my school house studio

Kenneth Kaiser · 10-06-2009, 12:57 PM

After over a year of work, I finally finished my late 1800's style school-house studio. Leaving nothing to my imagination, I used a common home-building sofware (with help from my older son) to design this studio and adjust the building and window dimensions, roof pitch, overhang, etc. until I felt everything was just right (at least to my eyes!). Although the bell tower and its witch-hat roof were time-consuming to design and build (about 2 weeks), I am glad that I spent the over the winter working on it. Just this past week, I began to paint again (not trim or walls) after nearly a year off. It is wonderful having so much space. Even though I live in the country, it is strange having so many windows (8 in the main area) around me.

Julie Deane · 10-06-2009, 07:16 PM

This is so cool...and you built it all yourself! Can we see how it looks on the inside too? Love the garden - it looks idyllic.

Terri Ficenec · 10-06-2009, 07:33 PM

I agree -- very picturesque! Would love to see inside too

Laurel Alanna McBrine · 10-06-2009, 11:26 PM

Love it! I am filled with admiration that you designed and built it yourself too. I second the motion to peek inside.

I am always interested in the studios of other painters. For anyone else who is curious about such things, there is actually a whole magazine out on the newstands right now (from American Artist) focusing solely on studios. Someday I hope to have a dream studio too!

Kenneth Kaiser · 10-07-2009, 04:44 PM

Thank you for your kind comments. My wife tried to convince me to wait until I was retired to build this studio, but I am not sure that I would have the energy or strength 20+ years from now! About 10% (based on the overall cost) of the studio I did not personally build but contracted out (e.g., digging and pouring the foundation).

I have attached two images of the interior. The walls are extra thick and filled with insulation. I also insulated below the oak plank floors (and above the ceililng, of course), so I hope the heating bill this winter is low.

From one of the images, you can see that I enjoy collecting antique hats--and using them in the portraits when they fit. At the school where I teach, I picked up the slate blackboards (barely visible in the background behind the easel) and then built the frame and chalk tray for them. I use the chalk tray to hold paintings that are drying.

Julie Deane · 10-07-2009, 05:33 PM

Kenneth,

this looks like a magic place to paint....many congratulations. Glad you decided to go ahead!

Natalie Hunsaker · 10-07-2009, 09:23 PM

WOW! This gets me thinking . . . just don't tell my husband

Really, though, nice work. What a wonderful environment for creativity to flow!

Thomasin Dewhurst · 10-09-2009, 12:16 PM

Beautiful - so inspiring!

Ngaire Winwood · 10-10-2009, 07:22 AM

and it is allllll yours to fill your days how you please, wow. That is freedom.

What a great place to paint, I am truly jealous.

Patricia Joyce · 10-11-2009, 05:18 PM

What a nice feel it has to it. On the inside and on the outside. I hope you paint many wonderful paintings in there. Many blessings.