Tuesday, December 28, 2010

What A Difference Some Paint Makes!

I love this time of year. The hustle and bustle of the holidays are over and a new year is just around the bend. But by Christmas, my studio often looks like a craft store exploded...not a pretty sight! So to usher in the new year, I always like to start with a clean slate...or I should say a clean studio.

But this year, I wanted to do a little more than just scrape the papier-maché off the walls and scrub the paint from the floor. I wanted to make my work space more of a "creative space." My studio is not large, approximately 8 feet x 12 feet. I do have a much larger work area outside of this space that I do the real messy stuff in, but my primary space to create is my studio. The white walls and no-nonsense approach to my space were previously very utilitarian - it got the job done. But that's exactly what it was feeling like...a place to work, not a place to create. In a recent issue of Studio's magazine, some wonderful work spaces by some wonderful artists were showcased; Johanna Parker, Scott Smith, Dani Nelson...all featured amazing spaces that were not just a place to work, but a place to "create."




I realized after reading the magazine that my work area doesn't have to be all work and no play. Just adding some color to the walls could transform the space into something much more creative! And add color I did...orange, yellow and black! Since I love creating Halloween-inspired art all year, I felt the colors would perpetually keep the mood going. For me, painting the walls these colors was a step outside my comfort zone, but I can honestly say that I'm loving it! The space now feels like a creative sanctuary and not a utilitarian work room.


 Now, if I can just get past the feeling that I need to keep it clean and pristine, maybe I can actually start getting some work done.

11 comments:

sassypackrat said...

Love the colors you chose! Your space looks warm and happy.

Len said...

HAHAHA!!! Take a brush and flick just a tiny bit of paint the wall as a "christening". Treat it like launching a ship. It looks great. Now to get into my studio and tidy it up.

ImagiMeri said...

Hi David,

It looks awesome! Without sounding gender prejudice (I hope) I love it when a man can get in touch with his creative side. You don't find it often enough and I just want to welcome you to the crowd of crafters that want to surround themselves with inspiration. I just bet this is going to take you over the top.

Hugs,
Meri

Cody Goodin said...

Great going on the studio make over. I love my tomato red studio. It keeps me energized all year long. Now, if I could just keep it tidy.

Michele Lynch Art said...

Your studio looks great!! I'm jealous, mine still looks like a craft store exploded in it!!

Anonymous said...

I LOVE your new studio!!!! I love the colors and that you choose to change!

My walls are a deep gold and I love them... After the new year I will clean our my studio room to start the New Year... well New!

Hope to see you soon David~
Pattee

Suzie said...

"I love what you've done with the place!" :-)

And you're so right. .color can make all of the difference, and you've chosen perfect ones! They are recharging and putting energy back into the room instead of sucking it out.

Now. .to take my own advice. . oh, I know what I want to do with it, it is just finding the time to do it. Same old song. .sigh. .lol

Christopher A. Klingler said...

Looks GREAT David! Color always transforms and painting a room is instant gratification. LOVE the orange wall and I see some familiar goodies on there! '-)

Wishing you a very happy 2011.

mE >:-)

Unknown said...

Love the colors added! Happy New Year to you!

Unknown said...

It looks great! I may be using some color in my new studio that I'm moving into on Feb 15th! You're just inspiring me left and right!
Thanks!

Welcome To My Blog said...

Your studio looks great David! Being a lover of Halloween myself I love the colors you chose. It really is a very warm and cozy nook. :)

Kim