Birthday gift for my husband: a small original oil painting
Yesterday was my husband’s birthday, and I wanted to share the gift that Clara, Burger and I chose for him. Lately John and I have been talking about adding more original artwork to our home to balance out the many DIY and framed pieces already hanging on our walls. We’ve been inspired by friends—Matt and Kristin—and the bright, original art that fills their house after our house crashing visits. Their cheerful collection made us want to introduce bolder colors and more personality into our own rooms.
The piece we picked is a 12 x 12-inch original oil painting on canvas by an Etsy artist named Roz. It cost about $75, which felt like a great value for a handcrafted work that will become part of our home for years. As soon as I saw the painting I knew it would be perfect: the colors are lively, the brushwork has personality, and the composition is simple yet engaging. The small square format will also be easy to integrate into a gallery wall or to hang on its own in a cozy spot.
There’s a personal reason we were drawn to this painting: it features two bees. John and I actually incorporated bees into our wedding invitations, so the motif has recurring meaning for us. We think of bees as a tiny emblem of our partnership—two busy, loving creatures working side by side. In that sense, this little painting feels like a symbol of our marriage: bright, slightly whimsical, and paired. I joked to John that he “gives me a buzz,” and he laughed, so the sentiment landed exactly as intended.
We’re trying to be intentional about building a collection of “real” art rather than relying solely on DIY prints and framed photographs. That doesn’t mean abandoning the homemade pieces we love; instead, we want to mix them with original works that bring different textures, techniques, and stories into our home. Buying art from independent artists—especially small-format originals like this one—lets us support creators while introducing unique pieces to our walls without breaking the bank.
Choosing a small original oil also gives us flexibility. At 12 by 12 inches it can be added to a gallery wall, featured on a narrow section of a hallway, or displayed on a shelf with a stand. We’re already imagining where it will go in the new house: perhaps near the entry where its color can greet visitors, or above a side table where it will catch the light. The tactile surface of oil paint and the handmade quality create a warmth that printed reproductions rarely match.
Most importantly, my husband loved the painting. It felt like a simple, meaningful gift that ties together our shared memories and our plan to fill the new house with art that reflects who we are. This small canvas is the start of an exciting collection for us—one that will grow over time as we discover more pieces we genuinely connect with. For now, it’s hanging where we can both see it, a cheerful reminder of a thoughtful birthday and the little things that make our home feel like ours.