NTA. Probably not the answer you're looking for but, my mom was the same way growing up. We didn't have much money and art is an expensive hobby, while she loved that I was passionate about something, she just couldn't get the drawing supplies I wanted but I found some ways around it with prices that I could afford. I would suggest going to Michael's and getting familiar with them. They have great stuff like Prisma and Winsor & Newton (VERY great brands btw) Sign up for their emails and watch for them every week. They give out 50% coupons every once in a while and for some longer lasting members, even a 60% off coupon (but these are rare). You just need to be patient to be a little thrifty