Buying art for someone else can feel intimidating. You might find yourself asking things like ‘What if they don’t like it?’, ‘What if it doesn’t go with their decor?’ or ‘What if they never hang it?’. These are all reasonable concerns so I am here today to help you ask some more constructive questions that will help you to find the perfect piece for that special someone.

There are a number of factors to consider - the recipient’s tastes, what brings them joy and what they want their home to feel like. You might also consider whether they own their home as this may affect how they hang the artwork.

Here are some key questions to drop into conversation or ask yourself about that person.

• Where’s your happy place?

• How do you want to feel when you get home?

• What colours make you feel that emotion?

Imagine coming home after a high-energy day, slipping off your heels, and letting your mind drift to the gentle rhythm of the waves...

This month is a continuation of the Guide To Buying Art but from the perspective of the wonderful Imani - Interiors blogger and colour enthusiast. I first encountered Imani on Instagram and instantly fell in love with her passion for colour and unusual approach to home decor.

In a bid to help you all find that perfect piece of artwork, I’ve been chatting to some people in the know. First up is Trevor Read, Manager at The Aviary in Jesmond, Newcastle.

I came across The Aviary Gallery by accident. My favourite cafe is on Brentwood Avenue and I’d just enjoyed tea and cake there with my husband on a rare day without our child when we walked past The Aviary. It’s always exciting to find a new gallery so we popped in. As it happens we were in there for quite a while, totally absorbed by the art and the decor (you can pretty much buy it all!). The girl on the desk was friendly and we got chatting about my studio. This eventually turned into me making an appointment with the wonderful Trevor Read.

Many of us are spending a LOT more time in our homes than we were this time last year so it’s important that it’s a place that we love being in. I must admit that we decorated our home in a rush before our child was born and haven’t really touched it since. There are definitely things I want to change. How about you?

Change Can be Good…One really simple way to make a change is to fill your home with art that makes you smile. So what is your thing? Is it colour, nature, monochrome, metallics? Funnily enough I have something to satisfy each and every one of those desires.

Let me start by saying that I hope you are all safe and well. As a part time teacher, I am working modified hours in school but mostly from home. However, as an artists, it is mostly business as usual. Below are a few ideas on how to stay inspired during quarantine.