I cannot think of a better gift than receiving a piece of art. Not necessarily inexpensive, it can last a lifetime and just may be a good investment. More importantly, it feeds the soul. The right piece — different for each of us — can bring on emotional responses that draw the viewer to return again and again and that quality is priceless.
The above images are a selection of pieces from some talented and accomplished artists and some are quite reasonably priced. Each artist is linked to their respective websites with excerpts from their portfolios and biographies if you wish further information.
FIRST ROW
• Blossoms at Sunrise Ethan Jackson 16 x 16" or 40 x 40" archival inkjet print
• Waves Scott Johnson 13 x 16.5" archival cotton rag paper in an edition of 60. Larger sizes are available upon request.
• 37.0 Ryan Magyar 45 1/2 x 35" oil on canvas
• 46.0 Ryan Magyar 26 x 20" oil on canvas
• White Horse Ian Shand available in several sizes from 5 x 7" to 13 x 19" archival inkjet print
LAST ROW
• lovely, dark and deep #28 Carolyn Monastra available in several sizes from 8 x 10" to 30 x 38" digital chromogenic print
• Wonderglass Carolyn Monastra 16 x 20" and 30 x 38" digital chromogenic print
• one, Lares Valley, Peru Alison Mayfield 19 x 19" chromogenic print
• three, Lares Valley, Peru Alison Mayfield 19 x 19" chromogenic print
• Montauk, New York 2005 Michael Falco 16 x 16"
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Wow that first one is very intriguing...
While I am all about investing in pieces of art for the home, art is such a personal thing. I would never give someone a piece of art unless I was really familiar with what artist that person really enjoyed.
I like numbers 2, 7, 8 and 9.
I would love to give art more often as a gift, but it's SUCH a personal thing. You don't always know what a person will love, hate or be indifferent to.
The only gifts I'd give to an art lover: Museum Memberships, art books, or art publication subscriptions (if I knew they had none of them already).
And even though many galleries offer gift certificates, I still wouldn't do those, either, since there's no guarantee that just because someone likes a gallery, or has even purchased from them before, that they'd go back to that same gallery.
Although my BF has wanted a very large canvas from a New Orleans artist. Would love to be able to surprise him, but alas, not this year.
Btw, a trend on these compilation posts of late (this one, the Budget Hotel one, the unusual ornament one...) there seem to be multiple ideas from the same source/artist in each. In magazines, that's a big no-no.
I have sold gift certificates from my studio to people who have friends who they know like my work. Also recently a couple came into the gallery that represents me and asked that one of my paintings be put on their bridal registry! I didn't know how to think about it at first, but then realized it is really a clever idea. if you want art for gifts, then pick it out and let your gifters know about it.
I've received gift certificates to the Torpedo Factory studios in Alexandria. Not even my partner will attempt to purchase artwork for me as a gift. He's tried it once years ago, and he still ribs me over the fact that I have yet to frame and display it.
are you in ny? check out www.stewart-lewis.com for gorgeous pix. he's showing and selling some of his images now in the NY area. i think you have to contact him for details. really lovely.
I think art is the best gift for any occasions, it is generous to the receiver and to the artist, and it is an excellent investment. In the past couple of years I have been gifting (and adding to my own collection) photographs and paintings by Shelton Walsmith (Brooklyn)sheltonwalsmith.com. He is very cool about negotiating price and discussing the person/space it is going to as well.
I love the horse. Anyone else crazy about horses check this guys work out, they are so beautiful-
http://www.rayhartl.com/Horses/equineindex1.htm
My favorite wedding gift lately (when there's nothing good left on the registry) is a gift card to UGallery.com. They have lots of options in the $100-150 range--or the couple can add money of their own for a higher priced one. Either way, it's a nice keepsake/starter gift for the newlyweds!
Art, decor, clothing...too personal to give someone. Never attempt unless you live with them!!!
I'd argue that price is also a significant factor here. If you spend $50 or $100 on a print or a small piece, it's not the end of the world if the receiver doesn't love it. Going way beyond that price range definitely ups the stakes, not to mention the fact that most art isn't easily returnable.
kate @--
Good point.
And I'm all for "art on a registry," and I did ask my Mom one year for a GC toward a piece I was eying, but otherwise, I still think it's a tad too personal.