 |
|
Amy Mann converted the living room in her Virginia home
into a studio with generous shelving for her still life props. |
|
|
|
I remember the first time an artist
invited me into his studio. It was truly a reflection of his personality and
experiences—full of memorabilia from his travels in and around his childhood
hometown in the Deep South, and neat as a pin, just like him. Organizing your
studio space so that it fosters creativity and enables you to make the most of
your time can be a challenge. Although the solutions will vary for each of us,
there are a few savvy tips and interesting approaches—similar to those you'll
find from practicing artists who have gone through the same process and are
featured in our latest special issue of
Studios—that
I wanted to share with you.
|
 |
|
Sheila Delimont has space to work
and display her pastel paintings
in her Monterey, California studio. |
Lighting should take
precedence above all other concerns. Skylights and/or windows may provide
adequate lighting during the day, but think about what kind of artificial light
you'll want to include for those nighttime work sessions. This could be
overhead lights, spotlights, or a combination of several options.
When sharing your studio, whether
because space is at a premium or there is more than one artist at work, be
mindful of your essentials. Ask yourself how you work optimally, what supplies
you can't do without, what needs to be within reach and what can be stored
away.
 |
|
|
Denis Doheny's garage studio features
objects that resonate and reflect
his personal interests. |
|
|
|
|
|
Think about how your studio can be
used in multiple ways: perhaps as a workspace and a gallery where collectors
can see your work displayed in a professional manner. To this end, paint your
studio walls in a neutral color that doesn't distract or clash with your
paintings, and have a section of wall dedicated to displaying finished works
for the occasions when collectors visit. If you are more interested in a
painting studio combined with an instruction area where students can work
alongside you, think about worktables and equipment that are lightweight and
moveable, not stationary.
Your studio should accommodate your
working process. As you decide on what to include in your studio, keep in mind
that
you'll want the space to accommodate your process from beginning to end,
which includes preparing canvases, storage space for still life objects and
props, as well as places to hang and store finished works, such as elevated storage
racks and wall space.
To plan and create a workable
studio space takes thoughtful planning and execution. Our newest issue of Studios is a prime resource for this
kind of project—there is practical advice on lighting, floor covering, safety
issues such as ventilation and waste disposal, as well as peeks into private
workspaces of some of America's most incredible artists, including portraitist
Nelson Shanks. Together, the insights of notable artists and the salient advice
our editors provide on troubleshooting this kind of project means you're one
step closer to the artist's studio you've always envisioned.
