Irish artist Aileen Hennessy advises what you should consider when choosing art as a wedding gift.
‘There are many practical factors to consider when choosing art such as sizing, budget and colour palette. But, for me the most important factor is intuition. Do you really connect with the piece? Is it speaking to you and will the happy couple connect with it too?
‘I always like to give a little insight into the piece by sharing my feelings when I was painting it as I know it really helps people to understand the artwork better. In turn, it gives the buyer the opportunity to share in words why they chose this gift for the couple or if they want they can adapt it to their own unique interpretation and share why they wanted the couple to own this one off piece.
‘I think an artwork about love is a nice one to give. This could be romantic love or love for a place that means something to the couple. For example, I have also sold work to many Irish abroad about their love of Ireland and this brings a unique connection to their home for example “The Immersion”. But again, it is all about what you connect to.
‘A couple of years ago a mother bought her daughter (who had lost her father a couple of years previously) a painting as a reminder that she will never walk alone and that her father will always be with her and guiding her from above.
‘The piece she bought was all about signs from loved ones. Her daughter naturally was feeling emotional about the big day and her beloved father not being with her to celebrate. Having sadly also lost my father, I really got it and when her mother emailed me and included a photo of the emotional reveal it really made me so grateful to play a small part in that incredible moment.
‘I think its good to know the interior style of the couple and their preferred colour palette. Are they more neutral, eclectic, maximalist etc? While it’s helpful to know that, I think if you fall in love with a piece of art and it truly speaks to you – you can make it work in any décor.
‘I would always advise that you make sure that you are buying what they like as opposed to what you like. And if you are nervous or in doubt, an art voucher is a wonderful idea and its fantastic idea for group of friends who feel that gifting money is a little impersonal.
‘Be sure to ask for a Certificate of Authenticity from the artist or gallery you are purchasing the work from. And if it is an original piece of art as opposed to a fine art print it will naturally reflect that in a higher price point. I take great care when pricing my artwork as ultimately the goal is for that piece to be loved and valued in someone’s home for a very long time to come.
‘When it comes to what you are spending on the artwork, I think it all depends on who you are buying for and most importantly what you can afford. Weddings can be very expensive for all involved so if you can’t afford an original piece then consider a gift voucher or ask if you can pay in instalments, I know I would consider doing this and I’m sure other artists would too.
If you are getting married and would like guests to purchase vouchers towards your artwork, then with me for example you can just pop on a link to my voucher page on my website www.aileenhennessyart.com and add this to invite. If the couple get in touch with a selection of their favourite paintings, I can then share directly with their guests if they enquire about purchasing a piece outright.
If you would like to purchase a painting for a couple who are getting married or are the couple and would like guests to contribute towards an artwork – get in touch with Aileen Hennessy via her website www.aileenhennessyart.com
