Blog-free Week

Ottawa River Islands, oil, 14" x 18"

I wish you a wonderful Advent season. For the month of December, I will post a countdown of my ten favourite artworks of 2019.


As I will leave for Germany on Monday, I am in the process of wrapping everything up for this year. All my December publications are already scheduled. As I will not have Internet access all the time during my vacation, I will answer any emails as soon as possible.

Gifting Art Materials

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Have you already started your Christmas shopping? For weeks, we are bombarded with flyers and email offers with lots of suggestions, but unfortunately, most of us have no idea what to buy for their family members and friends. While we receive wishlists from the little ones in the family, some advice for the older generation would also be beneficial. Don't you wish you knew what the mature adults in our midst would enjoy, those who already seem to have everything? This week, I will tell you how to shop for the creative people in your life.


If you have artists on your list of people to buy gifts for, don't go to an art store unprepared as the range of products will completely overwhelm you. Instead, start by looking around their work area, talk to them about materials they use, look at flyers together, or visit an art store with them before the holiday season. Pay attention to the materials they are talking about and admiring. If they are taking a class or painting with friends, you could also ask the instructor or one of their friends for advice. Once you are in the store, always choose the best quality you can afford, especially for adolescent and adult artists.

Art materials are a gift that provides hours of entertainment and increases creativity. Maybe, you even get inspired to pick up a creative hobby. The possibilities are endless. Happy shopping!

If you enjoyed this blog and would like to get more information about my art, I encourage you to sign up to my monthly newsletter on my website www.KerstinPeters.ca. The newsletter is published on the last Wednesday of every month. When you subscribe, you will automatically receive my free eBook “I Am Ready To Paint But Where Do I Start?”.

Blog-free Week

Evening Glow, acrylic, 18" x 24"

Here in Ottawa, the snow has been falling since the beginning of the week. It certainly looks bright and beautiful. Are you ready for winter? I enjoy the walks in the fresh snow. Hopefully, you will make the best of the cold season, too. Have a wonderful weekend! My next blog will be published on Friday, November 22, 2019.

The Gift of Art

 

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Remembrance Day is at the beginning of next week. On the radio, you already hear the first Christmas advertisements. Each weekend, art and craft shows are competing for visitors. There, you can find many gifts for all kinds of tastes and budgets. You will see beautiful art and might be wondering if an artwork makes a good gift.

When we consider gifts for our loved ones, we want to give presents that create excitement. However, figuring out the perfect gift is sometimes quite difficult, even when we know the other persons' interests.

Many people resort to giving gift cards to avoid the hassle of searching for the perfect gift. Gift cards are convenient but very impersonal.

On the other hand, a special gift creates genuine excitement and happiness. Choosing a piece of art is a very personal decision. It says a lot about you and how you see and value the other person.

If you decide to buy an artwork, you can find very nice pieces from emerging artists at very reasonable prices. The increasing number of online galleries makes it even easier to buy art in all price categories from the comfort of your home. However, pay attention to the recipients' tastes as well as to their hobbies and lifestyle. Do they love pets, enjoy nature, or music? Look around their home to see what kind of art they like as well as their style and favourite colours.

If you are lucky, you might be present when your family member or friend shows interest in an artwork. In this case, pick up the artist's business card or name and the title of the work in question. Then, you can arrange the sale, and if necessary the delivery, with the artist or gallery. Pay attention to the retailer's return policies. Make sure that the work is ready to hang, or include a gift certificate for framing so the recipient can enjoy the gift without having to spend extra money.

Make your gift even more personal with a note that explains your choice. Maybe, there is a story behind the purchase of that particular painting, like a place you visited together, or the fact that the painting reminded you of something in the other person's life.

If you are unsure about your loved ones' taste and interest in art, you might consider visiting a museum together. Once you know what you are looking for, you can go to a gallery for help. However, if you decide that you want to leave the choice to the recipient, get a gift certificate from a gallery or an artist. This way, your family member or friend can even decide to commission a work that is truly unique and personal.

If you are looking for ideas, I invite you to make an appointment with me by sending an email to info@KerstinPeters.ca. I offer a variety of artworks in different mediums as well as gift cards for workshops and artwork. I will gladly answer any questions you might have. Please notice that my studio will be closed from December 1, 2019, to January 5, 2020, due to my trip to Germany.

Blog-free week

Magic Pumpkins, acrylic, 16" x 20"

I hope you had a happy Halloween, or if you live in any of the areas where the festivities were moved due to the bad weather, I wish you lots of fun today or on the weekend. We live in a neighbourhood without many children, so that the few kids go to meet their friends in busier areas of the city. As my kids are young adults, it felt like any regular day. I still enjoy the pumpkins everywhere, especially the nicely carved ones. They are a big blob of colour in this time when the leaves have fallen and the snow has not covered everything under a white blanket. Have a great week! I will post new content next Friday.