We get a fair amount of correspondence from incarcerated artists. So when I saw yesterday's New York Times article about Alfredo Santos, who painted six murals in San Quentin State Prison while an inmate there, my interest was piqued.

Santos was serving four years for heroin possession when he won a competition to paint the murals, each about 12x100 feet. He credits his time in the clink with his development as an artist. (He's owned a number of galleries since his parole in 1955.)

Five decades later, the murals are at risk. San Quentin, which isn't in the best shape, is one of the most dilapidated prisons in California. Although a study called for preserving the murals, no suggestions were made as to how that would be done.

Watch this sweet slide show to inspect the massive murals for yourself.

Other artists got inspired. The Daily Painters Art Gallery, founded last September by Micah Condon, now showcases more than 120 artists. They must maintain a painting blog, updated at least a few times a week with new pieces, for a few months before applying. After they're accepted, their work appears on the site in the daily update with information on the artist and how to buy the piece. Most days there are upwards of 50 new paintings for sale, almost all smaller than a square foot.

It seems like a great exercise in technique and discipline. Have you tried daily painting? Do you think you could keep it up?

Earlier this year I took a trip to Detroit to visit a friend who works at the Free Press. I was stoked to see her, of course, but I was secretly equally excited to finally visit Hollander's, an incredible bookbinding supply store where I've shopped online for years.

I'm not sure how I managed not to max out my credit card on that trip. I left Ann Arbor with a tube of beautiful Japanese chiyogami paper and a renewed will to create.

Do you buy your supplies online? I went with Hollanders sight unseen just because their prices are so good, but I have to admit there's no replacement for being able to feel the weight and texture of paper. Add a comment, and tell me where you get your art supply fix!