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Art and Poetry

Getting Started with Art in Kenya: Supplies & Resources

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Easy Access Staff

Introduction

Starting your art journey in Kenya does not have to be expensive or complicated. Many people want to draw, paint, or create art but do not know where to begin or what supplies to buy. This guide will help you understand the basic art supplies you need, where to find them in Kenya, and how much they cost.

Whether you want to paint, draw, or try other art forms, knowing what materials to buy and where to get them will save you money and help you start creating right away.

Basic Art Supplies for Beginners

Drawing Materials

Pencils

Start with a simple set of pencils in different grades. You need:

  • HB pencils for general drawing (about KES 20-50 each)
  • 2B and 4B pencils for darker lines (about KES 30-70 each)
  • 6B or 8B for very dark shading (about KES 50-100 each)

You can find pencil sets with multiple grades for KES 300-800 at most bookshops in Kenya.

Erasers

Buy two types of erasers:

  • A regular rubber eraser for general use (KES 20-50)
  • A kneaded eraser for gentle erasing and highlighting (KES 100-200)

Paper

Start with basic drawing paper:

  • A4 sketch pads cost KES 150-400 depending on quality
  • Loose A4 sheets in bulk are cheaper (about KES 5-15 per sheet)
  • Cartridge paper is good for pencil and pen work

For practice, you can use plain photocopy paper which costs about KES 500 for 500 sheets.

Other Drawing Tools

  • Sharpener: KES 20-100
  • Ruler: KES 50-150
  • Charcoal sticks: KES 50-150 each
  • Ink pens (different sizes): KES 50-200 each

Painting Materials

Paints

For beginners, start with one type of paint:

Acrylic Paints (Best for beginners)

  • Dry fast and work on many surfaces
  • Small tubes cost KES 150-400 each
  • Starter sets with 6-12 colors cost KES 800-2,500
  • You can mix colors to create more shades

Watercolor Paints

  • Good for soft, transparent effects
  • Cake sets cost KES 300-1,500
  • Tube sets cost KES 800-3,000
  • You need special watercolor paper

Oil Paints (For more experienced artists)

  • Take longer to dry (days or weeks)
  • More expensive (KES 300-800 per tube)
  • Need special thinners and solvents
  • Better to start with acrylics first

Brushes

Buy a basic set of brushes in different sizes:

  • Small brushes (size 0-4) for details
  • Medium brushes (size 6-10) for general painting
  • Large brushes (size 12-20) for big areas

A basic brush set costs KES 400-1,200. Synthetic brushes are cheaper than natural hair brushes and work well for beginners.

Canvas and Surfaces

You can paint on several surfaces:

  • Pre-stretched canvas: KES 300-1,500 depending on size
  • Canvas boards: KES 150-600 (cheaper than stretched canvas)
  • Canvas paper pads: KES 400-900 (good for practice)
  • Plain cardboard or wood (can be primed with gesso)

Other Painting Supplies

  • Palette for mixing colors: KES 200-600 (or use a plastic plate)
  • Water container: Use any plastic container you have
  • Palette knife: KES 150-400
  • Apron or old clothes to protect your clothing
  • Rags or paper towels for cleaning brushes

Where to Buy Art Supplies in Kenya

Physical Stores in Nairobi

Art and Craft Shops

  1. Kiko Romeo Gallery - Hurlingham

    • Wide selection of professional supplies
    • Mid to high-range prices
    • Good quality materials

  2. The Artist’s Gallery - Lavington

    • Art supplies and framing services
    • Various price ranges
    • Helpful staff who can advise beginners

  3. Chandarana Supermarkets

    • Several branches in Nairobi
    • Basic art supplies at reasonable prices
    • Good for quick purchases

  4. Uchumi and Naivas Supermarkets

    • Basic supplies in stationery sections
    • Affordable prices
    • Limited selection but convenient

  5. Carrefour - Junction, Thika Road, Garden City

    • Art section with various supplies
    • Reasonable prices
    • Can find starter sets

Bookshops

  1. Text Book Centre (Multiple locations)

    • Good selection of basic supplies
    • Affordable prices
    • Student-friendly options

  2. Prestige Books (Mama Ngina Street, Nairobi)

    • Art supplies section
    • Competitive prices
    • Bulk buying options

  3. Book Point (Moi Avenue, Nairobi)

    • Basic drawing and painting supplies
    • Lower prices than specialized art shops

Physical Stores in Other Counties

Mombasa

  • Big Square Supermarket: Basic art supplies
  • Naivas and Chandarana branches: Stationery sections
  • Bamburi Mall shops: Small art sections

Kisumu

  • Mega City Mall: Stationery shops with art supplies
  • Naivas and Chandarana: Basic supplies
  • Local bookshops in town center

Nakuru

  • West Side Mall: Supermarkets with art sections
  • Town center bookshops
  • Naivas branches

Eldoret

  • Rupa’s Mall: Art supply sections
  • Naivas and Chandarana branches
  • Bookshops in town center

Online Shopping

Jumia Kenya (www.jumia.co.ke)

  • Large selection of art supplies
  • Delivery to most parts of Kenya
  • Can compare prices easily
  • Look for sales and discounts
  • Read reviews before buying

Kilimall (www.kilimall.co.ke)

  • Art supplies section
  • Affordable prices
  • Delivery services available

Supplies Kenya (Various art supply websites)

  • Some specialized art shops have online presence
  • Check social media pages
  • Instagram and Facebook shops often offer delivery

International Shipping

  • Sites like AliExpress or eBay ship to Kenya
  • Takes 2-6 weeks usually
  • Calculate import duties (might add 30-40% to cost)
  • Good for bulk orders or specialty items

Markets and Informal Shops

Gikomba Market, Nairobi

  • Can find cheap brushes, paints, and paper
  • Bargain for better prices
  • Quality varies so inspect items carefully

Ngara Market, Nairobi

  • Art supply stalls
  • Lower prices than formal shops
  • Good for bulk buying

Local Hardware Stores

  • Can find basic paintbrushes
  • Primers and sealers for preparing surfaces
  • Often cheaper than art shops
  • May not have specialized art paints

Cost Breakdown: Starting Your Art Journey

Minimum Starter Kit (Drawing) - About KES 1,000-1,500

  • Pencil set (6-12 pencils): KES 400
  • Eraser: KES 50
  • Sharpener: KES 30
  • A4 sketch pad: KES 300
  • Ruler: KES 50
  • Charcoal sticks (optional): KES 150
  • Total: About KES 980-1,500

Minimum Starter Kit (Painting) - About KES 2,500-3,500

  • Acrylic paint set (6-12 colors): KES 1,200
  • Brush set (5-8 brushes): KES 600
  • Canvas boards (3 small ones): KES 500
  • Palette: KES 200
  • Water container: KES 0 (use what you have)
  • Total: About KES 2,500

Mid-Range Setup - About KES 5,000-7,000

  • Better quality pencils and drawing tools: KES 1,500
  • Larger acrylic paint set: KES 2,000
  • Better brushes: KES 1,200
  • Larger canvases (2-3): KES 1,500
  • Palette knife, mixing palette, other tools: KES 800
  • Total: About KES 7,000

Tips for Saving Money on Art Supplies

Buy Smartly

Start Small

  • Buy only what you need to start
  • Add supplies as you learn what you prefer
  • Do not buy expensive items until you know you will use them

Buy in Sets

  • Paint and brush sets are usually cheaper than buying individual items
  • Pencil sets give you variety at lower cost per item

Buy Local Brands

  • Kenyan-made or Asian brands are often cheaper than European brands
  • Quality is usually good enough for beginners and practice
  • Save expensive brands for finished artwork

Shop Sales and Discounts

  • Check for end-of-year sales
  • Back-to-school periods often have discounts
  • Online platforms have regular flash sales

Alternative and Recycled Materials

Use What You Have

  • Paint on cardboard instead of canvas for practice
  • Use old magazines for collage work
  • Newspapers for papier-mâché projects
  • Old clothes as rags and cleaning materials

Make Your Own

  • Canvas: Buy fabric and wooden frames separately, stretch yourself
  • Easel: Use books or boxes to prop up your work
  • Palette: Use plastic plates, ceramic tiles, or glass sheets
  • Storage: Use old containers, boxes, or jars

Find Free Materials

  • Offices often throw away paper - ask for scrap paper
  • Packaging materials can be used in mixed media art
  • Natural materials like leaves, sand, or bark for texture
  • Old magazines for reference photos

Join Art Groups

Benefits of Art Communities

  • Members often share supplies
  • Bulk buying together saves money
  • Learn from experienced artists
  • Share information about cheap suppliers
  • Borrow expensive equipment you rarely need

Where to Find Art Groups

  • Facebook groups (search “Art Kenya” or “Nairobi Artists”)
  • Instagram communities
  • Local community centers
  • University and college art clubs
  • Churches and youth groups

Taking Care of Your Art Supplies

Proper Storage

Keep Materials Dry

  • Kenya’s humidity can damage paper and canvas
  • Store in sealed plastic bags or containers
  • Use silica gel packets if possible
  • Keep away from walls where moisture collects

Organize Your Supplies

  • Store pencils in cases or jars standing upright
  • Keep paints in a cool, dark place
  • Store brushes flat or bristles up (never bristles down)
  • Label containers so you can find things easily

Protect from Dust

  • Cover supplies when not in use
  • Clean your workspace regularly
  • Use boxes or drawers for small items

Brush Care

After Each Use

  • Rinse immediately after use
  • Use soap or brush cleaner
  • Reshape bristles while wet
  • Let dry flat or bristles up

Never

  • Leave brushes sitting in water
  • Let paint dry on bristles
  • Store with bristles down
  • Use hot water (damages glue holding bristles)

Paint Storage

Acrylic Paints

  • Keep lids tightly closed
  • Store in cool place out of direct sunlight
  • Add a few drops of water to dried paint to revive it
  • Throw away if it smells bad or has mold

Watercolors

  • Let dry completely before closing
  • Re-wet with water when needed
  • Can last for years if stored properly

Oil Paints

  • Keep tubes tightly closed
  • Clean threads before closing
  • Can last for many years
  • More forgiving than acrylics

Next Steps in Your Art Journey

Practice Regularly

Create a Practice Schedule

  • Set aside time each week for art
  • Even 30 minutes twice a week helps you improve
  • Practice is more important than expensive supplies

Start Simple

  • Draw everyday objects around your house
  • Copy from photos to practice
  • Do quick sketches regularly
  • Try different subjects and styles

Learn Basic Techniques

Free Learning Resources

  • YouTube has thousands of free art tutorials
  • Search for “beginner acrylic painting” or “how to draw”
  • Follow Kenyan artists on social media for tips
  • Many share free advice and tutorials

Books from Libraries

  • Public libraries in Nairobi and other cities have art books
  • University libraries (some allow public access)
  • Borrow instead of buying expensive books

Get Feedback

Share Your Work

  • Post on social media with hashtags like #KenyanArt
  • Join online art communities
  • Ask for constructive criticism
  • Learn from others’ feedback

Local Art Classes

  • Some community centers offer affordable classes
  • Group classes are cheaper than private lessons
  • Check notice boards and local newspapers
  • Youth groups sometimes offer free art programs

Common Questions from Beginners

What Supplies Do I Really Need to Start?

You only need:

  • Something to draw with (pencil or pen)
  • Something to draw on (paper)
  • An eraser

Start with these basics. Add supplies as you discover what you enjoy.

Should I Buy Cheap or Expensive Supplies?

For beginners, mid-range supplies are best:

  • Cheap supplies can frustrate you (paint that doesn’t flow, pencils that break)
  • Expensive supplies are wasted while learning
  • Mid-range gives decent quality for practice

How Do I Know What Colors to Buy?

Start with primary colors (red, blue, yellow) plus white and black. You can mix these to create other colors. A basic 6-12 color set is perfect for beginners.

Can I Teach Myself Art?

Yes! Many successful artists are self-taught. With practice, online tutorials, and patience, you can learn art on your own.

Where Can I Sell My Art in Kenya?

When you are ready to sell:

  • Local markets and craft fairs
  • Social media (Instagram, Facebook)
  • Art galleries (some display work on commission)
  • Online marketplaces
  • To friends and family first

Do I Need to Study Art Formally?

No, formal education is not required. Many people create beautiful art without formal training. However, classes can speed up learning and provide valuable feedback.

Conclusion

Starting your art journey in Kenya is affordable and accessible. You do not need expensive supplies to begin. Start with basic materials, practice regularly, and add more supplies as you learn what you enjoy creating.

Buy from local shops, markets, or online platforms. Take care of your supplies so they last longer. Join art communities to learn from others and share resources.

Remember that practice is more important than having the best supplies. Even with simple pencils and paper, you can create beautiful art. What matters most is that you start creating.

The Kenyan art scene is growing, with more resources and opportunities for artists every year. Whether you want art as a hobby or hope to become a professional artist, now is a great time to begin your creative journey.