Setting up your Studio Space
The space you create in is important to keep in mind. There are many aspects that will effect the outcome of your art based on where you create. Here are a few to focus on if you’re beginning to set up your art space.
A Quiet Place
Even if you don’t have an entire room or a studio space to devote completely to art, the corner of a bedroom next to a window can be very ideal. Make sure wherever you create that it is a sanctuary where just you and your art exist. Where you can leave your art out and come back to it the next day to pick up on thoughts and creative ideas. Ensure that you can enter into your own world with headphones or complete silence, whichever you prefer, but create a place that allows you to be you and be free. I used to paint in my kitchen but there was too much energy and noise in that space, so I eventually remodeled my spare bedroom into a studio space where I can paint and enter my own world. This dramatically change my art practice and has helped me immensely.
Abundant Lighting
I prefer to paint in natural light and my favorite time of day to be in my studio is in the morning. When the light is abundant in my space and cascades through the window. Whether it be daylight or artificial lighting, make sure you can see your work when you are creating. Scheduling when to create your art based on the time of day can be helpful. I’ve now created a rhythm of painting first thing in the morning. It’s also when a lot of creative ideas and inspiration is flowing. So depending on where the window faces in your space, the time of day with the most sunlight in your space can create an atmospheric and inspirational feeling for you to create your art in. If you prefer creating at night though consider that you may need multiple light sources in your space to give your art the best lighting.
Free from Distractions
Often times I don’t bring my phone into my studio. I have a playlist playing on a bluetooth speaker and thats it. I avoid bringing it in the studio because when I’m met with a moment of silence, or pause in my work, I want to allow myself to explore this. To sketch, to sit still, to study the layers, to imagine, to breath. Even having your phone nearby, seeing it, hearing notifications or allowing it to distract you, can affect the outcome of your art. Your’e imagination is a powerful thing. Allow yourself to get a little bored or restless. This is usually when the best ideas come to life!
Declutter
When I created my home studio space not only did I remove everything in the room, but I painted it completely white. Floors, and all. The shadows were distracting to me and I found that a bright room with nothing in it really allowed my imagination to run free. Maybe you prefer something more cozy and warm to create art in but either way make sure that you take the time to declutter it. It’s usually a process that has to be done often as art can become messy at times and things can quickly begin to accumulate. The clutter in your space can effect your artwork and even cause your ideas to be stuck so be aware if its time to purge or clean your studio space.
Hang your Art
When I’m working in collections and I finish each piece I love to hang it up on the wall. By the time the collection is completed I have my own personal gallery surrounding me. Allow the walls to have plenty of space to hang your work so you can see it. This helps to be able to take a few steps back and evaluate your art. I recommend having your walls painted pure white with either flat or eggshell finish so there is no reflection. This helps when taking photos of your art.
A Studio Ritual
This is a series of things you do before you begin to create. It allows your mind to enter into the world of creation. Begin with sketching, meditation, a nature walk, breath work, music, etc. Allow yourself time to create for the fun of it before you begin focusing on your work. This allows your mind and body time to play with the paint and get into a natural rhythm. Experiment with this to see what works best for you but take about 10-15 min to enter into ‘the zone’. Your body and mind will begin to get used to this and you will naturally enter into the ability to create more freely.
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