Creating the Perfect Studio
MAXIMIZING YOUR WORKSPACE
Where you choose to draw or paint can have a significant impact on your artistic experience. Whether your studio is temporary or permanent, keep the following four points in mind: lighting, convenience, comfort, and privacy.
Large windows with plenty of natural light are ideal for an artist’s studio.
Your workspace should welcome plenty of natural light. If you’re above the equator, north-facing rooms offer the most consistency, and the sun never beams in directly. (If below the equator, south-facing rooms will do the trick.) But if you don’t have this luxury, work under daylight simulation bulbs. Unlike common household bulbs that emit mostly yellow light, daylight simulation bulbs create a bright, clean white light that helps you see colors and values accurately.
It’s not easy to focus on a drawing or painting when your materials are all over the place. When using an easel, a taboret is a great organizational tool; this small cabinet has a tabletop for placing your paints, brushes, and jars, along with drawers for storing your materials. When working on a table, designate specific areas for specific tools so you always know where to reach.
The more comfortable you are, the longer you’ll last in the studio. Choose a room where you can control the temperature, and be sure to use a padded chair. You may find that touches like music and candles help you loosen up and get lost in your art.
Finally, you will be most efficient when uninterrupted. Set up your studio in a quiet place with low traffic. (Just make sure it’s not so private that you don’t have a window for ventilation.) If you’re shy, you’ll find that privacy will make you more daring in your artistic pursuits. —ETG