Artful Gifts for the Holidays

By J. A. Young

English poet John Keats wrote, “a thing of beauty is a joy forever.” Yet, while beauty is often in the eye of the beholder, art demonstrates something beyond beauty—it creates interest and celebrates the work inherent in artistic creation. Giving gifts of art this holiday season means searching out a meaningful piece that suits the recipient. With the vast array of images available today, the most difficult task is selecting the right work for the right person.

When considering wall art for someone, even someone you are quite close to, it is probably best to stick to a small framed work as opposed to something large for over the fireplace unless you are absolutely sure they will love it and will be thrilled to hang it in a prominent place. Consider the recipient’s likes. Does she love hydrangeas? If so, a small oil painting of hydrangeas will be a welcome gift.

In fact, you may find many landscapes paintings to be slightly generic in nature, but if a favorite tree like a scarlet oak is pictured or an avenue of lilac trees, the work takes on personal meaning for the intended receiver. Natural scenes also blend into many décor styles. Cottage garden scenes are charming for country décor. Many artists can also create works from personal photographs. A photo of a grandfather’s garden or that weeping willow outside your childhood home can be recreated for someone who shares similar memories.

Becoming familiar with the recipient’s décor will allow you to choose art in the most appropriate style. For example, someone who loves the Victorian era may enjoy receiving a print from a nineteenth century British artist. Someone who enjoys Oriental touches to their décor may enjoy a Japanese wood cut or a painted Chinese scroll. Your choice may even come down to color—your mother’s famous white room might be enhanced by a small vintage print of a white swan bathed in moonlight.

Personality is also a factor when it comes to giving art. You may know a woman with a glamorous side to her personality. You can acknowledge this trait with a small sophisticated silhouette of a 1920’s glamour girl at her vanity table. For a man with an adventurous spirit, consider a painting depicting a mountain climber nearing his summit or a boater navigating traitorous straits.

Some art may be reflective of a feeling you want to convey. A friend in chaotic life circumstances may appreciate the calm of a sunset scene above roiling waters. Some one who lives alone may appreciate a peopled scene—a lively city street or a busy afternoon beach. A feeling of warmth can be depicted in so many ways—a child on his grandfather’s lap, two sisters baking together in an old fashioned kitchen, a dog outstretched on his master’s bed.

The best part about giving art is that it signifies your own admiration for a work. The object, in essence, becomes a bridge between you and your recipient. A picture of a tea tray to mark your tea-time conversations or perhaps a print of an antique playing card to commemorate those late-night card games. It may be a picture of a shared like—the Taj Mahal, an English bullmastiff, Wrigley Field.

Many believe that original art is too expensive, but this is often not the case. Both originals and prints can be found at affordable places. Shop online or in local shops that feature art. Antique shops and online auction sites like eBay offer a wide variety of wall art. And, remember that art for the wall doesn’t necessarily have to be on paper or canvas. Wood paintings and tapestries can also make beautiful artistic gifts.

© Doityourself.com 2006