I'm wondering how folks who have given away some of their paintings as gifts get to that point. I have given a few to immediate family, as they have to like them, but am a little hesitant to give them to some friends. I think a few are good enough to give away, but I don't want to seem boastful. Art is so subjective and I don't want to assume anyone will like them as I do? Opinions? Suggestions?

    Art is for you to enjoy. It doesn't matter if it is not the best in the world as long as you enjoyed doing it. In terms of giving your work away then give them to people who appreciate the work and your efforts. It is a bit like trying to sell your wor, it will sell if somebody thinks it is worth it. Your view of the beauty of the piece doesn't matter to them. If they like it they will buy it. Have you considered offering your friends a choice of which piece they want? Include the ones you think are not good enough.

    I have never gifted a painting to someone who hasn't said something along the lines of "oh you have to do one for me!"

    9 days later

    I promised my next painting to a dear friend of mine who just moved. I told her she can hang it also in the garage and it is fine for me 🙂

    5 days later

    We are always our worst critic. Painting is from your heart weather you think it's "worthy" of a gift or not. Trust me. It is always one of the coolest things we do to give a gift from the heart. Happy painting!

    I just gave a painting as a gift for the very first time last night! It was to my husband's grandma- the last surviving grandparent we have between the two of us. She is 91 and cannot really get out or around. She seemed thrilled and said it was like looking out a window to a place she could never go. When she found out it was from watching a Bob Ross episode she was even more excited because she loved his show. Maybe the question isn't whether or not a painting is a good gift, but rather who a painting is the right gift for!

    5 days later

    I painted 'The Old Weathered Barn' and was intending to give it as a gift to a friend, when speaking to hubby he rightly pointed out that if she didn't like it then she may feel forced to hang it in her home. After consideration, I wondered how I would feel if someone gave me a painting, and I'd probably feel like I had to hang it. After further reflection, I think I will just show her, and if she is like woah id love that, then ill know and give her it.
    I have given one of my very first ones to my parents and it proudly hangs in the dining room. I was only my second painting, but my parents are so proud to have adult art I did. (as a child I think I painted one colour op top of another so a nice brown blob, so this is heaps better)

    6 days later

    So I told my friend I painted something for her, but didn’t say what. I sent her a message with 3 paintings I have done, and said to her she can choose. She has decided without me telling her which I did for her, that she wanted the Old Weathered Barn!
    I have since told her that actually that was the one I did for her.

    13 days later

    I would worry that the recipitent would feel compelled to display a painting that they either simply don't like or does not fit in with the decor

    You are familiar with the story of the white elephant? My wife says (and I am paraphrasing here) décor is a gift for an enemy.

    DaniG I think that is what I will do. I have a group of friends that does a holiday gift exchange (this year postponed due to Covid). So I think I will bring a bunch and let them choose and if they fight over the same one, I'll take it back and try to sell it on Ebay! lol

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