Lisa,

Down Under, it's south-window lighting you want, if you're going for the counterpart to the northern exposure often described by those on the other side of the equator. The goal is simply to avoid lighting that moves around on you, as will happen when depending on light from windows through which the sun shines directly.

Thanks, Steven
 

Thanks, Steven, for clarifying that, I thought it might be better "upside down" Down Under. I paint in front of the south window. Perhaps I should re-arrange my easel so that the south light is from behind my right shoulder!? Hmmmm....

Anyway, thanks. I think I read somewhere you were based in Aussi at one stage. Today in Queensland it is 33. Hot!

So far, what makes my studio a sanctuary and the place that I most want to be is the fact that my paint is in there!

My studio is much messier than Michael's "before" picture but I have been thinking I should tidy it up a bit. However that would take away a day when I could actually be painting, so tidying may have to wait!

Michael,

I can now see the initial studio images, and I wonder if all that glare off the highly varnished doors in front of your easel isn't distracting? Likely the photo was taken from an angle that exaggerated the reflection, but I'd still appreciate your observations.

Steven: I am Still "Short Posted"
 

The light was not as intense as it appears in the pic.

Sacred space
 

After reading Steven's post about his sacred space, I'm feeling quite grateful for my chaotic, messy, noisy, overcrowded, warm, dry, well lit, ghost free, aromatic (food), large (kinda), and loving space!

Hmm
 

Michael, I think the point with Bill's elegant studio and now your's is about attitude and visual reminders.

Have you read the story of Sargent's portrait he did of WB Yeats? Yeats was rather well-dressed and Sargent remarked on this to which Yeats said, "I dress well to remind myself that what I do is important."

Hi Michael,

I thought this was kind of amusing (meaning my spaces) and relates to my disorganized thinking in the "plan ahead" thread.... These are photos of my studio:

I do keep, nice music. I love the young Josh Groban's CD for working here. I have my art history books which I shelve under the piano, my pastel work books behind my stool in apple crates from VA, cans of fixative which I do not use normally in a wine rack that supports the old stage coach chest with my towels and other stuff in it. I try to keep it in order, and have found the wonderful box files a great storage tool for pastels. Another view:

Now contrast the above with my "graphic" studio or office. It is a larger space and custom built to fit. Unfortunately it is on the lower level away from windows (done on purpose because of the equipment). It is usually in total disarray unless a client is coming over. My wonderful music is replaced by Rush on the radio. : oops: