San Diego Blick store pastel supplies

[Sueb]

I'm going to be in SD later this week and was wondering if anyone is familar with what "must have" pastel supplies I can find at the San Diego, DB location. I called them yesterday & the clerk said they stock Rembrandt & Blick brands, and some student brands. Is it worth my while to stop by and check it out? It's been a while since I was in that store and I didn't use pastels at that time, so I wasn't looking for them. I never get to spend more than a half hour or so, in art supply stores, when I am traveling with others, so any advice would be appreciated. Most of these type stores are franchised and stocks usually vary.

Is there any thing special that this location may have, I should consider? Good buys to be on the lookout for? Anything you know of that is maybe open stock, I can look for and try?

Thanks for any suggestions.

[PeggyB]

If you don't have any, the DB professional soft pastels are worth considering. They are made in England, and some of them have names exactly like those of Dawler Rowney so it is rumored that DR is the maker of DB! The price is hard to beat too.

Peggy

[Blick Art Materials]

Hi Sue,
I contacted our San Diego store to see what they offer in house. Here is a list of products they readily carry they suggested to get started in pastels.

- Pastel set by either Blick Artist Pastel, Sennelier, or Rembrant
- Mi Tientes drawing paper by the single 19x24 sheet or in the pad
- black Charkol
- Blending stumps, Chamois
- Workable Fixative
- Kneaded and Black Factis Erasers
- inspiration magazines or books

Feel welcome to contact us in Product Information, if you needed help selecting items from our catalog. Otherwise, our store would be happy to assist you.

Kristal

[Sueb]

Gee whiz! Thanks Peggy and Kristal, You have both been helpful! I do appreciate it. Now that I know what they have, I can better know where to spend my itty bitty bit of time. Peggy, I have tried the Blick's and like them a lot. Firm and creamy and I think you are right about the manufacturing rumor. I just called the SD, Blick store, a short while ago and they indicated that they have some open stock, but not the new full range. Hopefully, I can pick up some of the colors I find most useful. It's a cool store and I enjoyed it last time I was there. Wish I had more time to poke around, but I know I will find something I want. Last trip I came home with some great pencil bags. Thanks again, to you both.

[Blick Art Materials]

Glad I could help Sue! I know we carry the full range of pastels on our site. Feel welcome to PM me if you needed more details.

Happy Painting,
Kristal

[Sueb]

Thank you Kristal. Dick Blick carries a great assortment on your web site and it is always a pleasure to do business with your company. I was looking for a little hands on of the "real stuff". That is something that only one of your storefronts can offer offer. It will be fun, at any rate. I love real art stores!

You have been a real help.

[Blick Art Materials]

I have some good news! I've heard word that we will be extending our supply of our Blick pastels in our retail stores early 2011. Please keep an eye out for them.

Kristal

[water girl]

Sue...I just sent you a PM regarding San Diego. I live in San Diego and will happily help you out with any info you need regarding art supplies and things to do and see.

[Sueb]

Karen, Thank you for all of your assistance. BTW, I checked out your website and your work is downright beautiful! I enjoyed visiting your website and look forward to meeting you in NM, next year.