The Art of Gifting: 5 Rules to Gift the Perfect Painting

Art has the unique ability to transform people's lives, evoke emotions and amplify the beauty of their personal spaces. And when it comes to gifting art, it can be a very meaningful and thoughtful gesture. A painting well-chosen can change a person's outlook, convey deep appreciation and evoke a sense of nostalgia in them too. And for the very same reasons, one has to be very particular when choosing an artwork to gift someone, making sure it is something that goes beyond “nice” and conveys a message or an emotion beyond its mere colours. And if you're considering gifting a meaningful painting to someone, we’ve got you covered. Here are five essential factors to keep in mind when gifting someone a painting:

Know the persons taste and style

When selecting a painting as a gift, it is incredibly essential to be aware of your recipient's personal taste and style when it comes to art. Are they more of an expressionist or more tuned towards abstract art? Or do they gravitate towards more structured and more well-defined art. A great way to know their artistic taste would be to browse through their living space or a personal space such as their desk and see how they decorate it. Extra points if they have a pinterest board! If you want to be more specific, ask them directly about their favourite colors, artist, paintings. This way you could make sure your gift is perfectly tailored to their taste and interests. Once you know what kind of artwork you want to buy, make sure to check out Rooftop, our website where you can explore a wide range of paintings in different styles to suit diverse tastes- from nature based bhil artwork to mythological themed kerala mural paintings. Browse our current collection to find your ideal art masterpiece!

Be mindful of the size of your painting

Think about where someone would like to display the artwork. Would it be the drawing room? Or next to their desk? A painting should complement the space it is placed in and not look like it is taking up too much space. Least to say, knowing the appropriate size and proportion of the painting you want to gift is essential. If your friends or family you want to gift a painting to is someone who has a minimalist approach, consider gifting them a smaller artwork or a simpler piece like Warli art paintings and miniature paintings. On the other hand if they are someone who likes to make grand statements and have a big personality, Baiga and Bhil artworks with their eclectic approach, work well. On Rooftop you can explore a collection of original traditional Indian paintings, by artists.

Consider pricing and long term value

Gifting a work of art doesn't need you to splurge or go over board on budget. Instead, focus on determining your personal budget and look at the paintings you can afford within that range. Many people have a preconceived notions that all art is pricey and unaffordable, but that couldn't be further from the truth. Each artwork is unique and the price depends on many factors. You can find plenty of stunning Indian artworks across different budgets and pricing. Some pieces by emerging artists can be very modestly priced. If you are looking at an artwork that is rather expensive, consider factors that make it a good investment. Original Indian artworks, by master artists, rare pieces of Pichwai and Gond art and commissioned pieces of art can be a great long term investment - both monetarily and as a memory.

Personalize your gift of art

Gifting art that emotionally resonates with the receiver's personality and interests, doubles its emotional value - both for the giver and the receiver of the present. A painting as a gift can represent shared memories, nostalgic moments, symbolic relationships and bonds of love which can be cherished for years to come. For example, if your friend is an animal lover, give them a Gond paintings that celebrate the creatures of nature. Or for a Mother’s Day gift for your mom - love of a mother painting by Santosh Tekam makes a great gift. Not only will it resonate with their love for animals but also be a memorable gift they will cherish for a lifetime.

Choose the perfect medium and technique

Medium and technique both play a crucial role in the preservation and aesthetic appearance of a painting. Paintings come in different forms and each of them require different types of maintenance. For example when created with natural colours such as earth elements, plants and charcoal applied on surfaces such as canvas, paper, paintings need to be kept in cool, dry places away from sunlight/ moisture in UV-protective glass. Care of an artwork also includes periodically dusting it with a soft brush or cloth. Knowing the amount of care and maintenance a painting requires can be an important factor in selecting it as a gift for your loved ones.

Gifting a painting can be a more powerful gesture than you think, if you have the right checklist and knowhow in place. Keep in mind small factors like style, taste and interests when making an artistic purchase and you might have just picked a treasured part of someone else’s life. Pick from our huge collection of 100% original traditional Indian art created by accomplished Indian artisans - and make sure your first art gift is a huge hit!