Choosing a gift for an artist can be very challenging. Here are a few suggestions that may impress any artist on your list. I want to give you some essentials to help any artist master their craft. There are thousands of books available, and these ones are the top of the list.
 |
The Artists Handbook of Materials
and Techniques by Ralph Mayer I cannot say enough about this book. If the artist only has one book in their library, this is the one it should be. If you ever had a question and couldn't find the answer, chances are good that it's in this book. |
|
Drawing on the Right Side
of the Brain by Betty Edwards This book will open your eyes, and help you see things in a way you never could before. It will not only enlighten you, but also gives you lessons to develop your own skills as an artist. Even people with little or no natural talent exceeded expectations. |
 |
 |
Interaction of Color:
by Josef Albers A required book from my undergraduate days, this book is invaluable in helping artists understand how colors are influenced by the colors next to them and how the are perceived. |
|
Color Harmony Compendium:
A Complete Color Reference for Designers of All Types by Terry Marks, MINE, Origin Every artist needs some help now and then with color and combinations of color. This book is jammed packed with information and examples. |
 |
 |
Master Class in Figure Drawing
by Robert Beverly Hale This book takes the reader through lessons and lectures of America's greatest teacher of figure drawing and artistic anatomy by using examples from 118 Masters. |
Brushes
|
If you are not an artist, choosing the best products can be a real challenge. In the art making process there are some things you can skimp on, brushes are not among them.
A good brush will last a life time, and if cleaned and treated well, it can be passed down to the next generation. Part of the artists tool box, a good brush will help the artist do good work. Don't bother with student brushes but go for the high quality brushes right from the start. The difference is quite amazing, not only for the longevity of the tool, but also for the finished painting. Each artist should have some basic brushes to start out with. Some artists prefer sable, other like squirrel, or synthetic brushes. I think all have their place, depending on what the artist is trying to achieve. My primary tool box for watercolors has Kolinsky sable for the most part, but I also have a few synthetics. I've used camel and squirrel hair, and they too should be tried. The round synthetics tend to curl up at the point after a short time. Flats don't have that problem. Watercolor brushes should be kept for water color and not used with oil or acrylic. Each discipline should have its own set of brushes.You have two ways to go, individual brushes, or very economical sets. If the artist doesn't already have a good collection started for brushes or paints, I would recommend buying both in sets. There is usually quite a big savings and it will also allow the artist a chance to try something out. The links here all go to Blicks Artists Materials and included to get you pointed in the right direction. I've used Blicks, and there has never been any problems. There product selection is amazing. They also cover both Canada and the USA and they have some nice discounts for Black Friday. |
Another idea for gift giving to your favorite artist is our gift package. It's a chance for the artist to get online without annual membership fees. It's your opportunity to be a patron and show your confidence and pride, giving a leg up just when its needed most.
RSS Feed