How To Buy Art

1. Preparation
Preparation is key to anything, and shopping at an art fair is no exception. If you have a space in mind, have a think about what you are looking for before you arrive at the fair and take a note of any practicalities such as size or lighting levels. But don’t buy something just to match the sofa. Hopefully your art will have a longer shelf life than your soft furnishings. 

2. Go with an open mind
Don’t follow the crowd – just because lots of people put a landscape or a still life over the mantelpiece, it doesn’t mean you have to. Victorian homes don’t demand Victorian paintings. Bold, contemporary, even urban works can look amazing in a more traditional setting. Why not consider fine art photography, or even a stunning piece of sculpture instead?

3. Budget
Go with a budget in mind, but be prepared to blow the budget if you see a piece that you just can’t live without. You’ll only regret what you don’t buy, not what you do! Remember that many galleries now offer interest-free installments through the Own Art scheme. If you’re just starting out buying art and your pockets are not too deep, consider original prints, such as screenprints and etchings, which are a great entry-level option.

4. Look
When you get to the fair, pick up a stand plan or catalogue, take your time to look around, making notes on galleries and pieces that you like, and the essentials, including artist, size and price. With 120 galleries at AAF selling paintings, original prints, photography, sculpture and applied arts, all priced from £50 to £3,000, there’s massive range of styles and mediums under one roof.

5. Ask
Looking at, and buying art should be an enjoyable experience, not an intimidating one where you are worried about getting it wrong. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, art dealers are only too keen to talk about their artists’ work! Ask about the artist’s history. Is their work included in any major collections? Have they won any public art prizes? Knowledge is power and this will help build your confidence. Ask to see other examples of the artist’s work. It is a good sign if you like their whole body of work; it’s not essential but can indicate that the artist is consistent in their output. Some galleries will allow you to take work home on approval – it often helps to see the work in situ, although of course it will then be hard to hand back! 

6. Catch a rising star
There is no way of guaranteeing which artists will become collectable – but the Affordable Art Fair has long been a hunting ground for collectors looking to spot the next rising star. Each autumn we curate a Recent Graduates’ Exhibition which showcases our pick of the best new talent from art colleges across the UK.

7. Choose wisely
Take some time out to have a coffee and think through your choices. Consider a work’s liveability - art is subjective and it needs to stir a love and a lust in you, as well as suit the space you have in mind for it. Once you have considered your options, return to your shortlist of pieces with fresh eyes and a clear mind. If you feel you need some further time, AAF allows free re-entry on another day of the event, so you can even go home, look at the space again, and imagine your soon-to-be purchase there.

8. Follow your heart
First and foremost, choose something that you love, not something you think you should buy. Art is a reflection of you and your personality, and you're likely to hang on to it for a lot longer if you feel a connection with the work. Don’t hesitate too long though - original art is unique and you don’t want to be left broken hearted if you return to find the piece that caught your eye has been taken by someone else!

For more information on the Affordable Art Fair visit their website.

The Affordable Art Fair will run from 15-18 March 2012 in Battersea Park. Square Mile readers will receive two-for-one entry upon presentation of this page at the door (usual price £12-£15)