Every year, Cheap Joe’s Art Stuff sponsors a trade show in Boone, NC. I’ve never been to such an event and Boone isn’t that far away so I went to the show this year. Overall, it was a good show but the selection and prices weren’t as great as I’d hoped. I think “Cheap” Joe Miller is a watercolorist so the show seemed slanted toward watercolor. Granted, this could be because it’s summer and watercolor is a popular plein aire medium.

There were a few companies that make or distribute oils and didn’t bring any. Jack Richeson bought Shiva and I’d hoped to see some of the new formulations. Chroma makes Archival oils but they only had their Interactive acrylics. Savoir-Faire didn’t bring Sennelier oils either. The usual supply store staples were represented – W&N, Grumbacher, Rembrandt. It was good to see Holbein and DaVinci though. DaVinci has a range of earth colors now including Lapis Lazuli and Magnetite. Holbein has a Ceramic White that I’ve been curious about but it’s usually outrageously expensive. W&N had 120ml tubes that are not usually found in retail stores.

I’ve been using Cheap Joe’s brushes lately so it was good to get a handful of those. Joe’s Serendipity line is nice for rounds and larger flats. It’s a white bristle with a full body. The rounds are long and responsive. So far, I’d say they’re on a par with DaVinci rounds. The Workhorse line of bristles from Cheap Joe’s is a good brush and very inexpensive.

Boone was also home to Art Purveyors, a small but flavorful shop downtown. He’s moving to Foscoe which isn’t far from Boone and it sounds like a good move for owner Mike Hill. I witnessed Mike try for at least thirty minutes to talk a lady out of her purchase. She was interested in a field easel whose legs were less than steady. For $25, I would’ve bought the thing and replaced the legs too.

A summer drive through the mountains is it’s own pleasure too!