Just a quick thought. If she's been forced to quit her profession due to vertigo...I would reconsider giving her any gift that involves her eyesight. Unless you know differently...her painting career may be put on hold for a while. Consider perhaps gift certificates to a lovely restaurant or some such activity...or one of the myriad of gift suggestions that are regularly put forth by our members that don't involve her need to participate. Perhaps a piece of jewelry. That type of thing. I paint [oils]...or should say...painted. Since the onset of my AMD...which has affected my depth perception and often causes symptoms similar to vertigo...I've given up my painting for other hobbies more easily dealt with.

Sorry to hear about your AMD, Anne. She makes jewelry also, so I don't really want to go that route. Her vertigo spells are rare, and I don't think they will impact her ability to paint. I wanted something more personal than a gift certificate.

I would suggest messaging cpartist to see what she might recommend.

Who is that, Texas?

She posts on the kitchens forum and the building a house forum a lot. Her real name is easily found, possibly even on her profile but I don't feel right saying it.

Anyway, she is a color pencil artist. Since it is her profession, I would imagine she could at least give some ideas about which supplies another artist might appreciate.

Edited to add: here is her profile page http://www.houzz.com/user/cpartist

cpartist has an amazing eye! Really good artist. I know her on home decorating and from selling homes.

cpartist was my first thought. She's posted pics of a few of her pencil creations--amazing and enchanting--so I'm sure she'd be a good source of info.

Thanks, folks, I messaged cpartist.

I was going to suggest a book, but of course you don't know which ones she has. I own 15 or 20 books on watercolor, and some are markedly better than others. Barbara Nechis is an abstract watercolorist whose books are excellent, but they must be out of print because Amazon's prices range from a penny to over $4,000 (silly Amazon seller).

I wonder if your surgeon has tried Aquabord. My cousin uses it for her watercolors, and loves it. It's quite a time-saver, as you don't have to stretch the paper, or mount it for framing after painting. It might not seem like a personal gift, but to a watercolorist, I think it would be.

Aquabord

If you click on Where to Buy, they'll give you a long list with many online dealers.

Great idea, Alisande. I can get some at Blick. Wondering if your cousin could share what sizes and widths she likes?

I sent her a message. She may be busy at work, but I'll let you know when I hear back.

Okay, I heard back. She uses the 1/8" thickness, usually 5x7 but sometimes larger depending on the painting. She says it's great for watercolor and gouache (opaque watercolor).

thank you!!