Let’s start a global movement, we’ve got about 3 weeks, we can do this, we’re creative people! Here’s the mission: Let’s get everyone to give ART to their loved ones as Holiday gifts. If you think about, we all have enough stuff, who needs another sweater or yet another gadget? Instead, let’s give gifts that are unique (and, who knows, might even turn out to be investments) while we give members of our communities the chance to, I don’t know, earn a living?

While not everyone has the budget to drop lots o’ money on original art, I have two ideas for you today that will fit even the most modest budgets. Keep this in mind before you dismiss art as too expensive for gifts: Just as you don’t have to buy a Rolls Royce if you have a Chevrolet budget; you can buy wonderful original gifts while supporting local artists without exceeding your holiday budget. Think about the joy you’ll give your Parents if you give them something they can display in their living room, something original, with a story, instead of the same old crap that your siblings get them! (And isn’t it all about giving better presents than your siblings?)

If you are an artist with a website and work you’d like to sell as Christmas gifts, drop me a line (under comments here or through Facebook) and I’ll do my best to display your work on the Affluent Artist.

Jay Braden is a friend of the Affluent Artist, a reader and follower of our business principals. Based in Austin Texas, Jay is now making his beautiful Austin Texas 2010 Calendar available in stores throughout Austin and through his website, click here.

Jay is a talented artist and his calendar represents a beautiful city, even if you aren’t a Texan, this calendar would make a great addition to anyone’s home or office. Jay does more than pain pictures of Austin, he tells stories. One more picture to share:

Here’s a great gift to give TO the artists in your life:

J. Jason Horejs has spent his life in the art business, first as the oldest son of renowned artist John Horjes and now as a successful gallery owner.

While you might want to invest in one of his Dad’s oils, like the elegant “Saguaro Ridge Sunset” (above), you might also want to invest in Jason’s book, “Starving to Successful”. Jason gives you the gallery owner’s perspective on being a successful artist and working successfully with galleries. Jason’s gallery, Xanadu Gallery, officially opened for business on September 11, 2001 and has thrived despite the tragedy and rough economy that followed his inopportune opening day. His practical insight and advice will help any artist understand the business side of art. You can buy Jason’s book by clicking here. I have the book here, in hand, and I recommend it to you if you’d like an education on one of the most important parts of your career, the “money stuff”.

Let’s keep talking about the giving the gift of art this season, I can’t think of a better gift to give! (Did I mention that The Affluent Artist is available on Amazon.com?)