He has just recently got into painting again after 13 years but never did water color and has a degree in art history. Please help i want it to be a special gift. A gift a true artist would really appreciate. Thanks!
2006-06-11 02:28:22 · 14 answers · asked by yofrog 1 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Visual Arts ➔ Painting
What a thoughtful friend! I admire the fact that you want to get him something special for his birthday.
The problem is, most of the artist gifts I've received over the years have been wonderful items and I've been so grateful to receive them, but just can't use them. Sometimes the gifts are items I just don't or wouldn't use, or sometimes they are things I already have. I (as are most artists) very, very picky about my supplies, especially my brushes.
If you are dead-set on giving him a gift of art supplies, consider some best-quality watercolor paper. These are sold in separate sheets, and come in different weights. The very best are the heaviest ones, ask the art supply store clerk. Be sure not to touch the paper itself, only the edges, as the oil on your hands will transfer to the paper and cause some resistance problems.
These individual papers are quite large, and can cost anywhere from $5 per sheet to $40 per sheet.
If you want my BEST advice, consider purchasing a gift certificate from his favorite art supply store, or from an online supplier like http://www.dickblick.com . I know most people don't like to give gift certificates because they are not "personal", but I believe art supplies are VERY personal, and prefer to choose my own. You might consider writing a note in the birthday card saying something like, "My gift includes this gift certificate and chaffuer service to and from the art supply store". This way you can accompany him to the store, and enjoy him using your gift.
Best of luck.
2006-06-11 07:22:23 · answer #1 · answered by artistagent116 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
All the answers are good, but I agree the most with the above answer. I'm a painter myself and would most appreciate a gift certificate. I say this simply because I would rather buy my own stuff. Now, it may sound snobby but you never know what the artist needs the most, or what are his or her preferences. You can never go wrong with a gift certificate. I know I would not want someone else shopping for my art supplies. And if there is a blick art supply store in your area definitely go there. I think it is one of the best places to go to.
I once received a set of brushes as a gift, while I appreciated the thought, the brushes where a little cheap and bristles would fall off while painting. I was unable to use them.
2006-06-11 04:34:13 · answer #2 · answered by got art? 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If he just started painting again after 13 yrs he probably needs EVERYTHING. If he's on a strict budget try to find out if there's something he would really love to have but can't afford and get that. It sounds like you are a great friend and that's a gift in itself. No, not sucking up for points. It's just at my age I've come to realize the true value of the gift of friendship. I'm sure he will appreciate anything you get him pertaining to his craft.
2006-06-11 02:37:29 · answer #3 · answered by sparkie 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Being an artist, and working in watercolors myself, I find that nice watercolor brushes would make a great gift. if they are good quality they will last for a long time. However, if intimidated by shopping for that perfect gift,maybe a gift certificate from a local art supply store.
2006-06-11 04:19:30 · answer #4 · answered by manlymanleather 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Decent watercolor brushes can be quite expensive. Why not buy him one or two really good brushes? Ask the sales people for help. I paint in oil and I know what the watercolor brushes look like, but I couldn't tell you a great brand from a mediocre brand in watercolor brushes...but the sales people at the art store could.
2006-06-11 02:43:50 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am an artist and this last xmas my sister in law gave me 3 really good paintbrushes. I was shocked and thrilled, what a thouhtful gift.
For your friend I would suggest a gift certificate also, but put it inside something related, like a fold-up portable watercolor palette, or one of those roll up canvas brush holders, or maybe inside a block of watercolor paper.
Your friend will be thrilled, no matter what you give him, because you are truly thinking about what he would like to recieve....lucky guy.
2006-06-11 05:27:45 · answer #6 · answered by Mandalawind 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Might I suggest a box full of painting supplies?
Painting as a hobby is expensive, if he has just recently gotten into painting again, a gift of supplies from you would greatly appeciated; i.e. paints, papers/canvas, brushes, cleaners, etc.
2006-06-11 02:33:21 · answer #7 · answered by Plain_Common_Sense 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would browse around on the Utrecht art site for watercolor supplies. They carry excellent brushes and paints as well as paper, eisels, pallettes, etc.
I paint in oils and find their supplies to be a very good value. Plus, they ship fast.
2006-06-11 04:44:18 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
might I suggest a nice leather bound gold embossed coffee table book of famous water color artists and their works along with comments and such from the artists. It could serve as inspiration and encouragement. Or maybe a day trip to the country or ocean to take lots of photos!!
2006-06-11 05:38:42 · answer #9 · answered by dw 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Three different sizes of Kolinski Red Sable Brushes...........a 4, 6, and a 10 and a live in nude model. But personally I would prefer the brushes.
2006-06-17 16:30:08 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋