Giving the Gift of Art

Let's face it - buying art as a gift isn't for everyone. Some people don't care much for art, or they have very specific tastes, or you just don't know them well them enough to make such a personal selection. There are some occasions and relationships however, where it is perfectly appropriate and ends up being a powerful statement with a lasting impression.

In my life, I've given my paintings as wedding gifts to friends that I know like my work, and I painted something specific with them in mind. (In fact, I've got one to paint for my friend in Florida that just got married.) My family has received my art as gifts through the years. I know who likes landscapes, who likes my abstracts and who likes my crafts more, and I always choose wisely.

Not all of my friends are huge art enthusiasts, and some are, but have very minimally decorated homes. I wouldn't give my work to anyone as a gift if I knew it would make them uncomfortable or feel like they have to hang it if they don't care for it. And for some of my friends that DO love my work, I know I've overloaded them so much through the years, I've got to give them a break! But on those special times where the occasion and the person aligns, art has been and will be a cherished gift to give and receive.

Last year my best friend and I got to see each other on New Year's Eve after being apart for a while as she lives in San Diego and I'm all the way over on the east coast. We had our gifts to exchange and wouldn't you know it, we both bought each other art on Etsy. :)

To Emily from Jessica - Birds by Wallcandy



To Jessica from Emily - Eloise and Ramona play telephone by flapperdoodle

I got Emily the bird painting on a little wood block because she had just moved into a new studio apartment by the beach and I knew space would be an issue. She loved it because she could place it on her window ledge in the kitchen, a reminder of the swirling sea gulls of beautiful San Diego. She got me the adorable print set that I have in MY kitchen and I love it because every day I see it I am reminded of my besty living across the country, but always a phone call or an email (or text, or facebook, or...) away!


So it is true - art is personal. But some relationships are personal enough to know what someone likes or would like. And if you don't know what they like, start paying attention to what they notice online or in a gallery or shop. If you're a fan or know a fan of my work, stay tuned as my next post will be gift ideas from my various collections and product lines.