January Smart Art Review

The Box: Smart Art

The Cost: $49.95 (Use the code 20OFFLIFE for 20% off as long as you have a subscription!)

The Goods: 8-11 trial and full-sized art supplies for a suggested project.

January's project theme was Neo-Impressionism.

Fabriano Studio Watercolor Pad: ($5.29)  J said he's pleased they sent out a pad versus one canvas because it gives him more opportunity to experiment with the medium.

Dahle Pencil Sharpener: ($2.75)  We seem to only have pencil sharpeners that aren't enclosed, so I'm glad we finally have one that won't make such a mess.

General's Woodless Graphite: ($1.51)  I'm an art noob so I've never heard of such a thing, but these get great reviews online.

Prismacolor Magic Rub: ($.80)

Mepxy Brush Markers - Brick Beige, Ultramarine, Cool Gray, Medium Green, Cadmium Yellow, Fresh Vermilion: ($25.40)  Alcohol-based markers are a totally new medium to J and he's totally excited to try them out.  This particular brand seems to get great reviews online, too.

Total Value: $35.75  (*This is using online prices.  MSRP value comes out around $53.)

Even though the value of this month's box is lower than last month's, J likes this one better.  He said that he'd actually prefer they sent more mediums like this - things the average casual artist wouldn't necessary already have.  He's using the paints he received last month, but this month he's actually excited about experimenting with the project and broadening his artsy horizons.

Disclaimer: Smart Art provided this box for review, free of charge.  All opinions are honest and my (or J's) own.

December Smart Art Review - Pop Art

The Box: Smart Art

The Cost: $49.95 (Use the code 20OFFLIFE for 20% off as long as you have a subscription!)

The Goods: 8-11 trial and full-sized art supplies for a suggested project.  

December was Smart Art's first box and they kindly sent us one for review.  December's project was "Pop Art."  The booklet several helpful tips for the project as well as for working with acrylic paints in general.

Liquitex Heavy Body Acrylic - Quinacridone Crimson and Titanium White: ($12.99 and $8.29)  J actually prefers working with acrylics more than any other medium, so this perfect.

Phthalocyanine Blue (Green Shade) and Yellow Medium Azo: ($8.29 and $10.99)  

 Blick Canvas Panel - 8 x 10: ($1.07)  I'm actually sort of surprised how inexpensive this is.  Granted, I know nothing about canvas panel qualities but it's definitely cheaper than the ones we get from Hobby Lobby.

Princeton Real Value Brush Set - #9103: ($2.19)   J said that these seem similar to what he usually uses, but lighter in weight.  He's notorious for losing brushes, so I feel he can never have too many.

Spray Bottle:  If J winds up not using this, I might "borrow" it when I make bath bombs.

10 Well Paint Tray: ($.77)  I think J usually uses old ice cube trays and such when he's painting, so it might be nice to have something actually *meant* for holding and mixing paints.

Total Value: $44.59

The value of the items in the box comes out just below the cost of the subscription.   However, I think that the curation and project idea and tips more than make up for the difference.  If J did art more regularly I would definitely consider getting him a subscription.

Disclaimer: I received this box for free.  No other compensation was received for this review and all opinions are my own. (Except for those that were J's.)

New Subscription Box: Smart Art Box

Heads up - there is a new box in town!

Smart Art is launching their very first box this month.  They're going to ship for December 23 delivery, so it's a perfect Christmas gift for any of your artistic friends or family members.  (...or, in my case, for J's birthday.)

Every month they feature a different artist and curate a box of supplies for a suggested art project.  The coolest part?  You're encouraged to share your finished project and the artwork with the most likes will win a free month!

For more information and updates, visit their website and Like them on Facebook.

TL;DR -
The Box: Smart Art

The Cost: $49.95 (Use the code 20OFFLIFE for 20% off as long as you have a subscription!)

The Goods: 8-11 trial and full-sized art supplies for a suggested project

Disclaimer: Smart Art asked me to make this announcement on their behalf in exchange for a review box. <3