HOW TO CHOOSE ART YOU'LL LOVE AT AN ART FAIR

There’s something I really love about an art fair.

For one weekend, you can see so many different kinds of art, from so many different artists, all in one place. You can wander around without really knowing what you’re looking for, discover someone completely new, or finally see the work of an artist you’ve been following on Instagram for years.

And perhaps the best part is being able to experience art in person.

There’s something very different about seeing a painting on a screen and standing in front of it. You notice the scale, the texture, the colours, the little details you might have missed online. And sometimes you just know.

That feeling of oh, I really love this.

Although I should probably warn you… once that happens, it can be quite hard to resist!

Images from 2024 AAF Melbourne with SOHOGalleries

You don’t need to know anything about art

I think buying your first artwork can feel a little daunting. Perhaps you worry you won’t know enough, or that you’ll choose the “wrong” thing.

But honestly, I don't think you need to know very much at all.

You don't have to understand art history or know the right terminology. You don't even need to be able to explain why you love something.

If you walk past a painting and find yourself turning around to look at it again, that's probably worth paying attention to.

Maybe it reminds you of somewhere you've been. Maybe you love the colours. Maybe it makes you feel calm, happy or nostalgic. Maybe you can't quite put your finger on why you like it.

That's enough.

Art is going to live with you in your home, so I think how it makes you feel is far more important than whether you can explain why it's a good painting.

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A little preparation can help

If you already have a space in mind, measure it before you go.

Take a photo of the wall with you too. It sounds obvious, but when you're standing in front of dozens of beautiful paintings, it can be surprisingly difficult to remember exactly how much space you have.

There are also some great apps that let you visualise artwork on your walls. I use one called Smartist, which I find really helpful.

And have an idea of what you'd like to spend.

There will be artwork at all sorts of sizes and price points at the fair, so don't assume you need to spend thousands to find something you'll love. If buying an original feels like a big step, starting with something smaller can be a lovely way to begin.

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Please don't buy a painting to match your cushions haha

This is probably one of my favourite pieces of advice.

If you find a painting you absolutely love but it doesn't quite match your sofa, cushions or rug…buy the painting!

You can change the cushions...because really there are never too many cushions needed right? haha

I think the most interesting homes evolve over time. They aren't necessarily perfectly planned from the beginning, with everything chosen to match. They're filled with things that have been collected along the way — things that remind us of places, people, moments and different versions of ourselves.

Choose the things you love and let your home grow around them.

After all, wouldn't you rather have a painting that makes you happy every time you walk past it than one that perfectly matches the cushions?

The team at Gallery Swan - Stand G4 - L-R Katrina Benson, Steve Greig, Rebecca Trinca, Jen Shewring & me! Amanda Ketterer

Talk to the artists

One of the lovely things about this particular fair is that many of the exhibitors are artist collectives — groups of artists who have come together to exhibit their work.

This is actually my first time exhibiting as part of a collective for about seven years.

Over the last few years I've exhibited at the fair with galleries, but I haven't been there in person. And I've realised how much I've missed it.

I love meeting the people who come to the fair and chatting about the work. I love hearing what people notice in a painting and what it makes them think of.

So please don't feel intimidated about talking to the artists.

We're very used to people looking, asking questions, having a chat and then walking away to think about it.

And if you fall in love with something, but aren't quite ready to make a decision, that's okay too.

Images from 2024 AAF Melbourne with SOHO Galleries

If you don't see quite the right painting…

Please do ask

This is particularly important if you've been following an artist for a while and have something specific in mind.

Perhaps you love a particular painting but need it in a different size. Perhaps the piece you've been looking for isn't currently on the stand.

Artists often have other work in the studio or works stored away from the stand, and we'll be very happy to have a look for you.

I'll have a catalogue with me at the fair showing available paintings, including some that aren't going to be physically hanging on the stand.

And if you don't find exactly what you're looking for at the fair, follow the artists you love on Instagram or take a look at their websites. We really do love hearing from people who have connected with our work.

Choosing the right artwork isn't always a quick decision.

Sometimes you have to live with the idea for a little while.

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And don't worry about opening night

Opening night is exciting, but it's also pretty fast-paced.

If you have your eye on a particular painting and don't want to risk missing it, then yes, I'd recommend coming on opening night. Anyone who is serious about finding art often comes then.

But if you can't make it, don't panic.

The fair runs for four days and artists usually have additional work stored away to refill their stands over the weekend. If you don't see the painting you're looking for, ask the team on the stand. We're all there to help.

And, of course, one of the lovely things about the fair is that you can take your artwork home with you straight away.

There's something rather nice about leaving an art fair with a painting under your arm and knowing it's coming home with you.

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  the royal exhibition build Melbourne

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The Royal Exhibition Building, Carlton - such a cool building for a great day out

Finally…you don't have to buy anything

This might sound like a strange thing for an artist to say when I'm about to spend four days at an art fair trying to sell paintings.

But I really mean it.

I know that not everyone is in a position to spend thousands of dollars on a painting. I certainly couldn't always do that myself.

But I love it when someone stops in front of my work and tells me what they see in it. I love hearing that a particular colour reminds them of their childhood, or that a painting makes them feel happy, or that they've been following my work for years.

Those conversations mean a lot to me, whether or not they result in a sale.

Because I think that's what art is really about.

Finding something that makes you feel something.

And sometimes you don't know what that is until you stand in front of it.

So my best advice?

Come with an open mind. Wander around. Look at things you wouldn't normally look at. Take your time. Talk to the artists. Notice what keeps drawing you back.

And if you find the one that makes your heart do a little something…

well, you might just have found the one to take home.

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