Create or die?

After 30 years working up to president of Flax Art, Ansley opened his own San Mateo emporium as a retirement project in 2014. That was quite a risk. Independent art stores are even scarcer than independent book stores these days.

“There just has to be a real art store in town,” he said, determined that the store will stay in business long after he truly retires.

Fact: Art doesn’t just happen. Someone starts with an idea, then arranges materials to express it. Ideas alone won’t cut it; we all have those. The materials are essential (and a little skill doesn’t hurt).

Forty-thousand-years ago some human ground up colored rocks, clays and ashes, mixed them with water or rendered fat, painted them onto cave walls, and art was born.

Those same rocks, clays, ash, water and oils are still used today. Of course, the world of art materials has expanded enormously since. Though today’s painters, printers, sketchers and sculptors have supplies our Neanderthal couldn’t dream of, they still need to get them somewhere.

Few artists make their own paints and supports anymore. They buy them, and here in San Mateo, the place for serious art supplies is California Art Supply.  

That’s where proprietor and “artrepreneur” Ansley comes in. He’s more than just a purveyor of paints, he’s a wealth of information and support for local artists and our art community. He offers a lot more than the chain hobby shops — a wide selection of materials, plus his good humor and good prices.

“If it’s cool and new, I’m all about it,” laughs Ansley, when asked how he handles being a kid in his own candy store. “Trade shows are my candy store.” That’s where he tries new items, and if they excite him, he’ll bring them to you too.

Ansley is an artist himself. His own work is eclectic in style, subject and media, but you won’t get to see his paintings. He’s private. You will get to see his enthusiasm for the materials.

“This is all about family, about relationships,” he said. An easy toss off line until you know him. Then it’s clear he really feels it.

Ansley shared with me something he treasures. Years ago, a well-known artist, who made his own ink the ancient way, asked if he had a suitable empty bottle. Having just lost an ink shipment to poor packaging, he did, and he gifted a perfect bottle to the artist. When that artist passed away without heirs, he stipulated that all his supplies be passed on to anyone who showed up at his studio, and Ansley retrieved that same bottle, still with ink. He treasures that little bottle and this cycle of sharing. Though the ink has nearly dried, his feeling for the artist is still fresh.

If you can’t visit the Louvre to see Mona Lisa’s enigmatic expression, jog over to California Art Supply for Ansley’s smile. He’ll be as happy to see you as you will to have met him.

Want a chance to be an art critic? His Wee Art Open Contest is on view through October and everyone coming to the store during September can vote for their favorite. Cast your ballot and pick up some brushes while you’re at it.

You Can Create Too: Friday Night Pencil Party, learn watercolor pencils,  5-6:30 p.m. Sept. 19. Call for a spot.

California Art Supply, 3600 S. El Camino Real, San Mateo; calartsupply.com; (650) 350-1990.

Bart Charlow has been sketching all his life and painting for over 45 years, had a professional photography business, and leads plein air painting groups. Come along as he shares his insights about the local art scene, and bring your sketchbook. His art and story is at: bartsart.weebly.com.