As Christmas draws close, you may find you have exhausted all ideas for special gift giving. Well remember the old cliche, a picture is worth a thousand words -- take heed and visit some art galleries. They may just be your ticket to that perfect gift for that special someone. A sundry of art forms can be found in the intriguing new Regal Art Gallery on Reid Street East in Hamilton. The gallery features the work of owner Mr. Robert D. Bassett, whose art is influenced by the modern impressionist masters and contemporary African figurativism. Inspired by the Bermuda Gombeys and Bermuda Kite-Making, Mr. Bassett captures life on canvas in an effective and magical way. Thirty of his originals are on exhibit in the gallery, varying in price from $2000 to $8000. For the less extravagant gift giver, various framed prints are available and range in price from $150 to $1500. Robert Bassett greeting cards and African mask wall hangings are also for sale. Mr. Bassett noted that the most recent print, which is entitled Regal, is now available. And the image is Visit art galleries for quality gifts artists Dennis Joaquin and Sharon Wilson, said Mr. Bassett, noting that the gallery also carries unique ceramic pottery created by Barbara Dillas.

International artists including Charles Bibbs, James Denmark, Paul Goodnight, Karen Kesa and Mufich are also represented. The Regal Art Gallery provides a complete customised framing service. "We also have prints that are already framed,'' said Mr. Bassett. "But they're framed differently so they are all unique from each other.'' The gallery is open from 10.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m.

Mondays to Saturdays. And late night Christmas shopping hours will be extended until 9.00 p.m. The Windjammer Gallery also offers a treasure trove of art forms including original works by Diana Amos, Susan Curtis, Amy Evans, Bruce Stuart and Valerie Tennant. Foreign artists' original works by David Coolidge, Karen Curran and Sue Quarles can also be found at the Front Street store.

Prints by approximately 50 different artists are available, said manager Ms Devon Curtis, noting that the gallery has a selection of framed prints for sale at under $100. In addition, the Windjammer Gallery has laser-cut Bermuda picture frames, computer mouse pads alive with various images, Paul Brent insulated cups and pitchers, Paul Brent bath mats and various different patterned director's chairs. There is also a selection of Bermuda art books as well as children's books, said Ms Curtis. The 1996 Bermuda Colours Calendar with images by Margaret Downing Dill makes a great gift for friends abroad, she noted, adding that the calender contains Bermuda recipes and tidbits of information about the Island. Another choice gift, said Ms Curtis, is a Steven Dews print. The Windjammer Gallery is currently offering the internationally acclaimed marine artist's prints for 20 percent off the original price. "And the only print excluded from the deal is the Dainty,'' she said. Exclusive Christmas cards are also available at the gallery, noted Ms Curtis. "We have various Christmas cards by Bruce Stuart as well as two greeting cards by foreign artist Bernard Poulin,'' she said. Next door to the Windjammer Gallery is Masterworks Foundation Gallery, another quality art gallery, which features the works of international artists. Various prints are for sale including choice etchings by Donald Kirkpatrick for $85. As well, the Masterworks book by The Royal Gazette's arts critic Patricia Calnan proves to be a fine gift for art enthusiasts. For the artists in children, colouring books are available for $10 as well as colouring T-shirts at $15. Various greeting cards and coasters can also be found in this little Bermuda House Lane treasury.

many Bruce Stuart Christmas cards available at the Windjammer Gallery on Front Street. REGAL -- The newest limited edition print by local artist Robert Bassett is now available at The Regal Art Gallery on Reid Street.