So far in this Where to Buy Art series, I’ve been talking about different kinds of brick-and-mortar stores where you can buy wall art: home stores, antique stores, and consignment stores. At each of these, you’re likely to find a variety of art styles that are attractive and affordable.

Now let’s explore a different option. If you feel confident about the kind of art you like and are willing to spend more on something original, consider attending an art fair for your next purchase. Some art fairs are free to attend, and others require an admission fee. Even if you don’t buy anything, art fairs are fun to attend! They’re a great way to spend an afternoon outdoors, browsing art by local artists, listening to live music, and enjoying food from local vendors.

A word of advice on etiquette: we live in an age where everyone’s a critic. Don’t bring your critic persona to the art fair. The artists themselves are often hosting the booths. They’ve probably spent years learning their craft and have poured heart and soul into the work they’re displaying. Be appreciative of their efforts, not only in making the art, but also paying for their booth, packing up all their art and bringing it to display, and spending their whole day trying to earn a profit from their hard work. Ask about their inspiration and how they got started. If you don’t like someone’s work, move on to the next booth without comment. And above all, don’t ask an artist why their pieces are so expensive. (If you’re looking for a bargain, see my previous articles in this series for other places to find inexpensive art. For more art fair etiquette guidelines, see this article.)

Okay, ready to visit an art fair? Let’s take a look at a few styles you might find there.

Photorealism

Photorealism has become popular with technical advances in high definition photography and high resolution printing. Extreme closeups from nature, such as flowers, branches, or dandelion heads, are one example of photorealism. These close and personal encounters with nature often give the viewer a feeling of tranquility.

Another example of photorealism is capturing an object, or a portion of an object, with such fine detail that its texture appears almost three-dimensional, such as the mud guard in the motorcycle photo below. The hyper-realism of the photo’s extreme detail makes you feel like you can almost touch the object.

Both the extreme close-up and extreme texture of photorealism accomplish one of the main goals of art: to pull focus in your room where you want it. A large (3’x3’ or bigger) print will command attention on whichever wall you choose to place it. Since photorealism is so visually arresting, I suggest displaying it on its own, instead of as part of a gallery wall or with accessories in front of it. These types of photo prints would work well featured above your fireplace or on a large wall space in your dining room or master bedroom.

Fiber Art

Fiber art is one of my favorite kinds of art for the home. The term “fiber art” can encompass anything from medieval tapestries, to quilts, to modern upcycled art. Typically, these types of art are hung on a rod extending from the wall. I recommend fiber art because it engages the viewer more than two-dimensional pieces. Its tactile qualities have depth and texture that help create a sense of space and invite touch. In this way, fiber easily negates the “flat empty wall” syndrome.

At an art fair, you may find modern tapestries or innovative takes on quilting. If you’re looking for more traditional fiber art examples, you might want to look at antique stores.

Fiber art of any size can be useful in decor. You can display a large piece as a focal point on a gallery wall or on one of your main walls, while smaller pieces make ideal accents in hallways, entries, bathrooms, and next to windows. (But don’t make the art compete with your curtains!)

Contemporary Portraiture

At an art fair, you may find an artist who creates personal portraits and will paint yours. Please note: A contemporary portrait artist is different from a caricature artist at an amusement park who creates a cartoon version of you in a few minutes. Nor will a portrait artist paint a stern version of you, like the historical portraits you’d see in the White House or the Smithsonian. (Unless you want to be portrayed that way!)

Having a portrait painted should truly be different than having your picture taken. If you simply want a more creative or sophisticated photo, you can have a photo printed in large format, on a canvas, and even give it effects that appear like brush strokes. This will likely be less expensive than a portrait.

A painted portrait functions as art. It is different from a photograph in the way a short story is different from a newspaper article and the way a movie is different from a documentary. A portrait can edit out or add in colors, textures, emotions, impressions, and expressions that aren’t captured in photographs.

How do portraits do this? One way is that a true portrait painter will work from life, not a photograph. They will sit with you, perhaps several times, to get a sense of who you are and how you present yourself. (Online recommendations suggest finding a portrait painter who can work from life, rather than relying on reproducing photographs.)

Another way a portrait departs from a photograph is the artist’s style and eye. The artist brings their perspective to the project. This is why it’s important to look at the work of several artists and find out how each of them approach personal portrait painting before you choose one.

Where should you display a personal portrait? I’d caution you against hanging it in a really prominent place, such as over the fireplace or on your main dining room wall. This might give your guests the impression that you’re egotistical. However, this doesn’t mean you have to hide it in the bedroom. Hallways and staircases are traditional locations for a portrait to hang. A less conspicuous wall in one of your main rooms is also a good choice.

(Disclaimer: I have not had my own portrait painted, simply because this type of art doesn’t suit my personal decor style and taste.)

Fantasy Art

Fantasy art—similar to fantasy fiction—is often looked down on by collectors of highbrow art that we’ve discussed in other styles. It tends to get lumped in with paintings of Elvis on a canvas of black velvet. (Do people still make those?)

However, similar to the elevated status that fantasy writer J.R.R. Tolkien has attained in the literary world (and by the way, Tolkien also created his own art), some fantasy art crosses over into the world of fine art. In fact, it was very common for Renaissance artists to paint scenes from mythology for their patrons.

One of the main reasons that fantasy art isn’t often considered fine art is the sheer volume of work in this style created by amateur and part-time artists. The fascination with escapist subjects is a siren song that people find hard to resist. And with such a great volume of work comes a good deal of not-so-great work.

That’s why I’m sending you to the art fair to look at fantasy art. You’re more likely to find serious artists who are creating quality work at these events. I would much rather you purchase a piece of art that you’ll be proud to display in your home for years to come, instead of settling for a poster that you might want to hide in your garage six months later.

Fantasy art can run the gamut of art styles. In terms of decor, I suggest displaying it along similar guidelines to a historical realism piece (see the Historical Realism section of this article for more specific display tips). Entry halls, hallways, dining rooms, or “secondary” locations in the living room or great room are good candidates.

Try This At Home

Have you been to an art fair before? If yes, have you encountered any of these styles, or did you come across different types of art? Which styles do you like? Leave a comment below and share your favorite finds!