How do you creating an artists space at home?
So you are thinking about creating a studio or artist space at home for the artist in you.
Is a dedicated, separate studio necessary?
Consider, what type of art are you creating. Oil Painting needs ventilation; Art Murals need big spaces; Craft work needs a table.
A separate building or room may not be necessary or even possible. But if you are taking your art seriously you at least need and want a dedicated artist space.
A personal space that you don’t need to clean up afterwards. A space that can easily store your art equipment and supplies, particularly essential if you have an artwork that is in progress.
Many artists have created amazing work in small spaces. You don’t need a separate room or big space to get started and pursue the artmaker inside you.
A few tips to consider when creating a studio or artist space:
Stay away from your bedroom: It is important to keep your living and work spaces separate. And it is more important to keep solvents and other materials out of the air that you sleep in. So a nook or corner in your bedroom is not a great choice for an oil painting studio.
Keep out of the kitchen and dining room too: For similar reasons, paints and solvents should not be stored or used in areas where food is prepared, cooked and eaten.
Ventilation: Proper ventilation is essential in the area where you are working with oil paints and solvents. You can use an exhaust fan to help move the air from the inside to the outside. Try to take frequent breaks and get fresh air too!
Comfort: You will find that you are better able to create in a space that you find comfortable. Paint the space in a colour that you find relaxing and inspiring. Include a couch or seat if possible to allow for rest breaks and ensure that the temperature is comfortable for both you and the medium that you are working with.
Lighting: If your space has fantastic natural light then you are very lucky. If not, or if you prefer to work at night then you will need to replace standard light bulbs with full spectrum lighting. This lighting provides the full spectrum of sunlight and so mimics natural lighting, allowing you to see true colours.
Utilising the space:
Consider the available space and have it work best for both the creative process and storage.
Stand back and look at the area and make a list of the things you need to support your art creation. For example, a moveable trolley on wheels to store your brushes and other tools may be a good purchase choice. Or consider an easel that has a dual function.
Space saving easels: You can get space saving easels that can be used in a traditional upright manner. And also convert easily into a flat surface for easy storage.
Storing your works of art: If you run out of room to store your completed works, consider lending them to friends and family that have admired them. They may love to hang their favorite painting on their wall at home. This will free up some of your work space in your studio.
It just needs to be a space you feel comfortable in: Regardless of whether you can utilise a granny flat, a garage, a porch or veranda, a spare room or just a nook in your home. A space where you can pick up a brush or tool and create without constraint.
So claim some space as your own, clear out items that are not needed and let your family and friends know the purpose of this space.
If you want to learn to set up your own art studio or do an online art classes Contact Ellen Michel Art School directly if you have a specific question you would like answered.