If I have it I want to use it. The main problem is I lack time. Another issue is that if what is bought turns out to be bad for what you want to use it, it is a waste of time. You are kind of forced to buy the big set and frequently black isn't in it..weird.
It would be good if it's possible to borrow first before buying.
Well, I did yesterday. The painting group has only one small box of oilpastels which I try out now. I did some scribbling and scratching yesterday. Next I watched more videos about how it is used and now I will see how far I get. I give the back a Wednesday. Better use them fast. LOL
This gives me an idea to participate in STEEM FOR BETTERLIFE
The last time I thought I wanted to dabble with painting and all, I was like a kid in candy store being in the art store. I want to buy everything even though I don't know how to use them. LOL
What's the story behind the dragon?
I am afraid many creative people are collectors and if possible keep buying. 🤣
I could do the same, but I do not have the space nor the money and do not need it, although I would like to try out more and compare brands but therefore even those sets are way too expensive plus I want to use what I have and finish it first.
For example I saw a box with Rembrandt softpastels 120 colours (mine has 48) for 39 euros. It is cheap, but I didn't finish my 25 year old wooden box yet. So there's no need to buy more except for white plus I bought kraplak red.
Strangely enough it always feels I lack certain green and grey and I wish to have skin tones and dark purple but I never see them being sold separately.
If it comes to the dragon it is the symbol of the city born out of the swamp. The dragon protects the people and is also in the family name (translated: Dragon stone) of the Duke.
See here: https://steemit.com/italy/@wakeupkitty.pal/tgib59