You like art and artists, but want something to look at that isn’t so formal as a painting, or something to complement a collection already in place?

Try a calendar of art. They come in a wonderful variety of colors, styles and artists; one to fit your home, office or briefcase. Traditionally they have 13 large paintings, but others have 365 small ones while “planners” may have 50 photographs of colorful art office toys

There are over 500 “art” calendars to choose from. This number includes, besides named artists like Monet, David, Hooper, or Jacobs, categories like Impressionism, Japanese Woodblock, Folk, Fairy, and Fantasy. It also includes topics like Babies & Children, Ballet, Dance, and Celestial Maps. Of course, there are calendars which mix artists or themes.

Calendars have evolved into a variety of formats. Besides the traditional “wall calendar”, there are 6″ x 12″ “mini wall calendars” and larger “poster” calendars. “Desk” or “box” calendars are 6″ square and have a different painting or photograph for every day of the year. They double as very attractive note pads. For desks there are also “easel desk” calendars which are 6″ x 9.5″ and are made to sit on one’s desk.

A very popular calendar format is the personal or engagement planner. They typically have a new painting for every week and feature art from your favorite artist. They come in hard or soft cover and are made to go in a briefcase or purse. There are also pocket (size) planners which have art on the front cover and small photographs on each page.

You find the best variety and selection via the internet. Enter the right keywords into a search engine and you will get a selection. Instead of search words like “art calendar” use words like: “classic art 2010 calendar”, “2010 Monet painting wall calendar”, “Thomas Kinkade 2009 desk calendar”, or “2010 expressionism poster calendar”. Of course, if you don’t know precisely what you want you can use more general terms to go to a site that will show you some choices.

Some sites give a couple of choices and have you clicking all over to see what is available. Others put all the pictures on one page, or do an index so you can see the variety. The type of calendar will determine your best way to search. “Monet” or “Nouveau”, for example, have 2 dozen or more calendars each; Maud Lewis may show up for a mini and a wall calendar. Each artist or art type will have a different variety of sizes and formats.

Check it out on the internet; you’ll be amazed at what you find. And if you want to give a great gift to a friend, or provide your own persona a touch of class, put an art calendar in your home, office or briefcase. It’s a great way to remind yourself of what you are inside and share a little light with the world.