Birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, Christmas... Meaningful milestones that when marked by a gift are made all the more memorable. When it comes to finding the right present, the key is to avoid falling into the inevitable traps of the cliche or the boring. As all art lovers will know, there’s definitely nothing boring about a unique work of art. While buying art for a loved one may seem like a daunting prospect, do not shy away from the task - the brave will always be rewarded.
Whether it’s a wedding gift for a good friend or a housewarming piece, art is a gift that can be treasured for years to come.
When the stakes are high, we can feel pressured to find the perfect gift. An expensive bottle of wine or useful utensil can be great, but isn’t it better to buy something that’s both beautiful, memorable and can even increase in value?
Consider the person receiving the gift
Usually, art is something you give someone special, someone who you are probably close to. Think of something they like or enjoy and hone in on that. Perhaps this person enjoys taking hikes in nature - in this case, a watercolour landscape would be a good choice. Or if there is a destination they’ve always wanted to go to, you can give them an artistic photograph taken in black and white of that city to inspire them to take that trip!
Find a subject matter that they’re into.
No matter how much YOU like looking at puppies, porcelain dolls, or sailboats, the person you’re giving it to might not. Make a list of what they like, and start there. You might be surprised at the amount of art there is on almost any subject. That makes it even easier, and with the right choice of subject you’ll find that sometimes the colors won’t even matter.
Make it meaningful
Art is often bought because of its emotional appeal and can be highly revealing of someone’s taste and personality. Creating a connection through theme will ensure that your recipient truly loves the work. Think about their favourite hobbies; do they love travelling, fashion, nature or design? Where are they from, or do they have a favourite place? Or is there something about the occasion that you could symbolise through the piece?
Set a budget
It is easy to get carried away looking at Basquiats and Gauguins, but that’s out of most people’s price range. Have a clear budget in mind to help you eliminate anything that you wouldn’t even consider due to price. With online art sites (more on that later), you can even narrow down your options with a few clicks of a mouse! When selecting a budget, also consider the medium. Unique works like paintings and sculptures are always more expensive than something like an editioned print like a photograph or lithograph.
Think about space
Yes, a 5 metre wide painting may be a really impressive gift, but if that person lives in a shoebox apartment, there might be some challenges even getting it through the door! Choose something that would look good in their office or home, and can be displayed in a variety of versatile ways: hung on a wall, on the floor leaned against the wall, on a bookcase, or even on a bedside table.
Always frame the work
A good frame can always elevate a work of art. No matter how beautiful it is by itself, a proper frame and matting is the best way to present art. Not only will the recipient be able to immediately hang the art, but they also don‘t have to go out and find a frame themselves. Consider where your recipient might place their new art piece - as well as the work itself - to select the right frame. Custom frames, although beautiful, can get very expensive. You should always endeavour to frame the work, even if it’s using a store-bought frame. Go to your local framers and get them to cut a mat board that fits the print perfectly - a quick and inexpensive way to make the work pop!
Personalise
Last but not least, is to add a personalised touch to your gift! Take the time to research your artist and their work and write a little note about how this work made you think of your recipient. Include a biography of the artist or an interesting fact about the artwork. It just adds that extra touch!
Explain it.
Make sure you know about the artist you’re purchasing from, so you can help build a memorable story when you gift the work. Remember, art is someone’s personal creation, not just a space filler, so tell a story with the work when you gift it. This will also help the person you’re gifting it to develop an attachment and understanding of the gift, so it’s not just another object. And you may just find you giving your loved one a new favourite artist.
Comments