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Daniel Smith Fine Art Materials
4150 1st Ave S, Seattle, WA 98134, United States
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Daniel Smith Fine Art Materials
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At
Review β„–1

This location is closing. πŸ€” Apparently all the art has been squeezed out of Seattle? Where is vibrant scene I heard about? Did money and tech drive it away or did it just go underground? I prefer to believe Seattle haunted and no matter who lives here, eventually the city gets into their bones, into their brains and claims them. Then the art will return. Sadly Daniel Smith might not be here when all the new fish have been slowly assimilated into the weird euphoria if Seattle.I did pick up a drawing book and was on sale. Go check it out while you can! 🦝😜🌈

El
Review β„–2

I love DS and am almost in tears they are closing. Many people use their paints and watercolor paper, printmaking papers etc. I use the printed handmade papers for projects related to greeting card making and other things. Daniel Smith has a wonderful relationship with the people who make these papers. They are a group of women whose husbands have either died or have left the family. This is the kind of work they do to earn income. When Ive been in other art stores, they have not had the same ethics. Im very sorry to lose a store that has such a wonderful Outlook on the world.I believe they have enough space to still have the store and expand their paint making business because the ceilings are so high in part of the store that there could still be space for both. Im not sure why theyre shutting the store down.The workers there have become almost like family. They are kind and knowledgeable and if they dont know something they will find out for you.This is truly one of the saddest results of this so-called pandemic .

Ba
Review β„–3

Im so happy to hear Daniel Smith Inc. has reopened! DSI has been artists source of quality materials for decades. The company treats its customers and employees very well. An artists lifeline for the best supplies.

An
Review β„–4

These guys have been around for a long time. They have art crafts for most any visual medium you want. Staff is always happy to help. Thanks guys

Mi
Review β„–5

Great spot for art supplies. Its a shame to only have learned of the location as theyre going out of business.

Ki
Review β„–6

Love this place.. gonna miss them when they are gone..

Sa
Review β„–7

Got a flyer in the mail, went to store early afternoon today (Sunday) and theres a sign on the door that says closed until August 25th. Store is completely locked down. Google still says theyre open, apparently not.

Ir
Review β„–8

Very friendly and profssional staff, huge collection of paints and paper. Love this store so much! Id recommend this store to any friends who come to Seattle, though i, myself, would have rare chance to visit them again in near future as I live in Hong Kong.Another thing is that I take public bus to here from downtown. Its not complicated at all. Easy to assess!

De
Review β„–9

I love Daniel Smith great store fabulous art products!

Ma
Review β„–10

This place could be the last retailer in Seattle closed due to COVID. And they plan to stay closed another month. Entirely pointless and irrational at this point

Mi
Review β„–11

Best art store in the area.

Le
Review β„–12

What a great experience! As a relatively new arrival to the art world, I went in feeling a bit daunted by the prospect of choosing new watercolor paints to update and expand my fairly basic pallet. I received such extensive and informative help that I not only am happy with my purchases, but left feeling much more knowledgeable. It genuinely feels like Daniel Smith is a place for art community, and the staff are knowledgeable and helpful without making you feel silly for asking novice questions! Will be back for all future art supply purchases, and have raved about my experience to other art friends, too.

De
Review β„–13

Store front is closing. Will miss it.

Ol
Review β„–14

This is by far the BEST art supply MECCA in the city (and prob the whole PNW!!), their selection is absolutely astonishing! Do you need that’s sweet specialty high-end brush you’ve been looking for and want to test it out before you buy it? They do that! Everything from ink to oil, Watercolor to acrylic and everything else! And that’s not even getting to the staff, which are some of the most friendly, talented, and most importantly, knowledgeable artist I’ve encountered! Pre-Covid are used to go in every week to buy a new tube of paint and chat about new products or workshops that were coming up. I miss the store being open so bad! Cannot wait for you guys to be able to open again and will be there. Till thenπŸ–€

Av
Review β„–15

The people there are very nice and they are open to questions. Amazing place!!

Ch
Review β„–16

I checked their hours ahead of going there, and when I arrived there was a sign on the door that said, We are closed to protect our workers. It would be greatly appreciated if they could share this information on their site before people make the trek to the store, only to find it closed.

B
Review β„–17

Fix your hours! If youre closed then make sure it says so on your Google listing! And btw if you follow safety procedures and wear masks then you can SAFELY operate the store!

li
Review β„–18

Although the entrance is a little hard to find (under the overpass off of S. Dakota) everything was wonderful. I was given 5 star customer service by Janice who made sure I was getting exactly what I didnt even know I needed! They have a bit of everything from books to screen printing supplies. Will be back!!

Na
Review β„–19

As i read some of these few bad reviews i keep thinking to myself, who cares about their location or customer service. I would crawl through 2 miles of sewer tunnels just to get my hands on a few tubes of their watercolors. If you are looking for pigment quality and purity they have what you need. I can only speak for the watercolors but i am sure their other mediums are superb as well. Their customer service has always been great and the building itself has a industrial feel, since the colors are made there the building and location add to the charm. Always happy with the quality they bring to the table.

An
Review β„–20

So worth the drive. Each time Ive gone to get paints for my new watercolor obsession Ive gotten valuable insight from employees who obviously love sharing their love of watercolor paints and supplies. This last time Joshua (?) helped me by walking me thru his favorite colors and how they mix well. Incredibly helpful.

Je
Review β„–21

Always a pleasure to wander the aisles and talk to the staff about every aspect of painting. I appreciate how they are kind and educational to new artists rather than rude and condescending like other local art shops I’ve tried. Love Daniel Smith!

St
Review β„–22

The people who work here are very knowledgeable and friendly. They are helpful and share their expertise so that even folks like me who have no artistic abilities can get great gifts for my lovely wife who is an artist. The workshops and demonstrations are amazing. The management even provides tours that tell the story of amazing paints derived from semiprecious minerals. Seeing my wifes works with the paints, brushes, papers, and even the mountings and framing they do is amazing. Its truly a one stop shop for fine art supplies.

Ar
Review β„–23

I really enjoyed this art store, it was like being in a candy store, however, although she was very nice for the most part, the sales associate that helped me (I can’t remember her name) needs to be more mindful of her word choices. She was very pleasant, but something had rubbed me the wrong way. She had let me know of their holiday deal during my transaction (spend so much, get a gift card or something) and I told her I wasn’t interested right now. She then let me know she was hesitant to even ask me because she thought I looked like I may be struggling financially. I found this a little bit insulting but held my tongue. I realize my wardrobe was not the best that day, but it had been the weekend and I wasn’t trying to impress anyone but that comment made me feel uncomfortable.

Je
Review β„–24

Some unique art supplies and of course all their wonderful paints made in-house. Theyre all super friendly, and they love dogs! What more could you ask?

Ev
Review β„–25

This is the best store ever. Great products, great people, expert help and classes.

Ni
Review β„–26

Looked online and their Saturday hours stated they were open at 10 AM. Got there at 10:20 AM and they had a sign on the door saying closed until further notice. Total waste of my morning trying to get there only for them to be closed, will not be back.

Ka
Review β„–27

After many years and a variety of experiences here Ive finally decided to review Daniel Smith. Ive been coming here for various art needs since I was very young. My parents encouraged my artistic skills with the occasional trip to the art store and it was wonderful. However, as an adult, I see it with a new perspective, as I now but the supplies myself and interact with the staff on my own.First, lets talk product. The selection of paints is excellent and the price range is decent for most paint types. I love the many price ranges and options for watercolor paper and brushes. There is a fair selection of art pens in lots of colors, but Im disappointed in the lack of drawing ink supplies. I enjoy the prospect of shopping local but Daniel Smith simply doesnt have everything.Location and availability: There is still something magical about a trip to Seattle, even though its barely a 20 minute drive, for art supplies. I used to be able to order many products online but I believe now its just paint.Now, heres the real reason Im giving DS just 3 stars: the staff is particularly rude to me. I asked the cashier to confirm if something had been on sale, and she responded curtly as if I was annoying. This was after I said I was ready to check out and she asked if I had anything to buy. I was holding several items in my hand -- not hidden. Right there, in front of us.Dont get me wrong, I know what its like to work in retail. Its hard. But you never talk down to customers. You smile and reassure them, you clarify things, you communicate without sounding irritated.I used to love coming here. It used to be my happy place. But the employees have basically ruined it for me. Theres a good chance they lost a lifelong customer today.

Au
Review β„–28

For all levels from beginners to pros. Local business, unique paints. Classes, too.

Ku
Review β„–29

It made me wildly uncomfortable (especially as a business owner) to hear the way Janis spoke to multiple employees. I was so appalled by her snide and completely unprofessional comments. Definitely my first and last time here.

At
Review β„–30

Friendly, sometimes even sassy, staff ready ready with helpful ideas and directions. They dont carry every art medium (not much in the mold making/casting realm, for example) but what they do have is quality and priced in a range for most anyone. Sometimes they have great sales.

Ca
Review β„–31

Helpful staff, good variety, inspiration in each aisle. Love this place and wish theyd open more stores!

Cr
Review β„–32

One of the top art suppkybstores in all of Seattle. Wonderful service, friendly, knowledgeable- for novice or professional artist this store has much to offer - but you have to watch out for that quick turn in / or out from 1st off of the bridge - very worth the sharp turn in for a visit.

Ma
Review β„–33

I had a lot of questions and they were able to answer my questions and educate me a little on exactly what I needed. Wonderful customer service!

Sa
Review β„–34

Great people. Some of the best watercolors made anywhere. Good selection of brushes for oils, acrylic and watercolor. I love this store for the demos and classes. Really world class.

Ap
Review β„–35

THIS PLACE IS HUGE.Water coloring has become a hobby of mine in the last 10 years and I was excited to learn there is a brick and mortar Daniel Smith store. The staff here is incredibly knowledgeable and eager to help, which I really appreciate. They dont make me feel stupid when I ask questions, which I appreciate. I can spend a lot of time googling for an answer at home, but it is nice to ask someone in person as well.I use Schminke and Daniel Smith paints mostly and this store has everything I need and more. I would need months to explore this place since there is so much to look at!

Al
Review β„–36

A great selection of supplies and friendly staff. They have just about everything an artist needs; I love coming here to restock on my favorites, and try new things.

cy
Review β„–37

I cannot tell if your open, your phone message is not clear. shall I drive to see if your open?

Li
Review β„–38

Fine art supplies, good prices, knowledgeable and courteous staff. Great selection of canvas, easels, books. Also can buy singles of pencils, pens, paint as well as variety pack. When you want to tale your craft up a level - go here. Love this store.

Ka
Review β„–39

Just want to weigh in on the service at Daniel Smith. Every time Ive been there the staff has been very helpful and nice. On the phone they are most accommodating. Example: I needed multiple packages of composition gold leaf and when I called, the Seattle store didnt have them all in stock. The woman I talked with checked with the warehouse in real time to make sure they had them and called me when they were in so I could go pick them up.

Br
Review β„–40

This Art Center has everything you would need as a beginner or experienced artist. I got my first watercolor set, and learned that Daniel Smith Fine Arts Center makes their own watercolors. I will definitely be returning! Their prices are phenomenal.

Ta
Review β„–41

This place is huge and amazing! Kind and helpful staff, wide variety of supplies and tools, classes and demos offered. Kind of hard to find if youre walking, but worth it! Just make sure you cross 1st Ave at the first light you encounter, there isnt another crosswalk further down that street..haha

ma
Review β„–42

Ive always found the staff to be extremely helpful and nice. They have a good selection and range of materials. I havent noticed that their prices are any higher or lower than anywhere else. I always leave spending more money than I wanted to, but never unhappy.I must shop at a different place than the lady with the 500+ artist friends. :)

Ne
Review β„–43

Love them for being a community hub for artists. Appreciate their knowledgeable staff. Wish that they price matched other local artist supply shops for the same items.

Al
Review β„–44

Loved this store! Excellent selection of many different mediums, friendly staff, and testing stations where you can can test/play with several products - - including the full range of Daniel Smith watercolors. Highly recommended!

Se
Review β„–45

Wonderful place, i do almost all my materials shopping here. Great selection of paint pigments in all mediums.

Ja
Review β„–46

Great source for high quality paints and brushes! Despite only listing paints on their online store, they still have a lot of the supplies that used to be online as well. The staff are helpful and knowledgeable. They are my go to source when I want good paints.

So
Review β„–47

The employees at Daniel Smith were friendly and helpful. The store is large and has almost anything I could imagine anyone would need. Their prices are better than I think every other art store Ive been to in the Seattle area. And I realize this is very specific, but they have a ton of individual copic markers for sale.

Ro
Review β„–48

The best anywhere for art supplies. In house brands as well as major suppliers. All artistic mediums are covered. Very friendly and helpful staff. Frequent demos, events and sales. Their mailing list is one to get on. Mail orders, too.

Cr
Review β„–49

Daniel Smith is my favorite art shop. The staff are super friendly and knowledgeable. Their watercolors, especially their primatec and duo-chrome lines, are just wow. I dont know if any other paint makers do anything even remotely similar. (They also make acrylic and oils, but those are my thing)The also carry the supplies for encaustics, whether you want to buy ready made or make your own.

Fr
Review β„–50

Daniel Smith carries a large variety of quality products and can special order what you need. Best store for art supplies that you will find. They dont have the inferior quality products that you find at other art supply stores. Best staff ever and they care about your needs. I shop the downtown store because the store in Bellevue rarely has what I need.

Si
Review β„–51

I really appreciate the kind and helpful staff, the variety of supplies offered and the specials that sometimes run. Some of the materials are expensive, but the quality is wonderful. I wasnt a fan of watercolors specifically until I tried Daniel Smiths line.

Al
Review β„–52

Great place to eat. Although the paints were a little on the staining side.

Ma
Review β„–53

Though its a little out of the way, its absolutely worth the visit. Top-tier art supply store with all the major brands as well as their own very high-quality line of supplies. They offer in-store lessons, demos, and classes.

Je
Review β„–54

Its getting harder to find art supplies in a physical shop. I feel lucky to be within a short driving distance to Daniel Smith. Great service from the employees and a lot of choices.

J
Review β„–55

Best art store in Seattle. Good prices and friendly staff! I come here for all my drawing and painting needs. Everything from screenprinting supply to watercolor and graffiti.

Al
Review β„–56

The customer service is amazing and they all know what they are talking about and genuinely want to help you. they have a large selection and have cheap prices. They have price comparisons to prices and generally everything is about 2 dollars cheaper than buying it somewhere else. Whenever i need any new art supplies I always go to daniel smith before buying online.

Em
Review β„–57

Their brand of watercolor is great and they have a huge selection of other brands too! Okay prices and they pretty much leave you alone after asking if you need anything once, maybe twice. I like that.

Ch
Review β„–58

Probably my favorite art supply store in all of Seattle. Rarely will I not be able to find what I am looking for and, if they dont have it, the staff knows exactly where else to go. Staff is always helpful, if not overly zealous.

Jo
Review β„–59

I had a 20 minute conversation with one of the staff about his favorite pen. The man was so enthusiastic about his craft, which is always refreshing. Sculptors be forewarned, there isnt much in here for you

Ca
Review β„–60

The original Seattle art store. Fun events often going on. Bit pricey, but so is Seattle.

Jo
Review β„–61

This is a great art store. The staff are super friendly and knowledgeable. It is a little hidden, we lived in Seattle for years before we discovered it when an artist we follow had some workshops there.

Ed
Review β„–62

If youre an artist (or wannabe...) you should visit this place. They have a wide variety of art supplies and tools (brushes, pens, etc.) They started with an emphasis on printmaking many years ago, but now cover most art media. They have their own line of good quality inks and paints. If youre a creative type, this is a very good place to add to your resources. Its a bit of a chore to get down to SODO to visit, though.

Ka
Review β„–63

One of the really great art stores. Lots of demos and helpful people. The prices are always good

Ni
Review β„–64

Its very well stocked with all that an artist could desire. The staff are all long-time employees who are artists themselves and can help direct anyone from both newbies to experienced artists. I also love that DS offers different classes such as water-color and figure drawing.

La
Review β„–65

OMGSo funIm probably deprived because best Ive got is a small MichaelsBut stations to try thingsStaff that really interactsIts like a tourist attractionJanice is awesome!!!

Wr
Review β„–66

A great selection of art materials from multiple disciplines and friendly staff make this art store a must visit.

J
Review β„–67

They have very friendly and knowledgeable staff. Its a high quality local Seattle business.

Se
Review β„–68

Always a great visit. Great specialty store for the serious artist. Friendly staff, great selection.

Sh
Review β„–69

The absolute best art store ive been to on the east or west coast. Free testing stations and events. The manufacturers are on site and all of the paints are swatched. A dream store.

An
Review β„–70

Great people and great art supplies! They have fantastic classes too. I would highly recommend them.

Al
Review β„–71

They are so friendly youd think you were in The South. The staff get commission on sales they assist with. Sometimes I just want to go shop and look without being bothered.

Mn
Review β„–72

This place is alright... Its one of the few Seattle businesses that carry fine art materials (esp here in the south end [+1]. They have a rather eclectic selection, ranging from lithographic block printing supplj^edand here and there one might find items interspersed throughout the disq/oral either sometimes overpriced.

Do
Review β„–73

Everything for the artist. Great framing shop. Good prices, amazing selection

Pa
Review β„–74

Awesome selection of premium grade products. Some house made materials for sale, and staff is always friendly, attentive and knowledgeable. You gotta check this place out if you are into art.

pr
Review β„–75

Anyone who loves watercolor painting, has to stop here for sure!!! Such a large variety of everything an artist is looking for. Staff is super nice and always helpful.

Na
Review β„–76

Always a great stop for an artists needs even when theyre not looking for anything

Al
Review β„–77

A paradise for artists. Great variety of art supplies. The staff is knowledgeable and helpful. They offer many workshops. They manufacture paint right there.

Sh
Review β„–78

Super cool Art store! I would rather go out of my way jus to come here for my art stuff that I can get anywhere else... by the way the store is like 30 mins out of the way! But its worth it!

Gu
Review β„–79

Arrived to find a closed until further notice sign on the door.

Da
Review β„–80

They have all the stuff serious artists require!

El
Review β„–81

This place is, by far, the best place to get fine paints and brushes. Thats not all DS has, though. Even though the website is only selling their watercolors and oils these days, the store itself is stuffed full of journals and pens and papers and paints of all brands, and the staff seems to know everything. Literally. EVERYTHING. I have to plan my trips so that Ive got a couple hours to spare, because theres just that much to look at. (And the DS watercolors are the best on the planet, hands down.)

Kr
Review β„–82

Great supplies and staff is super helpful

Ia
Review β„–83

Like any good art supply store, it isnt fancy. Most the signage is hand made and the place is kinda hard to find. But you will find just about everything you need and the people are usually very helpful. This supply store is geared mostly toward painters but has a little bit of everything. They also manuafcture some of the products. Definatly your best option for art supplies south of downtown. There is also a cool specialty hardwood store next door.

ke
Review β„–84

Nice art store they even allowed me to shop after closing since Ive entered just before the deadline.Location is bad though its right under a bridge but there is a sign coming fom 509 on the right side and then take a sharp right onto a ramp and park a little ways by the water. Hope this helps.

Sc
Review β„–85

Best art supply store Ive ever been to. They make a lot of their own materials and have a great online presence plus a great physical catalog they will happily mail to you.

Lo
Review β„–86

DS Fine Arts has a knowledgeable and oh-so-helpful staff to serve you, whether you are a beginner or a seasoned professional. Internationally known artists are regularly scheduled to present demos and workshops to broaden the skill sets of, and to inspire, local artists. We were there for Jean Haines demo, which was excellent. DSFA conveniently had most of the supplies she used in stock.

Am
Review β„–87

Super friendly staff and incredibly helpful. Glad I could make it out! Awesome selection also.

Ro
Review β„–88

Super friendly and helpful staff. Host several events and classes. A tiny bit cheaper than Blick. Definitely will be coming back.

Do
Review β„–89

Great selection. Everything an artist would need. Knowledgeable and friendly staff.

Ro
Review β„–90

Not easy to find but if you are interested in creating your own art, it is a great place to explore.

Et
Review β„–91

They always have exactly what I need. Super helpful and knowledgeable staff.

Ma
Review β„–92

Great art store, great service

Al
Review β„–93

I worked for this place awesome staff.......Tim’ - the young guy .....ball of energyHeather beautiful, her dads very genuine!The it person knows about computers like back of his hand :)

Lo
Review β„–94

The best place for art supplies. The employees love art, and are active artists who have an uncanny knowledge of what is in stock, where to find it, and what best suits my needs.

Gu
Review β„–95

Super helpful staff, prices actually competitive to Amazon, large assortment, possibility to try. Wonderful experience every time!

Ca
Review β„–96

Best place to go for knowledgeable advice about your art needs.

Na
Review β„–97

I love the convenient, the friendly helpful staff and the amazing products

Bl
Review β„–98

Helpful staff and amazing selection of supplies. Classes and seminars are offered.

We
Review β„–99

I love this store, the quality of the art supplies is only paralleled by the quality of the employees here. I could not be happier being a Daniel Smith customer.

De
Review β„–100

If you need art supplies, this is the place to go. Painting, drawing, screen printing and more, they got you covered. Prices are fair and the staff is very knowledgeable.

Information
100 Photos
100 Comments
4.7 Rating
  • Address:4150 1st Ave S, Seattle, WA 98134, United States
  • Site:http://danielsmithstores.com/
  • Phone:+1 206-223-9599
Categories
  • Art supply store
  • Store
Working hours
  • Monday:10AM–6PM
  • Tuesday:10AM–6PM
  • Wednesday:10AM–6PM
  • Thursday:10AM–6PM
  • Friday:10AM–6PM
  • Saturday:10AM–6PM
  • Sunday:10AM–6PM
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair accessible entrance:Yes
Planning
  • Quick visit:Yes
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