Jackson’s Art - Buying Review 2026

If you’re anything like me, February and March are that sweet reset window. The holiday chaos is over, spring energy is creeping in, and suddenly all I want to do is create. New sketchbooks. Fresh brushes. A bold color palette. And every year around this time, I find myself restocking from Jackson’s Art.

So here’s my full 2026 buying review and influencer-style guide to shopping smart at Jackson’s Art during February and March. No fluff. Just real advice, real favorites, and exactly how I choose what’s worth adding to my cart.

Let’s get into it.

Why February & March Are Perfect for Art Supply Shopping

First of all, this time of year is creatively underrated. January is about planning. February and March are about doing.

Here’s why I think these months are ideal for stocking up:

• Spring collections start appearing
• Studios feel lighter and more inspiring
• Many artists begin new projects after winter planning
• It’s the perfect time to experiment before summer exhibitions

Personally, this is when I shift from cozy winter sketching into more expressive work. More color. More texture. Bigger canvases.

And that’s exactly where Jackson’s Art comes in.

Why I Keep Going Back to Jackson’s Art

If you’re serious about art materials, you already know that Jackson’s Art is one of the most trusted specialist art retailers globally. What I love most is that it feels made for artists — not just hobby buyers.

Here’s what stands out to me:

• Huge professional-grade range
• Competitive pricing
• In-house brands that are surprisingly high quality
• Fast international shipping
• Detailed product descriptions

I don’t just shop there because it’s popular. I shop there because the materials perform.

Now let’s talk categories.

Oil Painting Supplies – What I’m Buying This Season

February is when I return to oils. Something about the colder months makes slow-drying paint feel right.

If you’re shopping oils at Jackson’s Art, here’s how I recommend breaking it down:

1. Oil Paint Brands

Jackson’s stocks everything from student-level to premium. My strategy:

If you're experimenting → Go mid-range
If you're exhibiting → Go artist-grade

Look for strong pigment load and lightfast ratings. This is not the place to compromise if you're selling work.

2. Surfaces

March is when I switch from small panels to larger canvases. Jackson’s has:

• Pre-stretched canvases
• Linen options
• Canvas boards
• Wood panels

If you're trying larger work for the first time, start with affordable cotton canvas before committing to linen.

3. Mediums & Solvents

This is where beginners overspend. My rule:

Buy only what supports your technique.

If you paint thick → You don’t need five mediums
If you glaze → Invest in a quality glazing medium

Keep it intentional.

Watercolor Reset for Spring

March light screams watercolor.

If you're restarting watercolor this season, here’s my influencer-approved list:

• 100% cotton paper (do not compromise here)
• A solid round brush (size 8–10)
• Professional watercolor set (split primary palette)

At Jackson’s, I always filter by professional grade first, then narrow by budget. It saves time and avoids student-grade disappointment.

And yes — cotton paper changes everything. If you’ve been frustrated with watercolor, that’s probably why.

Acrylics for Bold Spring Projects

If oils feel too slow and watercolor too delicate, acrylics are your in-between power move.

In February and March, I love using acrylic for:

• Abstract work
• Mixed media
• Texture experiments
• Large canvases

Jackson’s carries heavy body, soft body, and fluid acrylics. Choose based on your style:

Heavy body → Texture & palette knife
Soft body → Brush blending
Fluid → Pouring & details

Also: Don’t skip gesso. Spring is a great time to prep multiple canvases at once.

Sketching & Drawing Essentials

Let’s talk about daily practice.

February is when I recommit to sketching. Not for perfection. For consistency.

Here’s what I repurchase from Jackson’s:

• High-quality sketchbooks (acid-free always)
• Graphite pencil sets
• Charcoal (vine + compressed)
• Kneaded erasers

Pro tip: Buy sketchbooks in bulk in Feb. You’ll use them all year.

If you’re building an art habit, this is where to start. Not with expensive paint. With paper and pencil.

Printmaking & Experimental Tools

One thing I appreciate about Jackson’s Art is how deep their catalog goes.

If February feels creatively stuck, try something new:

• Linocut tools
• Printmaking inks
• Brayers
• Carving blocks

March is such a good month for experimentation because the pressure is low. It’s not exhibition season yet. It’s growth season.

Studio Organization – The Hidden Upgrade

Okay, this is underrated.

February is when I reorganize my studio.

Jackson’s carries:

• Brush storage
• Palette boxes
• Drying racks
• Storage solutions

You don’t need new art supplies if your current ones are buried in chaos.

Sometimes the best “buying decision” is improving your workflow.

Budget Strategy – How I Shop Smart

Let’s be real. Art supplies are not cheap.

Here’s how I approach February & March buying:

Step 1: Inventory Check
What did I barely use last year? Don’t rebuy it.

Step 2: Project Planning
What do I actually plan to create this spring?

Step 3: Upgrade One Thing
Not everything. Just one category.

Maybe this year it’s better brushes.
Maybe it’s professional-grade paper.
Maybe it’s linen canvas.

Upgrade intentionally.

Who Should Shop Jackson’s This Season?

Honestly?

• Emerging artists ready to level up
• Professionals restocking for spring shows
• Students building serious portfolios
• Hobby artists wanting better results

If you care about materials impacting outcome, Jackson’s is worth it.

If you’re casually crafting once a month? You might not need everything they offer.

My Personal February Cart (2026 Edition)

Here’s what I’m buying this year:

• Artist-grade oil set (limited but powerful palette)
• 3 large cotton canvases
• 2 sketchbooks
• New size 10 round watercolor brush
• Replacement palette knife

Not trendy. Not excessive. Strategic.

That’s the shift I’ve made as an artist. Fewer impulse buys. More purposeful restocking.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Let me save you money:

• Don’t buy every color. Mix instead.
• Don’t choose student-grade paper for serious work.
• Don’t overspend on tools you don’t know how to use yet.
• Don’t ignore lightfast ratings.

And most importantly:

Don’t shop emotionally. Shop intentionally.

Final Thoughts – Is Jackson’s Art Worth It in 2026?

Short answer: Yes.

Long answer:

If you’re in a creative growth phase this February and March, Jackson’s Art is one of the best places to invest in your materials.

This isn’t about aesthetic packaging. It’s about pigment quality. Paper performance. Longevity. Serious tools for serious creating.

Spring is coming.

Your studio deserves a reset.
Your materials deserve an upgrade.
And your creativity deserves room to expand.

So if you’re building your 2026 art era — start with better tools.