7 Questions to ask an artist when you visit their studio
Wimbledon Art Fair | 4 minutes read
One of the things that makes Wimbledon Art Fair so different from a traditional gallery is that the artists are right there with you. In their studio, surrounded by their work, and genuinely happy to talk.
But if you’ve never done this before, it can feel a little daunting. What do you say? Where do you start? You don’t need to ask something that sounds silly, or worse, say nothing at all and walk out having missed the best part of the experience.
Here are seven questions that will open up a real conversation - and help you understand and connect with the work in front of you:
1. What made you want to make this piece?
The most natural place to start. Every piece of work has an origin - a feeling, a place, a moment, an obsession - and artists rarely get tired of talking about it. The answer will tell you something about the work that you simply can’t see from looking at it alone.
2. How long have you been working in this studio?
A simple, easy opener that gets the conversation flowing. You’ll often learn something surprising - about the building, the community of artists at Wimbledon Art Studios, or how their work has changed over time in this particular space.
3. What are you working on at the moment?
Look around. There’s almost certainly something unfinished in the room. Asking about work in progress gives you a rare glimpse into where the artist’s head is right now - which can often be more interesting than what’s already on the wall.
4. Is this part of a series?
Many artists work in bodies of work rather than isolated pieces. If something catches your eye, this question can open up a much wider world - and you may find yourself drawn to pieces you hadn’t noticed yet.
5. What materials or techniques did you use?
You don’t need any technical knowledge to ask this. Artists love talking about their process, and the answer is often fascinating - whether it’s an unusual medium, a technique they’ve spent years developing, or a happy accident that became central to their practice.
6. How do you know when a piece is finished?
One of the most interesting questions you can ask any creative person, and one that rarely gets a straightforward answer. Some artists have a very clear sense of completion. Others will tell you they never quite feel it. Either way, the conversation that follows is always worth having.
7. Do you have more work I can see?
Don’t be shy about this one. Many artists work in portfolios, on their website, or in storage that isn’t on display in the studio. If you’ve connected with their work, ask. The worst that can happen is that what you see in the room is everything - and you’ll have looked properly.
Come and see for yourself
Wimbledon Art Fair runs 14-17 May 2026 at Wimbledon Art Studios, 10 Riverside Yard, SW17 0BB. Entry is free. Pre-book your ticket here for a chance to win £200 to spend on art, and for early access to the online Mini-Masterpiece Sale.
You don’t need to ask all seven. Even one good question, asked with genuine curiosity, can turn a brief studio visit into a conversation you’ll remember long after you’ve left - and it might just lead you to a piece of work you can’t leave without.
Wimbledon Art Fair runs 14-17 May 2026 at Wimbledon Art Studios, 10 Riverside Yard, SW17 0BB. Entry is free. Pre-book your ticket here for a chance to win £200 to spend on art, and for early access to the online Mini-Masterpiece Sale.
