My Ultimate Gift Guide for Artists
This is not only a gift guide for the artist in your life but also a list of my most recommended tools for the studio. Art shops can be inspiring places but also somewhere where it’s far too easy to spend small fortunes on supplies that sit unused in the bottom of drawers.
To help you avoid the art supply regret here are my go-to, in some cases can’t live without, tools that I reach for time and time again.
Silver Brush. It goes without saying, an artist should have at least one or two good quality brushes in the mix. I treated myself to these two ‘Silver’ brushes earlier this year and have really enjoyed the marks they create. These are the Jumbo Brush Series 8003 Filbert Size 40 (on the right) and White Round Mop Series 5518S Size 20 (on the left).
Princeton Catalyst Wedge No. 6 White. My all-time favourite, couldn’t live without, desert island artist tool. For abstract artists in particular I would highly recommend trying this out! It is a joy to hold to glide paint across your surface.
Liquitex Freestyle 4inch Brush. This paddle brush is perfect for covering large areas of your painting. The handle gives you a different sense of control and movement over a more traditional long handled brush.
Tonor 12’’ Large Ring Light with Stand and Phone Holder. I must admit that there are tonnes of these ring lights to choose from online and I don’t often use the ring light itself but it is a brilliant tool to hold my phone when taking photos or recording videos when painting- a must have for any artist wanting to share their journey. This extends to a good height and has great flexibility so that you can get the angle you need.
A mug that’s not a mug. You can get creative here but this gift idea is for something fun to store brushes in. My Artist at work mug wouldn’t be my top pick for a cup of tea but it brings a smile to my face when painting in the studio. I also have a happy yellow ceramic vase that I bought in a seconds sale for my brushes (you can just about see it in picture 1).
Small paintings on paper. If you know your recipient’s style why not gift some artwork. Small paintings on paper make excellent gifts as something truly unique and personal. Browse my work on paper here.
A Seawhite Sketchbook. This image also features a Princeton Catalyst Blade, again another great painting tool, but I really want to recommend the Seawhite square cloth bound sketchbook. Beautiful quality and an incredibly useful gift for any artist.
An Art Book. My personal choice is this Joan Mitchell book by Sarah Roberts and Katy Siegel, which is a stunning collection of Mitchell’s work. See my full review of this book over on my Instagram account here.
Golden Fluid Acrylics. And finally, for a real treat I would recommend the Golden Fluid Acrylics range. On the pricer side but a little goes a long way with these small bottles.
