Studio Makeover

I could have spent this past weekend actually painting, but instead I decided to show my work space some love. Even though I’ve been in the same studio for a couple of years, I never took the time to make it a really comfy and enjoyable place to spend time. It was simply utilitarian. Which was fine. I did get a lot of work done, after all. But still, I was ready to make the small space fully my own.

To start, I painted the bottom 3/4 of all four walls a very light, muted gray. Very neutral; not too warm and not too cool. I replaced the nasty old metal blinds with some simple white curtains I had laying around. Next, I hung cork board on either side of the window and moved in a desk from home that wasn’t being used. Now I have a place to sit and draw. Finally, I added two comfortable chairs I picked up cheap at House of Vintage on Hawthorne, a small Ikea rug, white floor lamp, and a colorful pillow. Voila! Still plenty of utilitarian work space, plus comfort and coziness.

I really like the way the colorful rug looks next to the gray, paint splattered floor.

An old pencil case, oil pastels, a planter of succulents,
and a stack of vintage Life and Look magazines.

Quotes

“I cannot overemphasize the importance of play. The freedom of play and its transitional character encourage the suspension of beliefs whereby a shift in direction is possible; play ought to be part of the working process. Free from skepticism and self-criticism play allows you to relinquish control. Playful activity provides an alternative way to see, to imagine, to do, to make, to think otherwise. In play there are no ends, there are only means, however, means inadvertently can lead to ends. Rules can be made up as you go along or even in hindsight.”

~ Richard Serra
addressing the Williams College class of 2008

More studies

color study, oil on paper, 2008, 4″ x 6″

study, pen on paper, 2008, 3″ x 4″

study, pen on paper, 2008, 5″ x 5″

New Painting: “Senie and Merrie”

Senie and Merrie, 2008, oil on canvas, 14″ x 18″

Detail