Most of what artists want for Christmas is free - here’s the top 5

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​I surveyed artists in the online groups I am a part of, to find out what artists want for Christmas this year. I thought I would end up with a very long list of items to add to shopping lists. Here's what they said instead.

1. Art Supplies. There is no art without art supplies so no surprise many people had their eye on specific provisions. Wish lists ranged from basic art supplies for those without a lot of resources or with simple needs (canvas, brushes and paper) to items a bit more on the extravagant side (like easels, pricey pigments or sable brushes). Many artists are supply junkies -- after all, the fun is in the experiment! If you understand the practice of your artist friend then you may be able to guess at what they want but if you have no idea of the difference between a pastel and a pan or oil from acrylic or the recommended weight of watercolour paper, do yourself and your artist a favour and get them a gift card at their local supply store. They will have it mentally spent before the turkey hits the table. Most cities have one or more small art stores that would appreciate the business (locally we have State of the Art, Curry's, Wyndham's and The Art Store) or a gift card to a bigger player like Deserres, Michaels, Jackson's Art or Blick Art is sure to be appreciated. Make sure they deliver or are within driving distance in your friend's area. Not all art stores ship across the border.
2. We all know time is elusive and precious and it is the gift that cannot be overestimated. Many artists indicated they just wanted time alone to create free of other work or distraction. My son is a teenager now and is not much of a distraction from my painting life but I can imagine the challenges of trying to paint with small children under foot. Most artists, especially in the beginning, are working full time or raising families, so if you can, offer your artist the gift of time. Take the kids to the park or to grandma's, make your artist dinner, rake the leaves, take over the household finances. Give them some time to be alone with their muse so creativity has time to flourish.
3. Let them have a space to create. I am always interested in the working conditions of artists and artists love to share their studio set up with others through photos and videos online. A new or redesigned space is always shared with enthusiasm and pride. Whether it is a carved out corner of a dining room, a dedicated storage cubby or a luxurious northern facing sun room with acres of wall space or anything in between, space is something most artists can't get enough of. My 10 by 12 foot office/studio space is cluttered and cramped but I feel lucky to have it when I see where some others have to work. Carve out some space for your artist and see what they can create in it!
4. Appreciate your artist's effort. Art looks like fun and it should be, but it is often also hard and nobody is harder on the output quality than the artist themselves. Making art means setting aside the internal dialogue that says "you aren't good enough, it's too late to start, you will never be considered a true artist, nobody likes your work or will ever like your work" and just having faith in the practice of creation. I was shocked by how many people say in the chats every day that their friends or family criticize their art or actively try to dissuade them from creating. The support of the people we love and respect is everything to us and goes a long way to quieting the gremlins inside that tell us to give up. Encourage your artist friend to follow their dream. Remember, art taste is very subjective, even if you don't personally find their art to your taste there is always some way to appreciate it. If you think they really need technical support then encourage them to follow their passion by taking lessons or make time to visit local galleries. Supporting and complimenting an artist's work encourages them to follow their dream and will bring the associated joy and fulfillment that every person craves whether they are an artist or not.
5. Like, Share and Refer. Many artists online wanted to sell more art and selling a painting would be an incredible gift to most (not to mention that it is an incredible gift to buy and give to someone else). You can appreciate your artist's effort by buying their art but you can also refer them to other people who might be interested in buying it as well. A referral can be as simple as liking and sharing their work on Facebook, Instagram or any other platform or it can be a personal introduction at a party or networking event. Liking and interacting with social media posts raises the profile of that account and may bring a new audience for that artist that can help them create connections to help their career. Introducing your artist friend as a painter or photographer or mixed media artist or simply as an artist (instead of the cashier, server, accountant, teacher or data analyst that is their day job) gives them the opportunity to talk about what they are MOST passionate about, which is a lovely gift that benefits everyone.

Gifts for your artist friend can be shared all year long once you realize what they value most likely can't be found under a tree. Thank you to my husband, my son, my friends and family who give me time to create, appreciate my work, and give me likes (and love) every day - what you do is essential for me to do what I do.

Please like and share this post to wish me a very happy holiday! Get on my email mailing list by subscribing on the home page.
Thank you for reading :). I wish you a peaceful and joyful season full of creativity and inspiration.