Five Studio tips for painters



Sweet surprise
11 X 14 oil
Purchase here

I have been totally overwhelmed with

the lovliest case of Spring Fever.

It caused me to reinvent my studio,

invest in some books on running an art business

and try to get serious about my time and how I spent it.

In contemplating the where and when of nesting as it

relates to being a creative person,

I focused on what I really need as an environment,

an incubater....

a sanctuary.

Artist and teacher Nancy Medina

suggests that artists

"Create a reality you can live in

without any fear"

I took that to heart as I listed the five things I require

for my studio space.

1. Space: that would be space in your house, in your day, in your head and your heart. Robert Genn said that art is the meeting of the heart and mind with certain technical skills. Technical skills can be learned, but there must be a spacious heart connected to the process. Creating art calls for a sense of generosity that can be recognized in both paint and quality.
2. Fresh air !!!! Breathe !!!! Open windows, fans, good ventilation is important no matter what your medium. Oxygen feeds the brain. the brain controls the body and we use our bodies to create art. A few yoga lessons are not a bad idea. I've been doing yoga for over 25 years. Deep, controlled breathing can lead to new perspectives and ideas. There is a yoga mat in my studio.
3. Life begets life.......Plants are a great addition to studio space. Growing things inspires growth. Tending plants can be a centering meditation at the beginning of each painting session. this can create space in your mind (see tip #1).They also make great models. On top of all that, plants absorb toxic fumes and clean the air (see tip #2). I have a few flowering plants that have reminded me time and again of the wonder and inspiration nature provides us.
4. Just say NO! Close the door. I have a cute little sign that can be hung on the door knob that says "Go Away! Leave Me Alone! P.S. I love you." It works. Closing the door is just the beginning. turn off the cell phone and the laptop. Let friends know you are not available. Gift yourself with the power of no and use it often. I had to practice in a mirror. Focus in painting is so important. Say no in your mind to the laundry and the dirty dishes and all the mundane tasks until you have finished your session
5. Use a planner. you can't get where you are going if you don't have a map. Use an app like Asana or Evernote to create the space in time that you need to create. Write down how you spend an average day then search out those precious extra hours. Count in time to read art books, blogs and magazines. Plan time to plan....a great time to do this is at the end of the day so you know what to do when you get up in the morning. Plan your success..whatever that is. Plan your creative time. Write it down. then when someone suggests a lunch date or a coffee meet up you can look at your calendar and say "No! I have plans! ( see tip #4).