Art Studio

If you are using oil and or solvents - ventilation!

Congratulations, Abbie - So exciting for you!

You need a very large work surface and good natural lighting (and a BIG tarp for the floor!)

One of the best things I purchased was a 3 shelf cart , Luxor brand heavy duty plastic composite with durable wheels. I think I bought it at ULine. It's commercial so built to handle the weight of your paints and tools. https://www.uline.com/Product/Detail/H-6173BL/Utility-Carts/Uline-3-Shelf-Utility-Cart-with-Lipped-Shelves-28-x-19-x-39-Black

You will be so happy in your own space - it changes your happiness level and inspiration. Can't wait to hear all about it.

Yay!

A sink, a comfortable chair, and a fur-free cat.

Plus good lights and some drawers. And a nice table from a yard sale. And an easel.

It's handy if all the furniture is on casters.

Good plumbing, if you plan to clean your brushes, etc. in the studio.

I have the kitchen right through the door so that is not a problem :D

I have an old wooden trolley from grandma's days, two level.

I have a lino floor (washable)

Looks like I am getting there!!

Lighting is a great point and although I have one extendable table lamp (clamps on the side) I will get LED lights in on the walls above the easel and table. Thank you!

Ventilation, I have a window at one side where my easel will sit. I will keep that open when painting. Thank you!

Thank you for the ideas !!!

A wonderful member here told me to do a Facebook live when I 'move in' and start painting again. So I will do that

Congrats! Nothing like having a dedicated space for art. Lots of storage for art supplies, like cabinets and shelves.

I do not think I have enough..... Ok, retail therapy!

A nice brush washer...

https://www.amazon.com/MyLifeUNIT-portable-Stainless-Portable-Cleaner/dp/B01DNYSBS2

Abbie,

For lighting, get a cheap 4 foot shop light and then use daylight fluorescent bulbs, cheap, here, maybe $6 a piece. Get the shop light fixture that has a big reflector, behind you and high on the ceiling. Great soft light....

Rich

I like that cleaner Becky, thanks! Looking at it now

Thanks Rich, will go see if that is feasible

Easy to clean floors and a window for ventilation. I would use LED lights, they make self contained units. I plan on installing something like that for the shop. We have like a dozen shop lights. I may be getting either T5 I think was the size or T8. They aren't that expensive. Used mostly for under lighting cabinets.


An exhaust fan for that window, especially if its rainy, window, winter, you'll want something that isn't just an open window. A fan is a good idea too.

And plenty of places to put things, shelves, cabinets, drawers etc. And a place to store the paintings when done or drying. Some place near the ceiling so you can store everything else under it. A counter space for craft projects is always nice.

https://www.amazon.com/Barrina-5000LM-Daylight-Output-Linkable/dp/B07Q49DNGS?ref_=ast_sto_dp&th=1

i'm thinking something like this maybe for my shop. You could even get strip lights and just solder where needed.

----Mike Savad

That's great, Abbie.
I wish you everything you wish for yourself to start with. In the past I had to improvise and started my acrylic painting in the living room. In the meantime I also have my own studio room like you. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable and everything else will come with time. All the best to you and your art.

Really, the best advice I can give is to temporarily ignore all the advice here. Lol. Live in your new space first, with the bare necessities. After doing this for a few weeks you will come to see just what YOU need.

Everyone’s needs are different and are determined by what they intend to do in the space, as well as what their own space is like in terms of size, lighting, etc.

I have stuff I don’t use simply cause I watched a few too many YouTube videos of people giving tours of their art studios. After working in my space awhile I learned first hand what it was that I personally truly needed and what would work for me and my space.

Thank you!! Really useful advice!! Thank you for the best wishes. I've spent so long using corners of a room, or just getting moaned at to move out of the way of the TV, this will be heaven lol

This is so awesome for you Abbie!

I have a dedicated home studio & LOVE it!

A comfy chair to sit back & stare at your art until you decide what it needs :)

Daylight bulbs in all your light fixtures,

Drop cloth or cheap rug is worry-free, not having to clean your floor.

Everyone has already chimed in with what else I would say :)

Oh you're going to LOVE your own space!!!

A place for a small tv so you can watch something. And a place for a laptop so you can continuously do tech support.


Oh and shelves with adjustable brackets

----Mike Savad

Congratulations, agree with everyone, and Donna is thinking how I am thinking. You will set it up the right way for you. All this advice is terrific, but you have your own ways and will see what is needed and how/where to place many of these suggested things as you start setting up and most of all painting!! I have a cart on wheels with 3 storage shelves that stack up and I can take them apart if I need to change where I want to paint. I can move it around in my studio, and while I am painting, it holds right what I need, next to my table and if needed I can change and move to my floor stand easel.

That's awesome Abbie! You will learn what is important as you grow into the space. I find a chair with wheels is very helpful. I also have a taboret on rollers that I keep next to my easel and chair. It has lots of drawers and the top can hold my computer to use for a reference if needed.
This is what i use to hold my palette, brushes, etc while I work. https://www.jerrysartarama.com/todd-reifers-signature-workstation

wonderful, you will be so inspired, congratulations, can't wait to see your new art space

Oh and a fire extinguisher. Overlooked, but never the less important. I have one of my printer, it pops if there are flames.


----Mike Savad

WOW, Abbie, I am so eXcited for you. Great advice, especially seeing what your needs may be, and giving yourself the time to find out. For me with posting my photography and writing my backstory, I need a no distractions environment.

My husband has an art studio, and one of the things he does while creating, is having music playing with no words. It creates a peaceful, creative atmosphere.

Wishing you all the BEST with your art journey ahead.

Chocolate

Lol. What Bonnie said!

It does not mater as long as it is a place you feel comfortable in. I have had many studios in my life, including working in my car it is all good as long as you feel good about it.

My kitchen is about done and all my stuff is nearly back in it!!!

I start on the art studio TOMORROW

O please share a pic of it after you're done.

Oh yeah, there just gotta be pics!

@Susan can you please share your plant room shelves/grid panel - thanks

Everything from the kitchen was in the room I'm going to use. It's an absolute tip. Plus his home gym is in there. So now to start clearing it to a blank canvas... So to speak

Here's the kitchen, before and now nearly done. Done enough i start work today cleaning the other room

Abbie, the kitchen looks beautiful! Can't wait to see what you do with the art studio!

I love the color of the cabinets!

The paint palette, cabinetry & flooring are all gorgeous! Thanks for sharing your before/after pics!

Wow, that is some kitchen upgrade!

Nina, I will try to remember to take a picture tomorrow when it's daylight. The only lights in there are grow lights and they are very purple so I need daylight to take a photo.

BTW, I like your new avatar, Abbie!

Fabulous kitchen makeover Abbie!

Beautifully designed,appliances, great colors, lots of light and like your floor covering as well.

Congratulation on your studio!!
I cannot give you advices, my room is simple, it was our guest room before, so I took out the double bed. What makes difference that I have two large table in it, and I told to everyone that it is my space, so I do here what I want how I want.
The result is that half of it is occupied with the 3rd table for my smaller son, because he also want to make his projects where I am. The dog is here, the cat is here, and my 40+ phalaenopsis orchids also moved in recently :DDD and my husband also come to read here in the corner.. only my bigger son come rarely because he is in the age that he like to close himself in his own room
so just a small room, I wanted all for myself, and now everyone use it even more than before when it was a guest room for nothing.

I will be looking forward to see your photos about it

Hahaha Dora!! So funny!! Like here.. Wherever I am are two big hairy dogs. However I'm sharing a living room basically, so they can stay in one half whilst i have the other... Separated.

All the furniture is now in. Loads of shelves and plants so far. Today is move in my art stuff that's been stored in a cupboard i couldn't get to.

I'm still excited... But now thinking it was a lot of work for someone who isn't a full on trained artist. Still... It will be my space and that's definitely worth it.

I'm glad everyone likes the kitchen... I love it. Bright, airy, and great to work in

Perhaps finish today? Got in the most important thing!!!! Shelf FULL of Green Cola ready for my painting days. I live on it when in the zone

Love your kitchen remodel, and your new art space is so exciting! Congrats!!

I had to look up Green Cola. I'd never heard of it, and now I need to see if I can find it in the US.

Green Cola is fabulous!!!

So... Here it is. As i work then obviously it will lose or gain items. All i need now is a small wheel for the clay... But I've no money left lol

Meet my writing and art room.

First photo is from the sitting room which is now the work in progress... Hence the mess.

I meant to add... Let us see yours!!!

If you need to load an image, https://abbie-shores.com/pixels

How beautiful! all the colors, tools and...Great, fun carpet!!

Looks cozy! I especially like the Grandfather Clock!

wow Abbie, you created a really nice space, always messy until its done and then setup, you made it look great - I am a bit jealous, no room in my house for only art but I just cleared out my garage and hopefully in the middle where the car should be it will become my photo studio/room for painting/drawing etc.
still a work in progress

love how cozy it is looking and never heard of green cola, must try to find it so I can taste it

Thank you :D Look forward to the garage studio!

Wow, the lighting is nice and bright just from the ceiling fixture & white walls! Awesome :)

It looks like you are all moved in & ready to create masterpieces (with the help of furry kids)

Yep. Two paintings started and backgrounds on both. I'm off. Thank you so much for your (and everyone's) input. I really took it all on board and think I've got it now. I'll leave this open for a little while to see if anyone shares theirs

Oh wow, good for you Abbie! That looks like a wonderful cozy place to paint!

It looks fabulous Abbie! I'm so excited for you!!

Thank you!!

I am closing this now but THANK YOU all for coming on this journey with me

Do not forget to share your artistic journeys, whatever they may be