Moving Into the Art Studio

After months of not having a designated creative space, the studio is finally finished, and I’ve moved in! Words cannot adequately describe the feeling of pure joy I feel as I unpacked both my art and art supplies. Because the space in smaller than my last studio on 27th Ave. in Denver, I’ve had to scale back on the furnishings and even went as far as purchasing a smaller easel that fits the space better. 

The studio consists of a worktable, a chair that I can also move over to the easel when I’m painting. Another chair, a metal “Bertoia” side chair, that I picked up at a thrift type store back in Denver. Originally it was painted green, and I spray painted it black. It works well with the scale of the studio space. Next to it, I have an even smaller circular metal table (silver leaf in finish), so I have a place to put my coffee cup or wine glass depending on the time of day! Then there is the new easel and my Ikea bookcase, that is home to my art books, and some select works of art. 

In the far corner I have a double industrial style stainless steel sink and next to it my mini fridge where I store my paints and an occasional bottle of wine! Oh and of course a small trash can and small utility cart for additional art supplies. 

I have two shelves over the sink that will be home to more studio supplies and one shelf over the window. I have curated artwork on this shelf as well as on the walls of the studio. I purchased a metal wire display device that I installed above my worktable and under the window so I can display process drawings and or studies without destroying the walls with thumbtacks. 

So as not to overwhelm the walls with too much artwork (is that even possible?) I left one wall empty. This allows for visual breathing room and is located next to my easel. I’ve also added a few plants to the studio décor to bring the nature that inspires me into my creative space. Unlike my last studio that was in the basement of our home in Denver, this space is filled with natural light coming from the window, my skylight, and the generous track lighting that I had put in. Although manufactured, the light bulbs in the track lighting are specifically designed to replicate natural light. In square footage, the studio is small but with the combination of light, high ceilings and white walls it feels open and spacious. It is a beautiful space and I’m looking forward to getting back to work!

I’m thinking in May I will host a studio open house. I want to wait until after the threat of frost has passed so I can fill the covered patio, which the studio opens onto, with my beloved potted plants. That will also give me time to get the fountain, also located on the patio, in working order. Maybe Andy and I will have the Bocci ball court built by then as well. The covered patio includes a bistro table with two chairs and lounge seating around our gas fit pit. It is a perfect place for Andy and I to meet for lunch, his office also opens onto the patio, and it will be a great space to welcome guests to the studio. 

The goal for the open house is to sell my artwork. I will also be selling smaller works online with my new Palisade Posh website that is currently under construction. 

With the studio finished, my self-imposed art sabbatical is over. Even with all the work I have to do getting my business up and running, the Airbnb built, the Market Garden planted, giving our house a facelift (until I can properly remodel it), and teaching at the University, I need to get back to making my art. Once an artist… always an artist!