Studio Tour

"The artist needs but a roof, a crust of bread, and his easel, and all the rest God gives him in abundance."
                 - Albert Pinkham Ryder (American 1847-1917)

I would add a glass of wine and an iPod to that list. My studio is modest by most standards. Reality is - it is a corner of my garage in Woodland Hills, California. It really is a great space. It has finished walls, plenty of room to work, and the light is great. (More about the light in a bit.)

There is no heating or air conditioning in the studio. That isn't a problem because the temperature is between 60-80 degrees fahrenheit nearly all year. Although few weeks during each the summer temperatures rise to 100 degrees or higher. When it is too hot I move my work into our kitchen. The kitchen is large with high ceilings and lots of light. Actually, too much light. With windows on three sides, light comes from several directions causing reflections on the wet paint. This makes it challenging to work. I also have to be careful not to get paint on things like furniture, cabinets and floor.

There is only a narrow band of west-facing windows in the the studio/garage door. To supplement that light and at night I use two sets of daylight flourescent lights mounted four feet overhead. I also have a swing-arm lamp attached to my easel. That combination gives me the amount of diffused white light I prefer. For additional light during the day I might open the garage door about two feet above the ground. That allows a nice flood of diffused daylight in and gives me plenty of fresh air. There are no biting bugs to speak of. That is why Southern California real estate is so pricey - no biting bugs.

ISN'T IS ROMANTIC?
I am a romantic at heart. I very much atuned to Albert Pinkham Ryder when he said, "A rain-tight roof, frugal living, a box of colors, and God's sunlight through clear windows keep the soul attuned and the body vigorous for one's daily work." Well, maybe not a clear window, but an open door will do. I am thankful for the great studio.

LEARN MORE ABOUT WHAT'S HAPPENING IN STUDIO ON MY BLOG
At least twice a month I talk about the work I am doing at the easel. I also share my musings, offer up interesting art quotes, tell stories about my paintings, and more. Please check it out.