Guide to Buying Art: The Emerging Collector’s Edition 

Eager to take your first step into the wonderful world of collecting art? At Affordable Art Fair we love nothing more than inspiring people to buy original artworks, including the next generation of emerging collectors. With all art between $100 – $10,000 at our upcoming Melbourne fair, now is your time to start.

But how can you start collecting while developing your taste in art? With practical art tips and an inside sneak peek from our Marketing Manager Miranda’s own collection, we’re here to take you on your journey.

Over to Miranda!

1. Visit an Affordable Art Fair  

To us, affordable isn’t just our namesake. While strolling through Affordable Art Fair Melbourne keep an eye out for the dedicated Under $1,000 walls dotted around the fair. Your first artwork doesn’t have to break the bank and with thousands of artworks priced between $100 – $10,000 there are artworks for every taste, space and spend to be found at the fair. 

In 2023, I fell for this Leavannia Nampijinpa Watson painting on the feature wall of the Warlukurlangu stand and just had to have it. Measuring at 30 x 30 cm and priced at $150, it was an original painting that I could afford. I had a similar feeling for an artwork at our previous Sydney fair, slept on it and missed out. When an artwork speaks to you, snap it up.  

A must-see during your own visit to Affordable Art Fair Melbourne, Warlukurlangu Artists Aboriginal Corporation return to the Royal Exhibition Building this 29 August – 1 September.  

2. Explore the whole gallery space  

Don’t worry, if you don’t see an artwork in your price bracket right away, art collecting is akin to a treasure hunt and that perfect artwork may be just around the corner. 

While visiting Parallel Space in Hong Kong, I was delighted to see one of my favourite artists Humchuk was having a solo exhibition ‘– A Bouquet for You’. The downstairs gallery space was filled with interactive larger paintings. When I journeyed upstairs, I was delighted to discover a room filled to the brim with framed pencil drawings rested on shelves.  

Not only were these pieces in my price range, but the framed drawings were small and sturdy enough to pop in a suitcase. Many galleries you visit may have an alternative space with smaller artworks, or a stockroom filled with art not yet on the wall.  

Much like their usual brick and mortar spaces, galleries have their own stockrooms at Affordable Art Fairs with artworks of different sizes and mediums. If you’re interested in an artist’s works and want to explore other price points and sizes, don’t be afraid to ask the gallery for a peek behind the curtain!  

3. Watch out for artist sketches

Artist sketches are an excellent and cost-effective way for an emerging collector to start acquiring an artists’ body of work before you’re ready to invest in larger statement pieces. As your confidence and budget grows, you can gradually develop your art collection. 

I had the pleasure of first discovering Madeleine Joy Dawes’ ruled grid drawings while she was in art school and I have been a fan since. After seeing her works in the major NGV Melbourne Now exhibition, I was overjoyed to snap up a sketch of hers with this piece ‘Cross Stitch Pattern 2’ calling my name!  

At the upcoming Melbourne fair, Jackie Case will return with her much-loved Art ATM. For a $45 deposit, Jackie will draw a custom five-minute drawing which you can ‘withdraw’ from the ATM. Wanting to snap up your own artist study? Be sure to secure your Melbourne fair tickets and visit the Art ATM during the fair. 

4. Browse the print racks 

As an original art fair, Affordable Art Fairs are jam-packed with a diverse range of mediums, including prints. Whether you’re interested in screenprint, linos, or even digital collage, there are many artworks to be discovered on our galleries’ stands.  

This vibrant screen print by Jasmine Coe from the Boomalli stand at our Sydney fair was in a print rack and was a must-have piece. The experience of flipping through the plethora of original prints only made the discovery process more exciting.  

When visiting Affordable Art Fair Melbourne next month keep an eye out for the print racks in gallery stands as they are a place to find gems on paper.

5. Hone your eye and develop your taste  

Ultimately, the best way to start your art collection is to start learning what you like, and what better way to do this than to visit an Affordable Art Fair? At the upcoming Melbourne fair, the 60+ galleries will be presenting the works of 500+ artists with thousands of artworks available. There is no better way to see art for every taste, space and spend under one roof.

When strolling through the aisles, don’t be afraid to photograph the artworks that catch your eye and consider what you like about them. Art is a personal experience, and you should trust in your gut feeling about a work you love. Grab a coffee or wine with fellow emerging collectors in our café spots to muse over the art, but don’t take too long as the artworks certainly fly off the walls during the fair.  

You never forget your first time buying art. This watercolour portrait of Louise Bourgeois by Jas Shalimar was purchased in 2021 by Instagram comment of all places! It sits in pride of place on my kitchen bookshelf. I was drawn to the whimsy of the portrait and Jas’ considered use of shadow.  

Building an art collection takes time, so enjoy the process of discovering new galleries, artists and pieces. With time you will develop your own taste, space and preferences for artworks.  

6. Discover: Young Talent Stand

Our Discover: Young Talent platform provides emerging collectors with a unique opportunity to acquire artworks from artists before they inevitably soar to great heights. This year, our artists are Charli English, Kenzopaints,  Lily Rose Burgess, Olivia Walmsley, Sam Harrison and Sibylla “Billie” Robertson. Seize the opportunity to see this collection of artists at Affordable Art Fair Melbourne.  

I had my eye on Alex Kynaston’s sublime landscapes after her debut at our Discover: Young Talent platform in 2023 and was delighted to see her represented by Antoinette Ferwerda Gallery at our Brisbane fair. I am hoping my next purchase will be her A5 series of paintings capturing spots across Victoria.  

So, come join us at the Affordable Art Fair in Melbourne, from 29 August – 1 September, and take the first step towards becoming an art collector. With over 60 galleries and 500+ artists, you’re sure to find something that captivates your heart and suits your budget. 

Still after some seasoned advice before you visit Affordable Art Fair Melbourne? Check out our advice for first time art buyers.