Is this good enough to give someone as a gift? Genuine opinions please.

[Ponkypig282]

I've recently started painting as a hobby. DMIL is so lovely and has been saying how good I am but she sees me as her own child and has that 'everything I do is amazing' attitude that us mums often have about their DC. She's asked me to paint something for her friends birthday in purple to match her bedroom.

I've done it but I don't know if I should give it or not. I think it's very amateur. I dont want to embarrass myself. She won't feel obliged to hang it as its for her bedroom so MIL won't know of she just shoves it under her bed!

Very honest opinions please. (Her name begins with L)

If you get yourself some good quality watercolour paper you will notice a huge difference. Even just the Arteza brand is a massive difference and it's not overly expensive. Also what brand paints are you using? You have talent and your work is beautiful but watercolour painting is one of those things where the quality of your tools makes a huge difference.

I think the blank L is part of its charm. Don't fill it in!

The only thing I'd consider doing to the L would be to thinly line it in a good metallic gold but it's perfect as it is and I just tend to find constant things to fix in my own work

I think it is charming.

I love thoughtful hand made gifts.

That’s really good OP! I honestly thought it would be a bit rubbish the way you were talking about it, but it’s absolutely not

I think it's beautiful and you have definitely got talent!

Totally gift-worthy. Don’t worry. :-)

KilljoysDutch thankyou for the advice, I'll definitely invest in some better paper. I've got a little 12 pan from Winsor and Newton, very limited colours so I've been trying to mix them myself. I've no idea if that's a good brand or not. It was on sale in the little art shop in our town. Paints are quite expensive aren't they and I didn't want to spend a lot before I knew I was enjoying it.

It's beautiful! I love it and I would love it as a gift ( except I don't like things with my own initials, but I would love it with my kids initials).

You should try selling on Etsy as well!

KilljoysDutch how would you do the gold lining?

I think it’s lovely and the L works beautifully blank. If it’s to her taste it’s perfect

riromay I would love to sell on etsy one day. My plan is to keep practicing and learning. Would be nice to do during retirement (in 20 years!)

I think it’s lovely (and I work as an artist if that helps!). I wouldn’t add a thing, it’s a lovely simple but pretty style just as it is.

I like the flowers. I dislike the letter.

Fantastic job! She’ll be thrilled

I genuinely think it's really good!

I know people have commented that they're not keen on the blank L but that style has definitely been on trend for a while

@Edmontine

Honest opinion?

The flowers are sweet. I’d much prefer them without the initial at the centre. (But obviously other people will feel differently!)

I agree with this. The flowers look great to me, and I’d love something similar for my daughters room. I, personally don’t like things with my initials on, but a lot do people do and I’m sure this woman will of your MIL suggested it for her.

You could def sell these theyre fab.

Ignore everyone with their 'helpful' how it would be better if...comments.

This is a discussion forum. On which the OP has asked people to give their opinions.

I love the flowers, I think you've done a really great job of them, especially if you haven't been painting for long. You're really talented if you've learned that so quickly. I think the L looks a bit odd but I can't quite put my finger on why. Maybe if it's outlined like someone else suggested, or painted a pale colour so it doesn't stand out quite so much?
I knit and often tie myself in knots deciding if my work is good enough, it's like sending a little piece of yourself out into the world to be picked apart. (And I've just picked your work apart, sorry)

@KilljoysDutch

The only thing I'd consider doing to the L would be to thinly line it in a good metallic gold but it's perfect as it is and I just tend to find constant things to fix in my own work

Ooh - I like that idea it would have to be a very thin line, but that would be lovely

I genuinely think it's beautiful OP.
I personally like the 'blank' L, it's obviously intentional and a contemporary twist to contrast against the more traditional style of the flowers. Very unique and I'd love ones for my kids bedrooms!

I think the flowers are lovely but I don’t like the initial especially as it’s L as all I think of is Learner driver.

Saying that I’m not a fan of initials as decoration anyway so would not appreciate this lovely gift but would love a picture if it were just the flowers.

If anyone would like one I'd be happy to post one unframed. I'm practising anyway so it'd be nice if they didnt just end up in the bin. It's so different just painting for fun compared to painting something for someone. It might boost my confidence.

I expected to see something horrific but that's really nice. Lucky her 🎁

As a MIL I would be delighted to receive that, it is beautiful and thoughtful.