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Kerry Armstrong never imagined she’d become an artist, let alone one whose work would be showcased across renown galleries, as well as five galleries of her very own. At 50 years old, she was entrenched in the corporate world, managing a high-pressure role. But life, as it often does, had other plans.
It all started during a tumultuous time when Kerry was grappling with health issues and she found herself drawn to paint. “I started painting to relieve stress, and it became so much more. Every cell in my body was screaming, ‘This is what you have to do.’”
There wasn’t a grand plan or a moment of revelation—just Kerry, her emotions, and a blank canvas. It was cathartic and raw, an escape that soon became her lifeline. Without formal training, she relied on intuition. Colours didn’t just appeal to her—they resonated, vibrating with an energy she could feel. It wasn’t long before her stress-relief hobby transformed into a calling she couldn’t ignore.
One day, she mustered the courage to walk into a gallery that intimidated her and by the time she left, the gallery owner had agreed to represent her. It was a breakthrough moment, and Kerry realised she had found her place in the art world. Fast forward, she is now known as a self-taught and widely celebrated Abstract Expressionist and artist, she is also the visionary behind the Studio Gallery Group!
Through years of hands-on experience and her sharp eye for detail, Kerry has naturally honed her skills in transforming spaces with art. Recently, she joined us on the podcast to share her insights on the emotion and science behind selecting and hanging pieces that really shine – and below we’ve summarised the key takeaways:
How to Start Your Collection
Starting an art collection can feel overwhelming, but Kerry has a simple approach: begin with one standout piece.
“It’s better to invest in one meaningful piece that resonates deeply than to scatter your budget across smaller works that don’t have the same impact,” she advises.
Here’s her step-by-step advice for selecting art:
- Define Your Space: Consider the size, lighting, and purpose of the room. Larger spaces can handle bold, oversized pieces, while smaller rooms might call for more subtle or intimate works.
- Start with a Centerpiece: Focus on one piece for a main space – somewhere that gets the most use and set the tone for your home.
- Trust Your Instincts: Look for art that stirs an emotional reaction. Whether it’s the colour palette, subject matter, or energy of the piece, choose something that speaks to you.
- Consider Emerging Artists: Galleries often feature works from up-and-coming artists, which can be more affordable while still offering incredible quality and originality.
Budgeting for Art
Kerry knows that budgeting for art, especially at the end of a home build or renovation, can be challenging. That’s why she encourages homeowners to think about art early in the design process.
“Art is as important as furniture or lighting,” she says. “Allocate a portion of your budget to it from the beginning, so it doesn’t become an afterthought.”
For those with limited budgets, Kerry offers these tips:
- Focus on Key Spaces: Prioritise the living room, entryway, or dining room—spaces where art will have the most impact. Bedrooms and secondary spaces can come later.
- Reframe What You Have: Framing can refresh older pieces, making them feel modern and cohesive with your home’s design. “Framing can completely transform a piece,” Kerry shares. “It can take something dated and make it feel fresh and modern again.”
- Use Payment Plans: Many galleries, including Studio Gallery Group, offer interest-free payment plans, allowing you to invest in art over time.
- Explore Affordable Options: Prints, smaller works, or pieces by emerging artists can be budget-friendly yet visually striking.
“Some of my favourite pieces are from emerging artists,” she says. “It’s not about the price; it’s about the connection.”
Hanging Art Like a Pro
Once you’ve selected your pieces, proper placement is key to making them shine. Kerry offers straightforward guidelines for hanging art:
- Aim for Eye Level: “The midpoint of the artwork should sit at around 1.5 meters (about 57 inches) from the ground,” she says. This ensures the art is at a comfortable viewing height.
- Cluster with Care: For smaller pieces, grouping them together in clusters or gallery walls can create visual impact. “Odd numbers, like groups of three, tend to look best,” Kerry advises.
- Balance Proportions: When combining art with furniture, consider the overall proportions. “Make sure the art doesn’t overwhelm the room, but also don’t let it feel dwarfed by the surrounding elements,” she explains.
- Experiment with Composition: Mixing large and small works can add dimension to a space. For example, a large centerpiece paired with smaller, complementary pieces can create a dynamic look.
Kerry also points out the importance of experimenting:
“There are no hard and fast rules. Play around until it feels right.”
Planning for the Future
For those hesitant to commit to specific pieces, Kerry recommends taking advantage of gallery services. Many galleries, like Studio Gallery Group, allow you to lease art, giving you the opportunity to “live with” pieces before deciding to purchase.
Additionally, some galleries provide mock-ups of how artwork will look in your home. “Send in a photo of your wall or floor plan, and we’ll suggest pieces that fit both the space and your budget,” Kerry says.
Making Art Personal
Ultimately, Kerry believes art is a deeply personal investment. In her own home, she combines bold, abstract works with sentimental pieces, including family photos and even her children’s artwork.
“We’ve scanned my kids’ artwork, blown it up, and framed it beautifully,” she shares. “It’s affordable, meaningful, and looks amazing in their rooms.”
Her final piece of advice? Take your time and enjoy the process.
“Art should evolve with you. Your collection will grow as your tastes and experiences change, so don’t rush it.”
A Gallery for Everyone
Studio Gallery Group, with locations in Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane, is built on inclusivity. “Whether you’re spending $500 or $50,000, we treat every client the same,” Kerry says.
The galleries offer a welcoming environment for collectors of all levels. From high-end original works to accessible prints, there’s something for everyone. “Art is for everyone, and it’s never too late to start your journey.”
Today, Kerry’s own home is filled with art that tells her story. Each piece holds a memory or emotion, adding depth to her living space. “I love creating a collection that reflects who I am and supports artists I believe in,” she says.
For Kerry, art isn’t just decoration—it’s an expression of life. And through her journey, she’s learned that the most beautiful spaces are those that feel personal. “Don’t overthink it,” she advises. “Let your heart guide you, and your home will become a canvas for your story.”
You can listen to the podcast episode in full here or learn more about Kerry or Studio Gallery Melbourne here:
