Introduction
Searching for a gift for an artist can be exhilarating and overwhelming. Artists of all levels, from advanced crafters to novices, enjoy products and supplies that enhance their work. Here are 11 of the best art gifts that offer a blend of practicality, inspiration and creativity to help you choose.
1. Artist Quality Sketchbook
All artists need a dependable sketchbook to jot down ideas, work on exercises or complete pieces. Opt for sketchbooks that contain acid-free and high-quality paper because their creations should last a long time. Options like the Moleskine Art Collection or Strathmore Mixed Media Sketchbooks provide versatility, durability, and a smooth surface that works well with various media such as pencils, inks, and watercolors. Another reason why a sketchbook is ideal for an artist who loves to go outside and draw, because its easily portable!
2. High-Quality Coloured Pencils or Markers
If your artist focuses on illustration, design or bright art, then colored pencils or markers are a must-have. You can use colored pencils with high pigment values and blendability factors like Prismacolor Premier or Faber-Castell Polychromos for more detailed and vibrant art. If you want smoother color gradation and a more professional-level project, then alcohol-based markers like these Copic or Ohuhu are top marks! It is this gift that enables artists to indulge their imagination with precision and colour saturation.
3. Professional Watercolour Set
The fluid and versatile nature of watercolour painting make it a favourite amongst many artists. Go for a professional watercolor set like Winsor & Newton Professional Watercolours or Daniel Smith Extra Fine Watercolours that provide deep hues and good transparency. For a complete gift set, combine this with some good quality watercolour brushes and paper. Artists will love being able to test out washes, gradients, and finer details with high-end material!
4. Customisable Canvas Tote Bag
Artists take their supplies with them wherever they go, to classes, workshops or for sketching outdoors. Canvas tote bag that is personal and practical Find sturdy carrying cases with room for brushes, paints, sketchbooks and other supplies. You can personalise the bag with their name, favourite quote or an image that resembles their art style to make it special.
5. Alcohol Ink Set
Alcohol inks are also a fun choice because of their vibrancy and uniqueness — perfect for experimental artists. With these inks, you can create beautiful designs and textures on non-porous surfaces such as Yupo paper, glass or ceramics. Some of the best choices are collections like Piñata Colours or Ranger Ink where all the colours are included to get those creative juices flowing. Complete the gift with Yupo paper or tile surfaces.
6. Calligraphy Set
If you know an artist who loves lettering, typography, or just decorative designs in general, a calligraphy set is a refined present. Seek out sets with nibs in different sizes, quality inks and practice sheets. Start with a kit from brands such as Speedball or Manuscript that are obviously suitable for beginners but also offer drift and will suit more experienced calligraphers. Another great aspect of this gift is that it serves as a way to invite artists into the meditative and rewarding hobby of hand lettering.
7. Art Subscription Box
The gift that keeps on giving: an art subscription box. Subscription boxes offer artists curated art supplies and tutorials, which encourage the exploration of new techniques and materials on a monthly or quarterly basis. There are some businesses, like ArtSnacks and SketchBox, that have subscription-based plans for the best available tools and paints, as well as unique items. Whatever it is, this gift item will be great for artists who like surprises and not being tired of practising.
Subscription Box Australia
8. Paint by Numbers Kit
What once was simply a novice craft intrinsic to seeking an outlet from your working day through paint-by-numbers kits has matured into a methodical and calming artform. Kits are usually created with complex images, from landscapes to portraits, which provides an opportunity for artists to focus on the colors they lay down and not worry about composition. And for a more personalized option, find one of those custom kits where they can paint the best photo/memory.
9. Handmade Ceramic Palette
A ceramic palette that is handcrafted is a practical and artistic gift for painters. Ceramic palettes are ideal for mixing paints as they have a smooth surface that allows them to be polished, unlike plastic palettes which can only be cleaned so far. They also hold a little extra moisture, which is nice for watercolourists. Opt for some uniquely designed palettes or go for glaze-finished palettes, which will bring their workspace a touch of elegance.
10. Digital Drawing Tablet
Drawing tablets are excellent gear to get if you hope to pursue digital art, which is an increasingly popular discipline that can offer an almost limitless canvas for whatever your creative spark may require. The range includes excellent entry-level options such as the Wacom Intuos — a great first tablet for beginners, and higher-end devices such as the iPad Pro with an Apple Pencil or Wacom Cintiq to offer pros accuracy and flexibility. A Drawing tablet is a digital tablet that helps artists draw illustrations as well as animations and designs with tools that simulate natural media.
11. Gold Leaf Kit
A gold leaf kit is a great gift for artists who love to incorporate rich and impactful elements into their artwork. They come in the form of sheets, specifically gold, silver or copper leaf, and include adhesives and other application tools. Ideal for making your paintings, sculptures or crafts look fabulous. Gold leaf kits invite artists to play around with texture and sparkle, providing them with an opportunity to add a hint of glamour to their work.
Choosing the Perfect Art Gift
When shopping for artists, take into account their medium of choice, experience level and style. Good tools and unique supplies are a way to encourage even greater creative expression, and demonstrating respect for their craft is an appreciated touch. From artists who use their sketchbooks to brainstorm the next big thing, to art supply subscription boxes that encourage creativity no matter where you are, or gold leaf kits for more practice and inspiration, these gifts will please any artist.
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