You can use Awesomemod so you don't even have to go to edit town. Just hit shift and then "buy on this lot", so much easier. I do agree there should be a drawing/painting object that is portable. I think it would be cool if they gave Sims a sketch book.
That would be a cool way for an artist to make extra cash and hone their skills on community lots, sketching sims or selling previous work. Darn EA, they would never put that together.