A Guide to Giving the Gift of Art

December 2, 2021

Liza Pruitt shares inspiration for thoughtful gifting that will be remembered for years to come.

Each year as the weather turns cooler and Christmas displays start to appear in store windows, I have visions of lovely afternoons spent browsing in charming boutiques where I find the perfect gift for each of the important people in my life. However, with the hectic pace of the holidays, the reality is more likely to be rushed weekends in crowded big box stores, where I will purchase gifts that I know will be appreciated, but will likely be forgotten by this time next year. That is why I am turning to giving the gift of art for the holidays.

The Gift of Art

Unlike most consumer items, a gift of original art will be treasured for years to come and passed down through generations. As a patron of the arts, I am supporting the work of talented individuals as opposed to large corporations. The only downside is that giving art can be a daunting task, which is why we have put together a guide to help get you started.

For the Minimalist

Consider an abstract collage. The juxtaposition of muted and vivid colors in this work by Holly Graham gives the piece visual interest. The raw edged pieces layered over precisely trimmed edges lend texture and depth to the collage. The beauty of abstract art, especially when gifting, is that everyone sees something different according to their own sensibilities.

For the Gardener

We suggest a vibrant floral mixed media painting. This piece by Liza Matthews brings to mind a field of wildflowers and is so rich and lush that one can almost hear the bees buzzing around the flowers. Liza's use of layered paint gives her art a 3-D effect and draws the viewer into the painting.

For the Romantic

An abstract landscape is just the thing for your favorite romantic! The fresh colors in this abstract landscape by Kaitlin Gray are realistic enough to tell us we are in the woods, but abstract enough to let us dream of the destination! The hazy yellows and greens are warm and inviting - perfect for hanging next to her favorite reading chair.

For the Hostess

How about fresh flowers or greenery in a hand-thrown vase? We love the simplicity of this stoneware piece by East Clay Ceramics. The raw clay exterior gives it an organic, earthy feel while the glossy white interior adds a touch of elegance.

For the Outdoorsman

We prefer more realistic landscapes for the men in our lives. This acrylic painting by Carson Overstreet transports us back to lazy summer weekends spent boating, fishing and relaxing on the waterfront. A rich, yet muted palette of greens, blues and blush is masculine enough for his office, but versatile enough to hang anywhere in the house.

Although this is a start, purchasing art as a gift can come with uncertainty. Our team at Liza Pruitt, is here to help guide you through the process. You can even text us a photo of the space where the art will hang and we will text you back a curated selection of ideas based on the colors and style of the room. Furthermore, we do not believe that the cost of art should be prohibitive for anyone. We offer a wide range of original artwork to fit any budget. However, if it is all just too much, we offer gift certificates so that special someone can have fun selecting the artwork themselves!