POST #2: Setting Up the Studio

It has taken me some time to learn the basics of blogging, but even more time has been used preparing the space in my studio for efficient art use again.  Below is just a small sample of what has kept me from beginning this project. Perhaps this is yet another task I have made for myself to unconsciously avoid creating, but it will certainly be helpful.  There are some areas that still need to be cleaned and organized, but as the before-and-after shots make perfectly clear, it is already far more efficient than it was before.

BEFORE

AFTER

The photo below is of an area I added for drawing self-portraits.  I used to draw self-portraits a lot.  The availability of the model, the willingness to compromise, and the ability to sit perfectly still are just a few reasons I consider an artist's self as among the most useful subjects.

I even cleared out the closet and added floor-to-ceiling shelving, which is bare only for a short time longer.

I just finished building this still life stage.  I am pretty excited to set some objects inside and begin drawing.  I still need to paint the deck and add some black fabric to block out natural light coming in from the windows. I researched several methods for constructing a shadow box.  Instructions to building the shadow box I chose to use for my main still life staging area can be found at DrawMixPaint.com.