Some of the best gifts for artists appeal to their artistic and creative practice, or help make their day-to-day work more enjoyable or comfortable. We spoke to artists and designers from across the Jackson’s team and put together this selection of products, to give as gifts, to use for creating an artwork for someone, or for treating yourself.
Gifts for Watercolourists
Daniel Smith Primatek Set of Six
‘The colours in this Daniel Smith set are so interesting as they are made from minerals, often semi-precious. I’m probably not going to receive a diamond this year so these are the next best thing. The granulation is great and they sparkle too.’
Jackson’s Studio Synthetic Brush Set
‘My current studio synthetic brushes are starting to look a bit tired after many years of consistent use and this set would be a great way to replace them, all neatly encased.’
– Christine
Isaro Watercolour Paint – Set of 6 Jackson’s Colours
‘Isaro watercolours are really special. They are made by hand in Belgium by Isabel Roelofs, who comes from two generations of paintmakers, using high-quality gum arabic and pigments. The attention to detail in formulating these watercolours is clear when you use them. This set consists of 10 selected colours from the range, including both historical and modern pigments. Not only are they excellent paints, but they look lovely with beautifully designed labels.’
– Evie
Coliro Pearlcolor Watercolour Sets
‘I really love the way these handle and they work beautifully with black watercolour paper.’
– Clare
Gifts for Oil and Acrylic Painters
Michael Harding Genuine Chinese Vermillion
‘Historically regarded as the colour of blood and therefore the colour of life, it would bring some ancient eastern influence into the palette. It’s a very luxurious colour which many painters may not have the opportunity to have used before, making it a special gift.’
Michael Harding Carribean Turquoise
‘Simple to add a bit of much-needed summer into the midst of winter. Described as a tropical colour and one of my favourites.’
– Mitchell
‘Like many artists, I’ve started to look for ways I can reduce waste in my painting practice. In the past I have tried cutting tubes open to get the last drops of paint out but I find that to be very messy solution. The Big Squeeze tube squeezer helps you get as much paint out of each tube as possible, so it makes a useful studio companion. It works with paint tubes up to 3.1in wide, and it’s available in different colours (but this orange one is particularly easy to spot when my studio is untidy!)’
– Evie
Michael Harding Oil Paint Set and a New Wave Highland Palette
‘This set of oil paints and a palette would make a great gift for an oil painter, I know I’d love to receive it! Michael Harding makes gorgeous, top-of-the-range oil colours and the New Wave palette is lightweight and ergonomic, perfect for those who use a hand-held palette.’
‘This set of opaque oil sticks would be great for drawing on top of large oil paintings. R&F are soft and go on smoothly.’
– Julie
Gifts for Printmakers
Japanese Soft Rubber Roller / Brayer, 30 Shore
‘Never underestimate a great quality brayer! These rollers from Japan are tough, well made and with care they will last for years. The soft 30 shore black rubber roller is perfect for uneven plates and woodblocks, it will pick up and lay down a thicker layer of ink than harder rollers and it is less likely to leave roller edge marks on the plate/block. The handles are robust and the rollers can be taken apart for cleaning.’
‘The etching tools in this set come in a wooden box with a chamois for cleaning. It’s difficult to find etching or drypoint tools in a set, probably because every printmaker has different requirements depending on the marks they wish to make. I use drypoint very much like drawing, so a set like this would be ideal!’
– Gemma
‘Awagami are a sixth-generation family-run paper mill that makes beautiful papers from traditional natural fibres: Kozo and Gampi, as well as non-tree fibres such as Bamboo, Cotton, and Hemp. This pack has 10 different sheets, great for testing a variety of printmaking techniques.’
‘This would be perfect for making prints and is just the right size for working at home – doesn’t take up too much room!’
– Dan
‘Customers often ask me which set of Pfeil tools is best for a beginner/ gift, as it’s hard to know which of the little shapes would suit someone best. I think the Colin Blanchard set is a really good start! I have most of the sizes in that set, so for me personally (and perhaps for someone who already has a few tools, especially in the smaller sizes) I would like Set A, along with a stand for keeping all my tools in order! I also picked out Linoleum Block Printing by Francis Kafka, primarily because I want to ogle the 1955 design work it contains.’
– Ellie
Gifts for Illustrators and Sketchers
Artgraf Drawing Putty with Ceramic Jar
‘This graphite will give an artist a whole new way of approaching drawing and mark-making and it looks really fun to work with.’
– Clare
‘I’d wish for some air dry clay, I find working 3 dimensionally adds a playful and experimental aspect to my practice and helps me to develop ideas. And it’ll give me something to do on Christmas afternoon!’
Turner Acrylic Gouache Set of 12 Japanesque Colours
‘As for the Japanesque gouache set… I’m a big fan of the Nihonga painting style, and particularly the work of Yoshitomo Nara. For years I have been envious of his mastery of applying colour with coarse ground pigments – it’s a technique that requires years of training in Japan. These paints will allow me to cheat! I can see if I can create a similar effect to theirs, which I hope I might be able to incorporate into my rather western way of painting to make something new.’
– Lisa
Caran D’Ache Watercolour Supracolor Watersoluble Pencils – Wooden Box Set of 80
‘The Caran D’Ache Supracolor Wooden Box Set is an ideal gift for artists and illustrators alike, they are great quality yet accessible in their use by being easy to blend and layer. They are also beautifully packaged and easy to gift wrap!’
Derwent Line Maker Pens – Set of Six
‘The smoothness and flow of Derwent Line Maker Pens make them perfect for use in all scenarios, from quick preparatory sketches to intricate architectural drawings. They work beautifully and create clear and strong marks that make for excellent contrast in tone and depth.’
– Adam
Browse our Gift Category at jacksonsart.com for more inspiration and gift ideas for artists.
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