Chowwai Cheung
Fred Ingrams
Sophie Green
Day Bowman
Daisy Cook
Halima Cassell
Barbara Rae
Patrick Hughes
Bruce Mclean
Nelson Makamo
Sandra Blow
Tracey Emin
Buying art for someone else doesn’t have to be intimidating. The gift of art can be a catalyst to a collection, an unexpected romantic gesture, or a way to honor a nostalgic feeling for a loved one or friend, with meaning beyond your typical store-bought gift. Get inspired to choose the perfect piece of art by considering the recipient’s personality, style, relationship with you, and special memories you’ve shared. We’ve rounded up ten “first” pieces of art to buy this holiday season for your tribe- from your parents’ office to the love of your life.
1 Starting with sculpture
Skulls may have been used in art for centuries, but they are also a popular and relatable pop culture icon. Hen (which is the pseudonym of artist Kieran Brown) casts skull sculptures of polyester resin and oil paint, creating colorful center pieces that pique conversation. Get this one for your edgy friend.
For the more wallet friendly wall version with this iconic motif, these prints by the renowned Kristjana S Williams are perfect, starting at £145.
Left: Fildrilda Kupa Gold Leaf £580
Right: Fildrilda Kupa £145
2 The Bright Lights
Who isn’t dazzled by neon lights? Harman’s sculptural wall piece will illuminate the the ray of sunshine in your life - and possibly get them looking to Tracey Emin and Olivia Steele to satisfy their next neon need. Get this piece for a joyful sibling!
For the neon effect in a print version, check out our last available Tracey Emin work on Rise Art, and pick up an exclusive limited edition piece for someone you love by this eminent artist for just £325.
3 Stencils and celebrity icons
Introduce your loved one to the medium of stencils with the legendary Jef Aerosol. Aseminal French street artist and a 60s British icon converge in this gorgeous black and white piece that shows the classic allure of the stencil medium- affordably in screen print. Get this piece for a pop-culture loving urbanite.
4 Swirling Street Art
Vibration of salvation #4, KEF!
Street art has become a new pinnacle of urban culture, but some of it can be rough around the edges. German artist KEF!’s organic swirls can be found on the streets of London, Berlin, Paris and Tel Aviv, and this well priced original painting brings the same energy of the streets into any home. Get this piece for cool parents that appreciate a little grit of the streets.
5 Evoking Nostalgia with Photography
Photography is a great gateway into collecting art, and Soden’s pieces have the thrill that new collectors love- nostalgia, exoticism and adventure. This photograph of an abandoned library brings about day dreams and romance, the perfect first piece for your loved one to gaze upon day in and day out.
6 For Love and Collage
Hecho en Mexico, Alice Stallard
The most intimate gift to give to your love is a piece of art. Fawcett’s piece combines the romanticism of Mexican folk art with the cool Surrealist quality of collage. The handmade quality of this piece is perfect to show your mate that you love them.
7 Absolutely Abstract
Even the art intimidated can get into the strong color and texture in You’s bright and bold original painting. Get this one to brighten up your mother or father’s office or study.
8 Retro surrealism
Motel Flamingo, Alexandra Gallagher
The science fiction, film noir video-file will obsess over Gallagher’s landscape-heavy collages, which juxtapose vintage magazine imagery in surprising perspectives. This piece will be an upgraded addition to their likely-already existing retro movie and science fiction poster collection.
9 Psychedelic Landscape
Your Bohemian best friend may love Burning Man, and they will also love this tripping landscape, whose colors and textures will take them right back to the playa.
10 Drawing for the Novice Collector
Budding collectors often start out their art addiction with drawings, later moving on to more expensive paintings. Hlazatova’s piece is particularly rich in color and line work- and it’s fairy-tale theme will appeal to the dreamy new collector.
Art Under £500 | Browse the Collection
Whether it's a case of from me to me (we won't judge), or you're searching for the perfect gift for a loved one, have a browse through our curated collection of artworks under £500. From affordable originals to limited edition prints, this is the perfect place to start browsing.