Great Gifts for a Painter
Buying gifts for a painter is a great way to encourage their artistic endeavors and show them you support their art. Many artists, especially beginning ones, are usually strapped for cash and appreciate any help funding their creative activities. Art supplies, especially for painters, can get expensive when you're buying high-quality items, but even a few tubes of expensive paint can be of assistance to an artist. If you want to show support to a painter in your life, consider some of these great gifts.
Sketchbooks
Painters are constantly using their sketchbooks to help them flesh out ideas, daydream, and fill time while out and about. While a sketchbook might feel like a utilitarian idea, there are many beautiful hardbound examples with gorgeous paper to choose from. Make sure to purchase a hard cover sketchbook so that they have support if sketching in public and heavy weight paper in a portable size. Additionally, consider throwing in some nice pens or pencils.
Easel
Most painters dream about having a nice easel to work on. There are many levels of price when it comes to purchasing an easel which makes this an exceptional gift to give a young painter especially. Look for a sturdy wooden frame that will last them a lifetime, and make sure they can adjust the easel to their height. Another great option is to give a travel easel, which folds up easily along with a drawer for paints to bring along anywhere. If the painter in your life enjoys plein air painting, this is the perfect gift.
Stretch-a-Canvas Kit
Many canvases available at art stores are overpriced and not nearly as durable as ones made at home. However, many artists, especially beginning ones, don't have the tools to make the frames or stretch their own canvas. Help ease this burden by buying them a kit to learn this practical and valuable resource which they'll use for years to come.
Art Books
Artists are always on the lookout for information and inspiration in order to improve. Look for informative books on techniques if they are a beginning artist. More advanced artists might appreciate beautiful art books about their favorite artists, or even one of yours if you have one to share. Look for large books with many examples of the artist's body of work. Find out what artists they are curious about or take a chance and pick one that intrigues you.
Painting Excursions
Why not reward your favorite painter with a vacation focused solely on art? For a low-key, inexpensive trip, take them out to a bed and breakfast on a beautiful spread of land and let them paint for a weekend at several scenic spots. Or, for a truly special event, buy them a residential course package at a painting retreat abroad. Le Trois Chenes, for example, allows small groups where each individual can receive attention while enjoying the French countryside, food, and wine pairings. In addition to this, each painter receives tutoring from professional painters and teachers.
