There's a little row of paintings drying on the shelf in my studio. White blooms, thick palette knife texture, thin lines of gold catching the morning light. Every time someone walks in, they pick one up and say, "I know exactly who this is for."
That's the thing about a small original painting. It doesn't have to fill a wall or match a sofa. It just has to feel like her. So if you're thinking about giving one this season, here's how I'd help you choose.
Why a small original makes such a good gift
A small painting is one of a kind, made by hand, and easy to love. It fits on a bookshelf, a windowsill, a nightstand, or a desk at work. It doesn't ask anyone to redecorate. And because there's only one, the person who opens it knows it was chosen just for them.
Each of these pieces is painted with a palette knife, finished with hand-drawn gold line work, and framed in black and gold, so it's ready to give the moment it arrives.
Start with color
Think about the colors she already surrounds herself with. Her kitchen, her clothes, the flowers she buys for herself.
Soft blues and whites. Light, calm, and airy. These feel like early morning and fresh linen. A good choice for someone whose home is bright and simple, or who loves a coastal or cottage feel.
White on deep navy. Crisp and classic, with a little drama. The white blooms almost glow against the dark ground. Perfect for someone with a more traditional home, dark wood, or a love of blue and white.
Garden greens with a touch of pink. Fresh, lively, and a little wild. These feel like a summer garden after rain. Lovely for the gardener, the plant lover, or anyone who brings flowers home from the farmers market.
Then think about mood
Color is what you see first. Mood is what she'll feel every time she looks at it.
Calm and quiet. One large bloom, soft colors, lots of breathing room. For the friend who needs a little peace in her day.
Joyful and full. A cluster of blooms tumbling across the canvas. For the one who fills a room with laughter.
Romantic and sentimental. This is where the stories behind the paintings come in.
The stories behind these two collections
My hydrangea paintings came from my daughter's wedding bouquet. I couldn't stop thinking about those white blooms, so I painted them. Their names, Something Blue, Bridal Party, First Look, and Forever After, came straight from that day. They make a sweet gift for a bride, a new mother-in-law, a bridal shower, or anyone celebrating a marriage.
My tulip paintings, the Fresh series, started with tulips my husband Kurt brought me for our anniversary. Anniversary Morning, Stronger Together, What Lasts, and Just the Two of Us are love letters to a long marriage. They're a beautiful choice for an anniversary, a Valentine's gift, or a note to someone who has stood beside you for years.
Picture where it will live
This might be the most helpful question of all. Close your eyes and imagine her home.
- Kitchen windowsill or open shelf: where she starts her day with coffee
- Nightstand or dresser: the first thing she sees in the morning
- Bookshelf: tucked between favorite books and family photos
- Entryway table: a small welcome every time she comes home
- Office desk: a bit of beauty in the middle of a workday
- Gallery wall: a small piece is the easiest thing to add to one she already has
If you can picture it in her space, you've found the right one.
A quick gift checklist
- What colors does she already love?
- Does she need calm, joy, or a reminder of someone she loves?
- Is there an occasion with a story, like a wedding or an anniversary?
- Where will it sit or hang in her home?
Answer those four, and the choice usually makes itself.
Find the one that's meant for her
Every painting in these collections is the only one there is. When it's gone, it's gone. If one of them made you think of someone while you were reading, that's usually a sign.
Browse the small originals collection
With love from the studio, Wendy