Open Studio - What Do I Bring? Where Do I Place Myself?

Michael Georges · 11-05-2002, 09:54 AM

I am starting an open studio painting class in December at the ASL in Denver. As it will be my first weekly class where I will be painting, I have a couple of questions for the Pros of painting from life in these open sessions:

1. What do you take with you - paints, brushes, solvents, supports, etc. And, what is generally supplied for you? Do you have a "set" of stuff that you use only for the open studio? Any tips on things that make it easier supply wise?

2. What influences where you choose to position yourself in the room? Do you like to be closer or farther from the model and why?

Debra Jones · 11-05-2002, 11:57 AM

Well, a few questions, but I am still laughing. What you need most is to take a deep breath and just dive in!

Traditionally in the venues I have visited, there are the nuts and bolts for the classes. That means easels or benches (maybe just chairs) and the model and stand. I don't think any one ever objects to you bringing your own portable easel, but portable is the key word. I just throw it all in my trunk. You might consider thinking ahead, knowing it is going to be alla prima and if you are a collector of paints, be sure to think hard about what palette you will be using, put them in a small single tackle box if you have a large collection, so you don't have much to haul. And ODORLESS turps, turpenoid only. They really frown on the smelly stuff.

If it is multiple poses, I would definitely suggest a few small stretched canvas unless you have a carrier because the bars are better handles wet, and if you work that way, be sure they are primed and underpainted before you arrive, it just lets you paint more while you are there.

As far as position in the room. I like the luck-of-the-draw effect. I have been going a long time and find the experience of painting among others is the big thrill. I have had the WORST places in the room and tend to use it as a challenge. Just last night someone was very upset because the light had been left in a high, overhead very Halloweeny and unflattering position. We have no moderator and that means the model is in charge. I have been the first one in the room, set up center ready and waiting and had her plunk down and face the wall. It is much easier if you consider it exercise and try hard not to worry about the model, just concentrate on the painting. They are definitely NOT all portraits. I consider it studying the shapes of the head and face and they just come out better that way. I don't know why.

It is not as threatening as it appears. My suggestion would be to bring drawing materials as in charcoals or pastels with a clip board to the first session and see what the space is like. You may need a TV tray or table for your supplies, depending on how you work, but keep it all lean. It is fun once you get started.

Enzie Shahmiri · 11-05-2002, 01:14 PM

Since I almost always would forget one thing or the other, I brain stormed and came up with this gizmo to take everything I could possibly need with me.

Your one stop center for all the supplies would be Target. At the laundry supply section you will find a laundry cart on wheels that is made of a white grid material with a black handle. It comes with a liner (great for rainy days). Get that and three laundry clamps that have large hooks attached to them.

Then go to the dish storage section. There you will find racks with collapsible legs to use in your pantry for dishes. The largest and widest will fit perfectly on top of your cart. This will be your tabletop. In this section you will find containers for silverware, pick one up for your brushes and any other thing that can be used for storage.

Somewhere in that store I found a magazine rack also made of the same white wire stuff, this holds your wet canvas, drawing board and pad. I attached it to the lower front portion of the cart with these things that function like tiny belts, made of plastic. Sorry, I don

Enzie Shahmiri · 11-05-2002, 01:15 PM

Oops, forgot the picture.

Daniel Arredondo · 11-06-2002, 11:42 PM

Mike,

I submitted the following information hoping it would be published in

Daniel Arredondo · 11-07-2002, 12:02 AM

Mike,

In this photo we are painting a portrait at the Coppini Studio.

Daniel

Michael Georges · 11-07-2002, 10:29 AM

Enzie, your cart idea is wonderful - thanks!

Daniel: What a great and informative article on starting an open studio! We may want to move this to its own topic.