Recently, I started hanging my finished paintings in my “studio.” The studio was originally “the office,” until the easel arrived. Then, I started calling it the studio. Makes me feel like a real artist! I feel proud when I glance over and see what I’ve accomplished. The wall motivates me. Plus, the wall, was a plain, boring thing, before the paintings brighten things up!
Another benefit to hanging my work, is “seeing” my development. I try to learn from my mistakes, but not to fixate on them. What’s done is done. I love the orange I painted awhile back. Shortly after it, I tried to follow up that success with limes, but I don’t like them as much. The limes are too flat looking. There isn’t enough shading to make it 3D looking. When I look at my apple, I feel like I made a giant leap forward.
One thing I need to do, is sign my paintings! My drawing teacher, Eva, always stressed, “Sign your work!” Before the Tootsie Roll painting, I hadn’t signed most of my paintings. I didn’t feel confident signing with a paintbrush. I knew it was a mistake, to not do it then, because I had all the colors mixed and ready. Now, I’m not sure what color I’ll sign them in. Do most painters sign in black? Awhile back I signed a couple of paintings with a paint pen and immediately hated the way it looked. It wasn’t loose enough. You could tell, I didn’t use a paintbrush. When I finished the Tootsie Roll, I practice with a couple of small stiff brushes, and was able to do a decent signature. But, I still need practice. Nothing finalizes a painting, like signing your name!
I’ve also been organizing the office (I mean the studio!). It’s therapeutic to clean, organize and get rid of the clutter. I feel inspired looking through my old stuff and it reminds me of projects I was interested in, but didn’t pursue…yet.
I have a bulletin board that runs the length of my counter top. I’d like to better utilize it as a “project board,” and include reference photos, notes, and inspiration for current and future projects. I spent time on the project board this morning, and I’m already, loving the results! Notice, front and center is the bike, which I have yet to complete. Hard to forget about it now!
Spending time on my workspace, helps me work more efficiently. It clears my mind. Now, I feel ready to get to work!
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Love the studio! Love the paintings! Every artist needs a room of her own–to shut out the noise of the world, to dip into the well of inspiration. Enjoy the space (& time) you’ve carved out for yourself.
Thank you! It feels good!
I love the studio and how it is ready for your ideas to spring forth and get finished!
Yes, finishing, my ultimate goal!
I know exactly what you mean about turning an office into a studio! I love that silent realization that dawns upon you when your table in the corner of the room (that’s what it was for me!) suddenly transforms into your studio. Having a safe and inspiring haven is such a momentous part of being an artist, and I definitely think that everyone should have one.
I never thought of displaying projects to mark progression! That is such a great idea, and such a good motivator. I’ll definitely be taking a leaf out of your book 🙂
I love love looove your oranges by the way, the way they sit against the blue background makes them look so striking!
Thank you so much! The oranges are one of my favorites. Until I got the easel I didn’t feel confident calling myself an artist. Finally I was just like, “I’m going for it!”