Five Star Gift Ideas

For your grandson who loves urban sketching and plein air painting, there are several gift ideas that can help nurture his passion and provide him with tools to enhance his skills. These suggestions cater to both his artistic endeavors and practical needs.

1. Portable Sketching Set: Look for a high-quality, portable sketching set that includes a variety of pencils, charcoal, pastels, and pens. This will allow your grandson to experiment with different mediums and techniques while he is sketching on location.

2. Sketchbook or Journal: A good quality sketchbook with thick, acid-free paper is essential for urban sketchers. Choose one with a hardcover for durability. Since he enjoys plein air painting, consider finding a sketchbook that is specifically designed for outdoor use, such as one with watercolor paper.

3. Lightweight Easel: A lightweight and portable easel is a practical and useful gift for your grandson. Look for one that can easily be set up and adjusted to different angles, allowing him to work comfortably wherever he goes.

4. Outdoor Art Supplies: Consider gifting your grandson a set of plein air art supplies, such as travel-sized watercolor or acrylic paints, brushes, collapsible water containers, and a palette. These tools will allow him to paint outdoors with ease and capture the essence of his surroundings.

5. Photography Equipment: To support his urban sketching, a good quality digital camera or smartphone with a quality camera can be immensely helpful. He can use it to take reference photos of scenes or subjects that he wants to capture in more detail later. A tripod or camera mount can also be handy for taking stable reference images.

6. Art Classes or Workshops: Enroll your grandson in an urban sketching or plein air painting class or workshop. Such courses, whether online or in person, will not only help him improve his skills but also connect him with a community of like-minded artists who share his passion.

7. Museum or Gallery Membership: Consider getting your grandson a membership to a local art museum or gallery. This will provide him with opportunities to draw inspiration from established artists and expose him to different styles and techniques.

8. Art-related Books: Find books that cater to the specific interests of your grandson, such as urban sketching techniques, famous plein air artists, or even cityscapes and landscapes that can provide him with inspiration. Having visual resources can greatly enrich his artistic journey.

Remember, the most meaningful gifts are often those that show you understand and support your grandson's passion. By choosing gifts that cater to his interest in urban sketching and plein air painting, you are not only providing him with tools but also encouraging his artistic growth and development.

Or you can get him a star map with an important date you share.