Five Star Gift Ideas

For your friend who is passionate about urban sketching and plein air painting, there are several meaningful and personalized gift ideas that can enhance their artistic experiences. Here are a few suggestions to consider:

1. Art Supplies: As an artist, your friend will always appreciate high-quality art supplies. Consider gifting them a set of professional-grade watercolor or acrylic paints, a selection of brushes with different shapes and sizes, or a sketchbook specifically designed for outdoor painting. You can also include a portable easel or a lightweight folding stool to make their plein air sessions more comfortable.

2. Plein Air Sketching Kit: Help your friend take their urban sketching to the next level by assembling a plein air sketching kit. This could include a portable art easel, a variety of sketching pencils, charcoal sticks, markers, and pens of different thicknesses. You can also include a selection of watercolor pencils or travel-sized watercolor palettes that are easy to carry on outdoor sketching trips.

3. Inspiring Art Books: Gift your friend some inspirational art books on urban sketching or plein air painting techniques. Books by renowned artists in these fields often provide valuable insights, tips, and tricks that can help your friend refine their skills and find new inspiration. Look for titles that provide guidance on sketching architecture, capturing scenery, or painting on location.

4. En Plein Air Workshops: Consider surprising your friend with a ticket to an en plein air workshop or art retreat. These provide invaluable opportunities for artists to learn from experienced instructors, gain new perspectives, and immerse themselves in the creative process. Look for workshops that focus specifically on urban sketching or plein air painting in locations that your friend would find inspiring.

5. Customized Art Supplies: Personalize your gift by having some art supplies custom-made for your friend. You could order a set of brushes with their name engraved on the handles or commission a local craftsman to create a custom plein air easel with their initials or a special design. This adds a thoughtful and unique touch to their artistic tools.

6. Art Portfolio or Display Case: Help your friend showcase their artwork professionally by gifting them a stylish art portfolio or display case. This can be a practical gift that not only protects their work but also allows them to exhibit their sketches and paintings to friends, family, or potential clients.

7. Outdoor Sketching Accessories: Consider additional accessories that can enhance the outdoor sketching experience for your friend. This could include a sturdy and weather-resistant artist's umbrella to shield them from the sun or rain, a portable art stool with built-in storage for art supplies, or a lightweight and compact art bag specifically designed for plein air painting.

Remember, the most meaningful gift is one that shows how well you know and understand the recipient's passions and interests. By choosing a gift that aligns with your friend's love for urban sketching and plein air painting, you are not only providing them with a useful item but also showing your support and encouragement for their artistic journey.

Or you can get her/him a star map with the date of the wedding.

Jean Alvanas says about Under Lucky Stars star maps:

“Purchased for family member as a wedding gift. When it arrived it was so perfect it took my breath away. Know it will become treasured by the newly married couple.💞From a very happy grandmother.”