If you are an artist, what do you want for Christmas?

[99percentchocolate]

Up to about £15-£20. Trying to find a gift or two for an artist and not really sure what to get!
Any ideas welcome please!

[MackerelOfFact]

I'm not an artist, but I bought watercolour markers for an artist relative the other year and they were very well received. I was worried they might be a bit gimmicky for a serious artist but apparently they're really good for travelling etc.

[CancelTheCheque]

Hobby or pro artist? And what mediums do they work in? Any favourite artists or styles?

I generally like new and unusual things I haven't tried yet, samplers of expensive paints I probably wouldn't buy otherwise, compact watercolour kits, fancy brushes, pens or inks. Sketchbooks are a fairly safe bet. I also love art books either about my favourite artists or techniques books - I particularly love James Gurney's books and videos and have had non artists checking these out so might be worth a look.

The works do a cute desk easel that has a storage drawer underneath for £10, it would make a nice gift filled with some pens or pencils (tube paints don't fit too well unless they're very small).

Last year I got someone a windsor & newton calligraphy set in a wooden box, looks to be about £23 on amazon at the moment, it looks lovely and the inks are good.

Those watercolour markers look fun.

[99percentchocolate]

Really like the look of the watercolour markers. Artist is professional so teaches classes and normally paints landscapes in acrylic (I think) though I know she has also dabbled in charcoal and other mediums. I like the idea of the easel but she already has a pretty good desk easel as well as freestanding.
Are there brands you'd particularly recommend for paints/sketchbooks, etc?
Thank you for the help!

[CancelTheCheque]

I like golden for acrylics, Holbein for watercolour & gouache tube sets. Stillman & Birn sketchbooks. For less expensive options windsor and newton are a safe bet and daler rowney ebony sketchbooks.

Have a look also at derivan liquid pencil, I've not tried it but looks fun :)

[GreatPointIAgreeWithYouTotally]

A gift voucher for a local art supply shop?

[TripTrapTripTrapOverTheBridge]

Professional paints tend to be expensive.

The society for all artists have a gift section on their shop site www.saa.co.uk/gift-ideas

Also, one thing every artist needs is sketchbooks. So maybe a nice leatherbound one or something would go down well?