Where to buy art supplies in Madrid, Spain......
Are you an artist looking for a list of where to buy art supplies in Madrid?
Every time I land in a new city (I’m currently on an Art Residency here in Madrid) I seek out the local art shops. So to save you the work here’s a list of art stores in Madrid to check out!
However, first things first, before you set out on your search for artistic supplies, you need to arm yourself with a metro card so that you can easily and cheaply travel all over Madrid. Trust me on this, you do not want to be walking the city in the heat of July which was when I arrived from Malaga to start my Art Residency here in Madrid.
The metro is easy to get to grips with and generally is not too packed, if you travel at off peak hours. And if you are carrying big rolls of linen it is probably best to take the metro during off peak hours so that you are not trying to find the room in the carriage for your large items.
Not only is it a really easy form of public transport, it is also cheap as chips with a journey costing around 60c using the metro card. As a Dubliner from Ireland, I appreciate the Madrid underground system so much as regretfully there is still not a single underground line going from Dublin airport to the city and beyond, even though there has been talk and planning for one by numerous governements over the last few decades. But I digress…..see below for the list of art shops in Madrid.
And if you are looking for art supply stores in other Spanish cities like Malaga, you can click on my blog to read more about this very topic. And watch out for a future blog post, on my website, all about my Art Residency here in Madrid.
Art Shop no. 1 - Coronado
“Coronado Bellas Artes” on Calle Santa Engracia, Madrid
When I arrived in Madrid to start my art residency, I was directed to Coronado Fine Art Shop which is on Calle Santa Enngracia which is handily located very close to Cuatro Caminos Metro Station.
As soon as I stepped in to this shop I knew I would find what I was looking for as it was well organised and very well laid out. Along with that there were multiple shop assistants who all offered assistance as needed, not to mention a friendly greeting!
It looks like a family ran business and the man who assisted me explained that as well as having the phyical shop in Madrid they also fulfil orders online and send artistic supplied all over the world. The website link to Coronado is here if you want to contact them directly.
As well as selling art supplies for artists, they also offer a framing service with a variety of frame options to choose from down the back of the shop. For me it was all about canvas and paint and I was also looking for some indian ink and acid free glue. I was able to get it all and chose a roll of canvas over the stretched canvas. Using rolled canvas at the moment is better for me as I am travelling so it is easier to transport paintings this way.
See below for pics of Coronado and some of their art stock
Art Shop no. 2 - Hartem
“Hartem Art Shop”, on Calle del Duque de Rivas, Madrid
The next shop I visited is “Hartem” which is a very professional and smart looking art shop. It is located on Calle del Duque de Rivas and is laid out over two floors. It is a very well organised shop with a large selection of art books for sale as well as art supplies. The downstairs is large and honestly I can’t see how they couldn’t have every single thiing that you are looking for. They even have a whole central section dedicated to spray cans!
However, if you can’t find what you are looking for instore, they have an impressive looking website that you can order online with free delivery when you spend over a certain amount.
I was very impressed by this place and it may very well be one of the best art shops I have ever visited in any country. Of course, in places like this it is always hard to not overspend so I was careful to limit myself to exactly what I needed on this visit.
See below for pics of Hartem Madrid and some of the art products that they sell
Art Shop no. 3 - Pinturas Hurtado
Pinturas Hurtado on Calle de Pamplona, (Tetuan) Madrid
So here’s a great tip if you are looking to save money (and who isn’t?!). For cheaper spray paint always check out local painter decorator supply shops. I visited Pinturas Hurtado in Tetuan on Calle de Pamplona and I bought spray cans at about half the price I generally pay in specialist art supply stores. So I recommend this place for spray paint!
LCA Homiés Pop Art Exhibition, Marbella, Spain
LCA x Homiés Pop Art Exhibition in Marbella
Homiés Marbella Art House
What: Presenting the LCA Homiés Pop Art Exhibition
When: 1st of June 2022 to 30 Sept 2022
Where: Homiés Marbella Art House Gallery, Calle Ribera, Local 12, Puerto Banus, Marbella, Spain
Art Exhibition Opening Ceremony, Marbella, Spain
Wednesday 1st of June 2022 at 7pm
Homiés Marbella
On June 1 HOMIÉS ART HOUSE opens in the heart of Puerto Banus with Homiés Marbella and La Casa Amarilla Malaga joining forces to merge fashion and art in an incredible space in Marbella.
El 1 de junio se abre HOMIÉS ART HOUSE en pleno corazón de Puerto Banus Homiés Marbella y La Casa Amarilla Malaga se alían para fusionar dos pensamientos: moda urbana y arte en un espacio increíble en Marbella.
“I’ve Given Enough”
My artwork “I’ve Given Enough” has been selected for this pop art exhibition in Marbella.
It’s an intensely vibrant piece of pop art that was created when I was resident artist in the studios of La Casa Amarilla Gallery in Malaga. The art work is an enquiry in to the Spanish tradition of bullfighting and I’ve armed the bull with a gun in his mouth in order to make the fight equal. See the video below which takes an indepth look at “I’ve Given Enough”.
Do call in to Homiés Marbella on Calle Ribera in Puerto Banus to see this art work……..and tell them that PIGSY sent you!
Art with a Capital A
Art - the perfect Zoom background
The past year or so has certainly been the year of virtual meetings on Zoom. It’s been hugely beneficial to us all and it has kept things going in the business world. For many adapting to a work from home situation, small routines have helped to keep things professional while working in this new environment. Sticking to regular office hours and routines are a good plan and also wearing smart office clothes serve to delineate between work and home life.
Zoom calls have been a savior for many but there is downfalls to them too. Some people consider that Zoom calls are invasive and they don’t want to display their home setting to work colleagues. This is understandable, but it may lead to colleagues leaving their camera off which possibly diminishes the effectiveness of virtual meetings. Another alternative to this is to use a fake background or a fabricated background with the company logo and branding.
Best Zoom Background - Showstopper Art
However, in my opinion, the best background for Zoom calls is a showstopper piece of art. This allows you to both show off your personal style and taste in art and also show a bit of your personality too.
Art in the office, as well as being great for Zoom meetings, will not only make you happy and give a sense of well being, but it should also give you inspiration and ideas. When you are working on something really mundane and need to take a break, you can simply make yourself a nice cup of coffee and then take a break from the computer screen and loose yourself in your artwork. A little mini art adventure just for you in your office. Imagine how wonderful and uplifting that will feel. In fact, when you go back in to the office you will be making suggestions to management that they should put art in every office for staff.
Check out this piece of PIGSY art in an office setting - it may be the background to conference calls, but it is no shrinking violet. It’s Art with a capital A!
Library Life - Art in the Office
My wife Enid used to work in a public library that loaned out framed art prints for 3 months at a time (how great is this concept?! - see here for more of the great work that is done by Libraries in Ireland). When she was managing a small library a few years ago she worked from a lovely office with a window out on to the library floor (luckily she had a blind on the window as it faced out on to the children’s area - I think she might have found it distracting to work with children looking in on her!) and so she borrowed one of the pieces of art and then rotated in every 3 months. The first pic for her was a vintage poster advertising travel to Miami with her favorite one being a large print of a sketch of “Falling Water” by Frank Lloyd Wright - she renewed this one a few times!
PIGSY Art on Walls
I always enjoy seeing pictures of my art on walls and it was a nice surprise to hear from an art collector a few years after he acquired one of my artworks. The painting had been storage for a few years and was now hanging in pride of place in this CEO’s new office in his refurbished office building. This painting is an indicator of what type of art should be hung in the office and it is truly the best place for it. It’s a big, bold, vibrant, statement piece of art and it makes a great juxtaposition between the industrial office setting with it’s exposed ducting and rustic wood surfaces. The space for the art could not be any more perfect!
Art in your life
I’ve written before about art and interior design on my blog, and I truly believe that art adds a massive dimension to peoples lives. But in this instance as a background on conference calls, it not only enhances the life of the art collector but also enhances the life of all the attendees on the conference call!
Contact me today if you want a PIGSY painting added to your art collection for your office or home.
Art Opening: Luis Alhama at La Casa Amarilla in Malaga, Spain
Art Opening: Luis Alhama in La Casa Amarilla
Luis Alhama:
“Fisuras en el Paisaje”
Pigsy and Enid Bebbington at Luis Alhama show
Art Opening in Malaga
Little by little, life begins to feel more normal. On Thursday I went to my first exhibition opening night since the pandemic and not only did it bring feelings of normality but it brought great enjoyment - I really enjoyed everything about it. There is always a great buzz on an opening night, the feeling of anticipation as you approach a venue and then when you are greeted by great art you know your anticipation was warranted.
La Casa Amarilla Exhibition
Thursday evening in Malaga was just like that, when I visited La Casa Amarilla for the opening night of Luis Alhama’s exhibition “Fisuras en el Paisaje” (Cracks in the Landscape). As we approached the gallery we could see and hear the excited crowd of show goers. We mingled outside for a little bit (with a physical distance) and then went in to the gallery to take the art in.
Once inside the gallery on Calle Santos, there was plenty of space to enjoy the presentation of Luis Alhama’s artwork. It’s a small gallery but most people moved to the outside space after they had finished viewing so it felt very safe and comfortable. The artwork was very impressive and excellently curated. The pieces were stunningly beautiful with the add on of some background sounds of nature which sounded like they were coming from within the sculptures. It’s a brilliant thought provoking exhibition and is open for a month until the 10th of October - do go and view it if you are in Malaga Centro.
A Move to Malaga for PIGSY
A move for artist PIGSY from Ireland to Spain
New Spanish adventure!
It is the start of a new adventure for myself, Enid & Bones!
I am here in Spain (the beautiful city of Malaga) for the foreseeable future to PAINT!
New Art Studio in Malaga
We rented a little apartment along with studio space to work in (en La Casa Amarilla).
It’s a fantastic opportunity to move from Ireland at this time and I am feeling very positive about this amazing adventure for us.
2020 has been one hell of a year but I think this move is a positive one.
PIGSY is going to enter in to an immensely creative period!!
Contact me for further information
My artwork is available through The Designyard Gallery - do pop in to view if you are in Dublin in Ireland (say Hi to Ronan for me!) or you can also view available pieces online, with shipping available worldwide.
My studio is open to visitors (in a socially distanced manner) so get in contact if you want to visit me here in Malaga!
A Ramble through Ranelagh
Join artist PIGSY on a walk through Ranelagh!
Ranelagh, Dublin 6, Ireland
When you ramble through Ranelagh a small urban village in Dublin with an art canvas under your arm on a warm sunny May Day……and the route to the framing shop takes you down laneways, through the park, under alleyways, past a vintage Mini Cooper and on to “Framexperts” next to Nick’s Coffee.
Ireland is the best on days like this and it certainly makes me thankful that I live in a great village with fantastic amenities and shops like Ranelagh!
Pandemic Painting
“Phoenix Rising” - an expressionist response to lockdown in Dublin, Ireland in March 2020
We are living through a Pandemic.
So I am painting.
We will get through this. We will rise up. Stay positive!
Art always helps.
UPDATE! “Phoenix Rising” *SOLD*
“Phoenix Rising” is now SOLD and is in-situ in the new owner’s house as part of their art collection
2020 St Patricks Day in Ireland
2020: St Patricks Day Ireland
A strange day here in Ireland as the seriousness of the pandemic unfolds and the government takes steps to flatten the curve and stop the spread of Covid 19.
We need to be warriors
In Irish legend and according to the most popular account of Fionn MacCumhail’s death, he is not dead at all, rather, he sleeps in a cave, surrounded by the Fianna. One day he will awake and defend Ireland in the hour of her greatest need.
You are needed awake now Fionn not just for Ireland but for the world.
“Needed Awake Now”
1600mm W x 1600mm H Mixed Media on Canvas
Contact DesignYard Gallery for further information
New range of Limited Edition Prints now available for sale in the Designyard Gallery
Limited Edition Pigsy Prints in Designyard
Due to popular demand I’m pleased to announce that a new range of Pigsy limited edition prints are now available in a variety of sizes in the Designyard Gallery in South Frederick Street, Dublin, Ireland.
Designyard Gallery
The Designyard Gallery is open Monday to Saturday or you can visit online (click here) - worldwide shipping available.
Click through gallery below to see different prints that are for sale in the Designyard Gallery
Limited Edition PIGSY Prints with Custom Frames
PIGSY artworks are printed on Hannemuhle Fine Art Paper mounted on dibond. The prints are framed in a custom designed bespoke lime washed tray frame that has a very architectural aesthetic with a proportioned shadow gap.
The collection of prints are available on the Designyard website with worldwide shipping and the make the perfect gift for a newly married couple or a new home owner.
Pigsy's Secret is out as new show opens!
The Irish Times reports on PIGSY’s second Solo Art Exhibtion
Great write up in The Irish Times today about my forthcoming art show which is opening in Fumbally Exchange on 5th of Oct at 6pm
“He may design glorious light-filled extensions, classy conversions and one-off dream pads by day, but he’s also got dual identity, as street artist, Pigsy.
Of course these days, the term “street art” defines a style, rather than implying he’s out there after dark daubing on walls so consider McCoy’s work in the vein of the type of street art shown in Dublin’s KEMP Gallery”
PIGSY Solo Exhibition: Hard copy invites hot off the presses!
PIGSY Art Exhibition Invites
As well as a soft copy invite for my forthcoming exhibition, I made the decision to print a batch of invites also. Old school, I know, but I do think people like to pick up and read info in hard copy format still.
Dublin Art Show - the second solo exhibition of PIGSY
"Nostalgia's not what it was" opens on 5th of October 2017 in The Fumbally Exchange in Dame Lane, Dublin 2 at 6-9pm.
Running for 4 days and curated by Kemp of The Kemp Gallery, my exhibition gives you the opportunity to view my work in different settings including a fun "Street Night" on Friday 6-9pm with a DJ and premium craft beers which are provided by Dublin based brewery Hope Beer.
Additionally the show will be open 10am - 9pm Thursday to Saturday and also Sunday 11am- 4pm, 5th to 8th of October 2017.
When: Thursday, 5th of October 6-9pm
Where: Fumbally Exchange, 5 Dame Lane, Dublin City
Email: pigsy.art@gmail.com
"Nostalgia's Not What It Was" Opening Night @ Fumbally Exchange 5th Oct 2017
PIGSY Solo Exhibition in Fumbally Exchange, Dublin City
“Nostalgia’s Not What it Was” by PIGSY
My solo exhibition "Nostalgia's not what it was" opens on 5th of October 2017 in The Fumbally Exchange in Dame Lane, Dublin 2 at 6-9pm.
Running for 4 days and curated by Kemp of The Kemp Gallery, my exhibition gives you the opportunity to view my work in different settings including a fun "Street Night" on Friday 6-9pm with a DJ and premium craft beers which are provided by Dublin based brewery Hope Beer.
Additionally the show will be open 10am - 9pm Thursday to Saturday and also Sunday 11am- 4pm, 5th to 8th of October 2017.
Email pigsy.art@gmail.com for further info or to get on the list for the opening party or street night.
When: Thursday, 5th of October 6-9pm
Where: Fumbally Exchange, 5 Dame Lane, Dublin City
Email: pigsy.art@gmail.com
See you there!
Lanes of Dublin - filming PIGSY short film
Feeling inspired - painting in the back lanes of Dublin
I have a fascination for lanes. I misspent my youth down lanes, kicking footballs and playing with my friends along with drawing in chalk on lane walls.
Now as an adult and an architect I am interested in what gets built down lanes. Mews houses are a big part of the Dublin architectural landscape and I am fortunate to be currently working on a project which is exploring the feasibility of a mews house on a particular lane way site.
This Friday I went back to my childhood, with film maker Mike Andrews, and set up a chalkboard in a Rathmines lane and got working. Mike is a documentary maker so at this point all I will say is "Watch this space".........
Lane way painting
I was in the mood to paint and being outside in a lane was inspiring. I painted and Mike filmed. He was pleased with his results and I was very happy too!
EDIT 2018 - To view the PIGSY film, click here
Miro in Mallorca
Miro Museum in Mallorca
Recently I visited Mallorca staying on Calle Mayor in an AirBnB.
We stayed in a stand alone unit that I rented through AirBnB. A few doors down from our rental was the Fundacion Pilar i Joan Miro which encompasses Miro's two studios and an art museum.
Miro Studio, Mallorca
The whole Miro Museum complex was so amazing that we visited 3 times during our week's holiday. It has an extensive collectin of Miro art and you can also visit the studio Miro painted in which is on the site as this was the original location of his studio.
Here's a pic to whet your appetite! If you would like to see more pics, click here to read Enid's blog.
The Kemp Gallery @ Gallery X
Kemp & Gallery X
The KEMP Gallery has announced it's return and relocation to 65 South William Street, Dublin 2, in a space that will be shared with their new host - GalleryX.
GalleryX is a new player in Dublin's gallery scene, specialising in figurative and surrealist art, "so the potential synergy attained by working out of the same premises was impossible to refuse" explained curator Kemp.
The KEMP Gallery @ GalleryX intends to continue showcasing urban/street art to the Irish public and looks forward to the continued love and support of their sponsors, art fans, family and friends.
MAY Exhibition - The KEMP Gallery @ GalleryX will be kicking off the new arrangement on May 11th with a new exhibition by the much heralded Shane Sutton (www.shanesutton.com).
2017 Schedule - A further 3 exhibitions are planned for the calendar year, including brand new work from curator KEMP in late September.
This is very much a WATCH THIS SPACE situation and I for one am very excited to what comes of this new collaboration.
Good Luck to The Kemp Gallery @ Gallery X!
Gormley's Contemporary Editions
Gormley’s Art Dublin
Gormley's Contemporary Editions exhibition opened on March 2nd 2017 and is running until 22nd of March.
I was very interested in attending as there were some big name artists in the exhibition, including Banksy, Hirst, Warhol and my favourite Basquiat.
Years ago I saw the most amazing Warhol exhibition, in IMMA, which included his silver clouds, so I couldn't wait to get up close to his work again.
Here's a few pics from my 2nd visit. I went to the opening and it was packed so it was nice to come back another time when it was quiet and less busy.
This was a wonderful collection of modern artist's work in one space and was a must see. Click on to the Gormley's website to see all of the amazing pieces they have for sale.
A unique Valentine's Gift for art lovers - a limited edition artwork print by Pigsy
Art! A unique Valentines gift for Art Lovers
St. Valentine's Day is nearly upon us. Pigsy artworks are available as limited edition prints, if you are looking for an alternative to the standard gift of a heart shaped box of chocolates.
If your true love is an art lover you can't go wrong with a Pigsyprints which are printed on Hannemuhle Fine Art Paper Mounted on Dibond with a bespoke Lime Washed Tray Frame custom designed by Pigsy and handcrafted in Ireland.
Contact me for further information about prints and original Pigsy works and add an art work that you LOVE to your collection!
Original art - framed paper studies
Or if you are looking for an original artwork, you can buy a framed paper study - see here to look at the full selection that is now available directly from me in my Dublin art studio
Art to whet the appetite! Big Art, perfect for a restaurant space......
Large Scale Art: “I Find You Fascinating” by PIGSY
Many of my pieces are large and perfect for hanging in a restaurant.
"I Find You Fascinating" is 2000mm x 1870mm. It was created using mixed media on canvas and it would be striking in any dining room.
Contact Ronan Campbell in Designyard Gallery for further information about this art work.
Do You Love Me?
Do I Love Me?
Do I Need To Salve My Ego To Create?
Do You Feel The Same Way I Do?