How we look at art depends on how we see it – is it relevant? Is it pleasing to the eye? Does it make me feel anything? But before you can ask these kind of questions you’ve got to step inside the gallery and look around, which can often feel like an alienating experience if the place is all white walls and hushed tones.

Thankfully, Herts Open Studios, which runs across the county from Saturday, September 13 to Sunday, October 5, offers anyone the chance to look at work in more relaxed surroundings as more than 150 local artists and craftspeople allow the public into their working environment.

Now in its 18th year, the event is organised by Hertfordshire Visual Arts Forum. It gives visitors the chance to see art up close and personal, chat to the people who create it and watch demonstrations to see exactly what’s involved in creating a host of media from ceramics, computer graphics, drawing, fashion, glass, illustration, jewellery and mixed media to photography, printing, sculpture, textiles, video and film.

Some artists’ group studios will also be holding workshops for visitors to try their hand at producing something for themselves, such as NYSA Productions based in Loudwater Farm. This artists’ collective regularly provides hands-on opportunities for adults and children and there is a session on Saturday, September 27. The Paper Trail in Apsley is also holding an Art As Enterprise Week, which enables school groups studying art to visit the exhibition and take the mill tour, meet the artists and engage in practical art sessions. Elsewhere, venues range from Anthony Wildig’s peaceful home at The Old Bakery in Park Road, Bushey to the sumptuous surroundings of The Summerhouse on the Chorleywood Estate. To find out more about the artists featured here, the brochure is now available online for you to search by borough or individual artist.

Details: 07813 100651, www.hvaf.org.uk