Living Room Studios and other Inventions

Julie Deane · 06-26-2004, 04:50 PM

Elizabeth Schott brought out a subject that I thought was interesting - that of having a studio in the living room. I'm enclosing shots of mine - which is a combo dining room-living room studio. The majority of the work is done in the former dining room, but when I work from a model, I set up in the living room, as shown. Notice the "wanna be" model in one of the photos.

If you have set up a studio, whether it's in the living room or some other place, why don't you share a picture of it? I love seeing the beautiful studios that have been featured on this site, but would also love to see the creative ways other artists have come up with to provide a working space for themselves.

Michele Rushworth · 06-26-2004, 10:31 PM

I too appreciate seeing photos of people's studios and I always learn something. Thanks for posting yours, Julie.

What an interesting idea of turning a coffee table into a model stand. It's just about exactly the right height and would work perfectly if it's strong enough. I was wondering why you hadn't put that lovely wing chair on the model stand, though. It would be great in a portrait.

I like your third image. That particular photo reminds me of a Vermeer painting, looking from one room into another.

And finally, how do you keep paint of that very nice patterned rug?!

Julie Deane · 06-27-2004, 04:56 AM

Hi Michelle -

The coffee table is strong, and is fine for one chair and one person. The wing chair will be used in the future, but for the latest portraits I'm working on, I didn't want a high chair back to show.

The rug is a super cheap set from Lowes - it's new, so now paint on it - YET! I'm horrible at getting myself painted along with the work on the easel, and the floor has gotten a few spots too. I'm in awe of folks like John Howard Sanden and others, who can apparently work in three-piece suits and not get a speck on themselves. When I work from life in the living room, the floor gets covered with heavy duty flooring plastic that can be bought in a roll from Lowes or Home Depot. It crinkles underfoot, but it's better than the alternative.

Elizabeth Schott · 06-29-2004, 12:09 AM

Thanks Julie for sharing these. It is good to see a more open area working right! Please tell me you cleaned it up extra carefully before shooting these!

Michelle I have a patterned rug I work on too, I can only think the pattern has been enhanced - by accident of course! Michelle I would love to hear how you work with a model stand in a smaller studio, I feel like I am looking up the nose all the time, maybe it has to do with the way you size your model?

Michele Rushworth · 06-29-2004, 12:14 AM

I do all my commissioned portrait photo shoots on location -- which usually means battling with odd lighting situations in parks or in the client's home. So I don't use a model stand at all.

Julie Deane · 06-29-2004, 04:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Elizabeth Schott

Please tell me you cleaned it up extra carefully before shooting these!

Hah! You caught me! I had to laugh out loud - all the "junk" I had strewn around in my work area is put out of sight just for this photo.

Kimberly Dow · 06-29-2004, 04:49 PM

I thought I'd chip in and show my ex-diningroom/studio. Behind the dark cloth is a huge chalk board that was for the family when it was a diningroom. Now it is great for propping huge canvas' on since it has a wide ledge at the bottom. Don't mind the mess! Ahem - the groceries you see in the kitchen had just been brought it - I promise -it's usually spotless.

The third photo is my studio that was downtown during one of my open house parties. I closed that about a month ago and I have never been happier. I had loads of space, but made the mistake of opening it to the public and letting other artists show there. Running the business side of that really took up too much time.

Julie Deane · 06-29-2004, 05:06 PM

Hi Kim -

I like your "new" studio! What is on the floor on the left? Is it a hard covering to protect the carpet showing on the right? Your place has some elegant touches - the plants and mirror, plus your lovely paintings.

Do you ever hit your head on that chandelier? I kept bumping into mine and finally had to hire an electrician to remove it and install a ceiling light.

Kimberly Dow · 06-29-2004, 05:17 PM

That on the left is just another cheapy rug that I purposely splashed paint on. These were both out of the old public studio - I was just trying to cover as much of the rug as possible.

I don't really hit my head on the chandelier, but those stupid grapes (that were part of the decorating when it was a diningroom) - they catch in my hair all the time. Why I haven't removed them yet I don't know. We may be moving soon so I guess I am just waiting to hear.

Linda Fried · 10-14-2004, 12:53 PM

I have had a year from hell- breast cancer, - but all is well now, and I am TRYING......unsuccessfully ...to get back to my painting. My creative desire is still non-existent. I am setting up a studio in my own living room- so this topic is so funny and timely! I thought I was the only one who did such a thing! I'm attaching some pics.....remember....no painting going on just yet, but you can get an idea. It's great because I have 25 foot ceiling and NORTH light! Wish me some creativity, PLEASE!!!
Linda
The first picture is head-on view from base of stairs.
The next is view as you come in door- the right (dining room), and left is studio.) I have divided area with curved interlocking canvas screens, and a pedestal with alabaster sculpture in middle. LOTS of pothos trails down from the loft.
The last picture is from the loft looking down.