The Secret to Buying Art Is Simpler Than You Think

Plenty of us have stood in front of a gorgeous piece and walked away because we weren’t sure we were “allowed” to buy it. Georgia Huestis wants to change that. As Fair Director Australia for Affordable Art Fair, she oversees the Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane editions, and she has spent her career in galleries, from a commercial space in London to ACMI.

Ahead of the fair’s return to Sydney, we asked her how to start a collection with confidence, why price tags shouldn’t scare you off, and what to do if you’ve got $500 to $1,000 and a good feeling about a painting.

What Was the First Artwork You Ever Bought?

The first artwork I ever bought was a painting by the late Frank Japanangka, who painted with Warlukurlangu Artists in the remote desert community of Yuendumu in Central Australia. I travelled to Yuendumu with Melbourne University and fell in love with the painting the moment I saw it. It’s only 30 x 30cm, but it has followed me through many homes over the years and remains one of my most treasured pieces. Since then, I’ve continued collecting works from Warlukurlangu Artists, and I’m thrilled that artworks from the community will be available at this year’s Affordable Art Fair Sydney through Aboriginal Contemporary and Yaama Ganu Gallery.

How Do You Start Buying Art If You Don’t Know Much About It?

I’d encourage them to come along to Affordable Art Fair. When we first launched the fair in Australia, so many of my friends asked me this exact question. My advice is simple: have a wander and see what you’re naturally drawn to. You don’t need an art degree or years of experience. The galleries and artists are there to chat, answer questions and share their stories. Start with what you love, not what you think you should love. Start your art collecting journey at Affordable Art Fair.

How Do You Know If You Really Love an Artwork?

The beauty of Affordable Art Fair is that you’re seeing artworks in real life, and not on instagram or a screen. Art has a completely different feel and tactile quality when you’re standing in front of it. If a piece stops you in your tracks or you can’t stop thinking about it, that’s usually a pretty good sign. The energy of an artwork is often best appreciated in person.

Should You Choose the Artwork or the Room First?

I always start with the artwork and figure out the room later. I’m a big one for moving artworks around the house. I’ve never regretted buying something I truly loved, even if I had to rearrange a room to make it work.

How Do You Make Bold, Colourful Art Work in Your Home?

I may be the wrong person to ask because I absolutely love colour! What I’ve found is that when you trust your own eye, your collection naturally starts to come together. Even if the artworks are very different, you’ll often discover you’re consistently drawn to certain colours, moods or styles. My advice is to buy what you love, not what you think is “right” or what someone else would choose. The most interesting homes are the ones that reflect the personality of the people living in them.

How Can Renters Display Art Without Making Big Changes?

I love this question because art can completely transform a space. Art is so often what makes a house feel like a home. Use removable hooks, lean framed works on shelves or furniture, and don’t be afraid to move pieces around until they feel right. Art travels well and can brighten even the most temporary space. Let the artwork do the heavy lifting.

What Mistakes Do First-Time Art Buyers Make?

The biggest art buying stress can often be overthinking it. People often worry about whether an artwork will match their sofa, whether it’s a good investment, or whether someone else would approve of their choice. The best collections are often a bit unexpected and built around personal connection. Buy the piece that makes you feel something. Your taste will evolve over time, and that’s part of the fun of collecting.

What Does “Affordable” Mean at Affordable Art Fair?

At Affordable Art Fair, every artwork is original and created by a living artist, and we work hard to offer a wide range of price points. You might discover a graphite drawing from Jackie Case’s Art ATM for $50, or fall in love with a large-scale painting or sculpture at the upper end of our range. Affordable isn’t about compromising on quality. It is about making the experience of discovering and collecting original art welcoming and approachable, whether you are purchasing your first ever artwork or adding to an established collection.

What Should You Buy at Affordable Art Fair Sydney With $500 to $1,000?

Oh gosh where to start. I could spend it in a flash. My advice would be to do a full lap of the fair before making any decisions. Take photos of the works you love, grab a coffee, and see which pieces stay in your mind. You’ll probably start to notice a theme in what you’re drawn to and there may well be an artwork you keep coming back to. What’s special to me will be different from what’s special to someone else, and that’s the joy of collecting art. With a budget of $500 to $1,000, there will be plenty of original artworks to choose from, so focus on finding the piece that creates a genuine connection. Aspire Gallery from Brisbane and Jumbled who join us from Orange always have a number of paintings that sit comfortably within this price point, Goodwork Gallery have fabulously textured pieces and sculpture. We also have a number of new galleries joining us in Sydney this year that I’m very excited to discover such as Becker Minty and Outre Gallery.

Where: Carriageworks, Eveleigh
When: Thursday 5 November to Sunday 8 November 2026. Thursday 12pm to 9pm, Friday 10am to 9pm, Saturday and Sunday 10am to 5pm
Cost: Tickets start at $29.79
Best For: Art lovers, Cultural experiences, Weekend plans, Unique experiences, Families
Need To Know: Original works are priced from $100 to $10,000, with “Under $500” and “Under $1,000” tags to help narrow your search. Limited on-site parking is available at 229 Wilson Street, and complimentary art wrapping is offered.

Sitchu Tip:Head to Friday’s late session, which runs until 9pm, for an after-work lap of the fair.

Love this piece? Check out our conversation with the founders of Surry Hills’ social space Coping Studio or discover the best art exhibitions to visit.