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Imagine taking the Hall of Mirrors in Versailles as your painting subject.
The space is so vast, and the layout so repetitive, that it almost
becomes an abstract composition as you break down the forms. |
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After developing an unnatural dependency on my galoshes and stocking my kitchen shelves with an outrageous amount of sugary sweets in case of snowstorms, I’ve come to realize that it is nice to be on the inside, cozy and warm, looking out. My creature comforts appreciation has definitely also influenced the kind of painting composition that I’ve been into lately: the interior.
Interiors are fascinating because they are so uniquely human. There are many universal elements to how we organize and decorate our space, but each space is unique to every individual as well. And just think about all the cool rooms out there. The Oval Office, the mirrored splendor of a Versailles ballroom, or even the rustic intimacy of a living room with a blazing fireplace—all of them have so much atmosphere, and yet the visual points of interest of each is decidedly different.
The one room that I’m always interested in exploring is artist studios. I’ve gone to preserved historic studios as well as to the working studios of painters that are alive, well, and making art right now. The mood and emotion of every studio is totally unique, and that makes visiting them pure pleasure.
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This painting by Darlene Brown is of the artist's
studio and is in the style of Henri Matisse. |
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That’s why I think our latest special issue of
Studios is a valuable resource and gives me an opportunity to do a little armchair traveling besides. On the one hand, I learned about how to paint all kinds of interiors from portraitist Nelson Shanks, who has painted presidents, royalty, and others in incredibly varied settings. And on the other hand, I get great tips from painters and professional artists about how they set up their spaces and equip themselves for all of the painting and drawing they do.
Studios has gone a long way to strengthen my appreciation of how an artist’s studio is organized and reconfirmed how such a space can be an intriguing and enlivening subject matter—the best of both worlds! Enjoy!
