Christmas Gift Guide for Art Lovers

Ben Goymour
Nov 26
3 min read

Updated: Nov 27

Ben painting an ocean seascape in his studio

Christmas is the time of year when we try to give something meaningful. Something that lasts. Something that shows we truly know the person we’re giving it to.

For me, there’s nothing more personal than a painting or print. This Christmas, you can surprise someone with a Christmas gift for art lovers that stays with them long after the day itself, artwork that brings beauty, atmosphere, and memories into their home. Whether they love dramatic seascapes, peaceful landscapes, vibrant city scenes, or expressive wildlife pieces, there’s something in my collection for every kind of art lover.

The Emotive Realism of My Art

When I paint, I’m not just trying to recreate a place, I’m painting the feeling of it. That’s why I call my style Emotive Realism. It blends the detail of realism with atmosphere, mood, and a sense of connection.

Every piece I create is about emotion. A memory. A moment you can step into. That’s what makes art such a powerful art Christmas gift, it gives people something they can feel every time they walk past it.

Different collections speak to different people:

Why Art is the Perfect Christmas Gift

A collection of Ben Goymour's animal prints

Unlike gifts that get used up, thrown away, or replaced next year, a painting or print becomes part of someone’s everyday life. It lives on their wall, brightening their home and reminding them of a moment, a place, or a feeling.

Art also grows in meaning over time. A peaceful seascape can become the one place someone looks at every morning to feel calm. A landscape might remind them of holidays, childhood memories, or a special walk. A cityscape might bring back travel memories or dreams of places they love.

Whether it’s an original painting or a limited edition print, artwork makes a thoughtful painting Christmas gift because it’s personal, lasting, unique, and full of sentiment.

How to Choose the Right Art for Christmas

If you’re not sure which piece to choose, here are a few simple things to think about:

1. Theme & Mood

Do they love calm and peaceful scenes? Bold, energetic pieces?Romantic sunsets? Moody skies?Choose something that reflects who they are.

2. Colour Palette

Think about their home: soft neutrals, deep blues, earthy tones, or something that brings contrast. Art should feel like it belongs in the space.

3. Orientation

Landscape, portrait, or square shapes sit very differently on a wall.

4. Add a Personal Touch

Some people choose a piece that represents a place they’ve visited together, a beach walk, a favourite holiday spot, or somewhere they dream of living one day. Or you can commission something completely unique, built around a memory or location that means something to them.

Learn more about Commissions: https://www.bengoymour.com/commissions

These small considerations make the gift feel thoughtful, tailored, and personal.

Real Gift Stories

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of creating pieces that ended up being some of the most meaningful Christmas gifts for art lovers people have ever given.

One couple commissioned a seascape of the coastline where they first met. Another customer bought a landscape for her father, a view of the Lake District he had walked for decades. When he opened it, he was very emotional.

Then there was the funniest one of all. A couple contacted me separately in the same week, each wanting to commission a surprise gift for the other. One asked for a pair of otters floating together holding hands. The other wanted a kingfisher. I could not say a word to either of them because it would have ruined the surprise. When the day arrived and they opened their gifts, they were hysterical, laughing at how perfectly they had read each other’s minds. That story will be told for years and the paintings make a great talking point for guests!

Every year, I get messages from people saying that the artwork they gifted has become something their loved one treasures daily. It's one of may favorite parts of being an artist.

Art lands in the heart, not just under the tree. 🎄