How to gift art

Artwork can be a beautiful and thoughtful gift for any occasion, whether for Christmas, a birthday, or a wedding/anniversary; meaningful milestones can be even more memorable with a thoughtful present. A piece of art can make a fantastic gift for a person who has everything.

Gifting art may seem daunting, but you will be surprised by how easy it can be. Few gifts are more memorable than art, and taking the time to choose art for someone special is an excellent way of expressing how much they mean to you.

Here are a few tips to guide you through the process.

Set a budget

Art prices range from tens of pounds to millions and everything in between. Like when collecting art, knowing how much you want to spend will help narrow your search and it will help you be realistic about your options.

Remember, more expensive does not always mean better - browse my miniature oil paintings and prints, perfect for any space, at affordable prices!

Know your recipient's skill level

Unless you are gifting art to a seasoned veteran who you know their tastes well, you should look to play it safe.

The best way is to ensure that your gift will be instantly recognisable and enjoyed by the recipient. If the recipient doesn’t know what it is or can’t imagine picking it themselves, it will make for a poor gift.

Don’t gift portraits

Unless the portrait is of a person they know and love, you should avoid gifting portraits. If you are considering presenting someone with a portrait of a loved one, remember that it will have much to live up to.

Consider the space and its decor

Art is enhanced by its surroundings. You can have the best painting in the world, but if it isn’t in a suitable space, it would not do it justice and consequently can lead to the recipient not liking it! Which is something that no gift giver wants.

In general, look at the colours and shapes present throughout the space. The artwork you choose should complement this space.

Find a subject matter the recipient is into

You must remember that you are buying artwork for someone else. Just because you might be into one particular subject/theme doesn’t mean that your recipient would share your enthusiasm.

To not be overwhelmed by the vast amounts of art subjects, list your recipient’s interests before you begin.

Groups of paintings

If the space doesn't have a specific style or scheme, giving several complementary miniature artworks can ensure that your art will fit in.

The objective is to create a space with just your art that will feel natural. The beauty is that these paintings can then be rearranged to match work in other spaces too!

Send a personalised message

Include a personal note with your gift that explains why you have chosen the artwork(s) you have. The story for you choosing your gift is just as important as the gift itself.