I guess either I wasn't specific enough or I'm just simply not getting my point across. Art supplies are an obvious gift... so obvious I pretty much had that one covered from the get go.
What I meant by a gift for an artist is something more permanent... something an artist might want or covet but probably wouldn't buy for themselves.
Like a monogrammed, leather portfolio case to show off their work... or a drawing table accessory that is neat and makes arting easier.
That's where I was going. Stuff like that.
Art supplies; and to me that means anything an artist would use up and have to buy more of in a reasonable amount of time (like paper or ink or pens or what have you) just seems like I'm buying him stuff that doesn't involve much thought. I've always been a better present giver than... well anyone I know actually... so I consider that a cop out.
I don't mean to offend. I'm just one of those people who really enjoys giving more than receiving and I make my point with a great gift... that really speaks to the individual... and it is almost always something that they didn't ask for. I get many of my best gift ideas from casual conversations that I remember from months in the past.
It's how I roll. Santa style.