Searching for the perfect gift for an artist or art lover in your life? Look no further! Here are nine suggestions, ranging from small gifts or stocking fillers to treasures they can keep for a lifetime.
1. An art book
A book showcasing the works of one of their favorite artists makes a great gift because it includes many artworks to enjoy and inspire. These books also serve as collectible pieces. Consider the exquisite collections dedicated to the masterworks of Joaquín Sorolla, a Spanish painter known for his luminous depictions of light and color.
Sorolla: The Masterworks (Waterstones)
Joaquin Sorolla (ACC Art Books)
Joaquín Sorolla: Painter of Light (Amazon)
Another gift perfect for an aspiring artist is a 'how to' or learn to paint book. For artists who like watercolours, these are two of my favourites:
Everyday Watercolour: Learn to Paint Watercolour in 30 Days by Jenna Rainey (Amazon)
For artists who prefer oil painting, these are both excellent workbooks:
Painting into the Light: How to work atmospheric magic with your oil paints by Jenny Aitken
2. Painting supplies
Painting supplies are always a welcome gift, especially when carefully chosen to suit the recipient's preferred medium. Explore the extensive selections of professional and student paints available at Jackson's Art and Cass Art, or consider one of my favourite sets below.
Watercolour paint sets
Windsor and Newton Professional Watercolor Paint Set (24 pans). This set comes in a handy metal tin and is a perfect small size for portability. It's also really easy to purchase additional pans to replace any that you use up quickly.
Oil paint sets
Old Holland Classic Oil Paint Intro Set. This is a beautiful set of high quality oil paints and Old Holland have more than three centuries of experience making artist oil paints.
Michael Harding Oil Paint 40ml Brick Lane Set of 10. These new, beautiful, vibrant colours recently released by Michael Harding would make a wonderful gift for an oil painter.
Acrylic paint sets
Golden Heavy Body Artist Acrylics Essentials Paint Set. This set of heavy body acrylics provide a foundational palette, which any artist will enjoy experimenting with.
3. Brushes
No artist can resist the allure of a high-quality brush. Consider adding a set of brushes to their collection, ranging from fine detail brushes to broad strokes, ensuring they have the perfect tools for any artistic endeavor.
Jacksons Art has an excellent range of brushes. For watercolour painting, I love Jackson's own Studio Synthetic Brush Set, which is a very reasonable price and wonderful to work with.
For oil painting, this set of Jackson's Black Hog Bristle Brushes provides a range of sizes and is wonderful to use.
4. Pochade box or travel easel
For artists who love to paint en plein air, a portable pochade box or travel easel is a game-changer. The Jakar field easel, in particular, offers versatility and convenience for artists on the move.
Jakar Lightweight Field Easel. This lightweight portable easel is adjustable and will take a range of canvas sizes. I use it for painting at home because it packs away easily.
Jullian Black Travelbox. This is a beautiful quality travel box and tabletop easel in one and would make a great gift.
Mabef M105 Pochade Box 12 ½ by 16 inch. This pochade box is made in Italy and has storage space for two wet panels as well as painting materials.
5. Sketchbook or notebook and/or drawing pens
Every artist needs a space to jot down ideas or sketch on the go. Gift them a high-quality sketchbook or notebook paired with a set of reliable drawing pens for capturing moments of inspiration.
6. Glass or ceramic palette
Upgrade their painting experience with a sleek and durable glass palette. The smooth surface makes mixing colors a breeze, and it's easy to clean, ensuring a pristine canvas for every artistic endeavor.
For painting with oil and acrylics, this glass palette is one they will love using for years.
For painting with watercolours, I like this simple and very economical ceramic daisy palette.
7. Fine art print
Fine art prints make thoughtful and personal gifts. High quality giclee printing means that print reproductions often capture the original artwork perfectly. You can often order fine art prints directly from the artist or gallery. Museums and major galleries, such as the National Gallery and the Tate Modern, also offer a wide selection of prints by a variety of artists, old and new.
For some ideas of artists who produce beautiful prints of their original landscape paintings in a range of countries, see some of my favourites below.
Shona Cammack, Scottish landscape artist, who creates stunning, emotive and colourful works inspired by the landscapes that surround her.
Laurie Anne Art, Phoenix, USA-based artist, who paints a range of landscapes inspired by her travels in the USA and elsewhere in beautiful colour palettes.
Emily Jeffords, a Greenville, USA-based artist who paints soft impressionistic landscapes in oils in her characteristic style.
Erin Hanson, Oregon, USA-based artist who paints stunning colourful landscapes inspired by places across the US in the new style she has developed, called 'open impressionism'.
Clair Bremer, Australian-based artist who paints a variety of real and imagined landscapes, flowers and natural places in bright hues.
8. Membership to an art gallery
Immerse the art lover in a world of inspiration with a membership to a local or favorite art gallery. Access to exhibitions, events, and exclusive previews will enrich their passion for the arts throughout the year.
Many memberships with galleries or museums offer first-choice access to their best exhibits throughout the year. For example, membership of the The Courtauld as a friend enables access to their works and some amazing exhibitions this year, including 'Monet and London', showing his painted landscape views of the Thames.
The National Gallery also offers individual and individual plus guest membership, that can be purchased as a gift. This includes the Van Goh: Poets and Lovers exhibit showing through January 2025.
9. An original artwork
For a special one-of-a-kind gift that they can enjoy for years, consider purchasing a piece of original art. Art is a timeless investment that is also one of the most rewarding. Art makes a great gift because it is personal. Nothing is more valuable in today’s digital era than gifting someone a unique original and hand-created painting.
Choose the art based on the preferences of the receiver. Consider their home décor choices and interests. Do they prefer abstract or representational paintings? Do they have favourite hobbies or places? Choosing an original painting inspired by one of their hobbies or favourite places or landscapes, can provide a unique and thoughtful present. By selecting the gift based on their preference, interests, and style, you are showing how well you know them which makes the gift more special and personal for the receiver.
All of the above artists offer original works for sale from their websites too. If you or your friend/family member love the underwater world, take a look at my currently available paintings or look up a local artist in your area. You can also find a huge range of paintings available on sites such as Saatchi Art.
I personally love Canadian artist, Elizabeth Lennie's, stunning 'liquid landscape' paintings, all inspired by backdrops of water. Elizabeth's works are available through Saatchi Art.
Consider the preferences and creative spirit of your intended recipient. Whether it's a book that celebrates their favorite artist, a set of high-quality paints or paint brushes, or the magic of an original painting, each present on this list is a gesture of encouragement for their artistic journey. Happy gifting!
