28 Best Gifts for the Artist by an Artist 2023
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I am one of those many people in other’s lives where they are like, “You’re an artist, and I want to get you art stuff, but I never know what to get!” Well friends, I am here today to help you not only find the supplies you are looking for, but also help support a business that I have loved since I have had my own money to spend art supplies on! So, without further ado, let me share with you 28 best gifts for the artist in your life!
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You may be wondering about this list, as an artist can realistically practice in many different mediums. For me, I specialize in traditional and digital art, so this list will include traditional art tools such as drawing and painting supplies, as well as digital art tools and accessories. If you’re looking for 3D mediums such as clay, I am sorry but that is not my forte (yet). One day though I hope to specialize in sculpture, as I really enjoy it. But, below you will find a happy mix of drawing, acrylic painting supplies & accessories, as well as digital art ones. Leave a comment below with any questions you may have or let me know what you decided to get!
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1. Utrecht Acrylic Paints
This Utrecht acrylic paint collection is my perfect happy medium between student grade and (super) professional grade paints. They are thick, have great pigment, and hold true to the test of time. I have been using this brand since I was in high school (so for over the past 12 years) and paintings I made then with this painting brand are still just as vibrant as when I layed down the colors. If you have a friend or family member who is looking for new paints to try, or just want to try them out yourself, I highly recommend this starter kit.
2. Golden Wetting Agent
If you have an acrylic painting connoisseur in your life who complains of their paints drying too quickly, get them this perfect gift! The Golden wetting agent, when used properly, can extend the drying time of acrylic paint, allowing the painter to get a more oil paint quality effect without having to use oil paints. It’s truly amazing!
3. PrismaColor Colored Pencils
You literally cannot go wrong with anything that says “Prismacolor” on the front, trust me. I personally received a set like this one a few years back, and when I have time to indulge in colored pencil art, I cannot use normal crayola after. The pigment in these pencils are amazing and they don’t break easily. These are a perfect gift paired with a coloring book like this Bob Ross coloring book, or just for that really talented illustrator in your life!
4. Blick Canvas Pad
Sometimes space can be limited, so being able to paint anywhere is pretty important. I live in a smaller apartment so you won’t catch me getting my easel out anymore and a gigantic canvas. These canvas pads are convenient for that. Easy setup & easy cleanup. What more could you ask for?
5. Blick Premier Drafting Pencil
Oh my gosh y’all. I have had this Blick Premier drafting pencil since forever. It is hands down my FAVORITE drafting pencil for all things, from drawing, to drafting my paintings, you name it. I can’t think of another drafting pencil I have ever used that is as precise. One thing I will say, it does take some getting used to. However, it is the perfect gift for ANY traditional artist in your life. Another plus? I hardly have to replace the lead. It lasts a WHILE. Get it, get it, get it!
6. Pentel Hi-Polymer Erasers
I can’t tell you how many erasers I go through, especially when I am having an off art day. These Pentel Hi-Polymer erasers are amazing and have very little shavings after doing even the biggest “undo” of your life. I also like them because they don’t get all icky or make a gross smell when you erase.
“>7. Richeson Drawing Clip Board
If the artist in your life is a nature lover like me, then this one is a must. I mainly used one of these babies in my early collegiate days, but they hold well. My fav part is in the band that can go around your paper at the bottom, especially if your friend likes to go draw outside. It also can double as a hard surface if floor drawing is their thing!
8. Studio Designs Avanta Drafting Table
I have had this exact drafting table for about 10 years now! It is super versatile and great for drawing, painting, and even studying! I really love it and although it is a big of an investment, this is the one. On the plus side, it is SUPER easy to put together and is fairly light weight so moving it about is easy.
9. Blickrylic Student Acylic Paint Set
These Blick Paints are great for novice painters, as they are economical in size, and are a lot more “liquidy”. One downside to this is you may need to layer more to achieve the same effect as you would with professional grade paints. If this is for a friend who is just wanting to paint casually, or a child, anyone really just looking to have a good time or just have some place to start, these are perfect!
10. Blick Super Value Canvas Packs
I don’t think I know a single artist who doesn’t own an obscene amount of something. For me, that is typically canvases. Because of this, I like to get them in packs, otherwise, I will break every bank known to man. These are perfect, too, as they are typically well stretched and already gessoed.
18 More Art Gifts for the Artist in Your Life
I could go into details about each and every product on this list, as I have used every. single. one. However, I am sure you are busy, so I want to keep it quick for you! So please peruse this list, and comment any questions you have below! I’d love to help you find that perfect gift this season and for other seasons, too.
Digital Art Go Tos
- Digital Art Drawing Gloves
- Bluetooth Keypad
- Ergonomic pen grip for iPad Pencil 1st and 2nd Gen
- Wacom Cintiq 16″
- Plus Ergo Grip for Wacom Stylus
Traditional Art Gifts
- Blick Studio Tracing Paper
- Blick Mixed Media Paper
- Blick Essentials Value Brush & Accessory Set
- Blick Assorted Wonder White Synthetic Paintbrush Set
- Richeson Butcher Tray Pallette
- Masterson Premier Stawet Pallette
- Art Alternatives E-Z Clean Pallette (Rectangle)
- Sakura Pigma Micron PN Pens – Set of 8
- Prismacolor Premier Dual-End Brush Tip Markers – Set of 12
- Prismacolor Graphite Drawing Set
- Blending Stumps
- Spectrum Noir Blending Kit
- Blick Studio Light Duty H-Frame Easel
Looking for More?
If you are still searching for that perfect gift, you can check out Blick’s Holiday Gift Guide for even more variety! All of the products I have linked I have tried and I feel are valuable assets to any artist’s repertoire, but there are tons of options out there for other products and media that I have yet to try. Blick’s selection is awesome and I cannot speak highly enough about them! Let me know what you decide on in the comments. I can’t wait to hear how it went this holiday season and beyond!
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28 Best Gifts for the Artist by an Artist 2023
Please note that this post may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. By clicking on these links and making a purchase, you support and help us continue providing free content. I am one of those many people in other’s lives where they are like,…
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