How To Gift Art For The Holidays From YellowKorner’s Gallery Director

Sure, buying art for someone else can be intimidating. But if you get it right, it can be one of the most thoughtful, unique, and well-received gifts you can give (not to mention a perfect option for that person who has everything).

So how do you choose a piece your recipient will love? We turned to Aubrey Tunnell, Gallery Director at YellowKorner on Damen Ave., for her advice on gifting art, the pieces she loves right now, and having a plan B. 

Why does art make a great holiday gift?
Art makes a great holiday gift for multiple reasons. The main reason is, it is timeless. It is a gift that your loved one can keep in their home forever. Art never goes out of style! It can also show a loved one how much you were thinking of them. Art is a very personal gift, you have to really know a person’s likes, taste, and style to pick out just the right piece for them. This is the perfect gift to give to show someone how much you care, and make them feel truly appreciated.

giving art as a gift 1
High Density by Laurent Dequick

Who should you buy art for and who shouldn’t you buy it for?
Art can be bought for anyone, but the style and theme should vary from person to person. Your sister might love that high fashion nude, but that wouldn’t be appropriate for your mother-in-law. We have every theme imaginable in our gallery. That is the beauty of photography! We have beautiful nature and landscape pieces that might fit better for your more conservative relatives, and funky fashion and urban that would work for any trend embracer on your list.

I would stick with purchasing art for someone who’s taste and personality you know relatively well, it can be overwhelming to look through piece after piece when you do not have a clue of what their home looks like, or personal style.

Bernhard Hartmann, JARDIN OUBLIE IIIJARDIN OUBLIE III by Bernhard Hartmann

How can you look for clues about a person’s taste in art?
A person’s likes and passions are a great way to find clue about their taste in art. Is your cousin an animal lover? We have some stunning and dramatic pieces of animals out in their natural habitat. Does your little brother love soccer? We have great photographs of some of the greats playing in action. Is your sister or cousin always browsing through the latest fashions blogs or Instagram’s? Our fashion collection is unlike any other!

gifting art
Bigoudi Party #1, by Nicolas Bets

What are some popular artists or works you’re selling right now?
We have so many! It is a very exciting time for YellowKorner. We have a great selection of John Wright. He is a very famous fashion photographer from England who has shot everyone from Lady GaGa to Paul McCartney.  Aurélien Villette, an Urban photographer whose works are perfect for the more traditional person on your gift list. We just renewed our contract with Slim Aarons, and you can only buy his works in our galleries, so come into the gallery and check it out!

winter wonderland jude allen
Winter Wonderland, by Jude Allen

Are there any pieces you think would make great gifts this year?
A few of my favorites [seen throughout this post] are:
High Density, by Laurent Dequick
JARDIN OUBLIE III, by Bernhard Hartmann
Winter Wonderland, by Jude Allen
SOCCER BROOKLYN, by Franck Bohbot
The Clouded Leopard, by Lukas Holas
Bigoudi Party #1, by Nicolas Bets

soccer brooklyn
SOCCER BROOKLYN, by Franck Bohbot

What are some general tips for purchasing art as a gift?
When purchasing art, it is important to remember a few things.

  • Does the photograph speak to you?
  • Does it make you instantly think of anyone on your list?
  • Can you see this piece fitting into their home?
  • Does the person you are buying for have the wall space in their home? (If not, maybe consider a smaller size? We have so many options.)
  • Would the color theme fit well in their home?

gifting art holidays
The Clouded Leopard, by Lukas Holas

And what about Plan B … Do you have a return policy in case the recipient doesn’t like it?
We have a two week return policy for a full refund. After the two-week period I will always exchange any art that is in its original condition for a piece that speaks more to the recipient.

YellowKorner
1721 N Damen Avenue
(773) 666-5603