Why I Love My Basement Studio
Years ago the thought of having a studio in the basement seemed depressing. Lack of light, ventilation, and chilly cement walls did not feel inspiring. With two active teenagers I needed a place that was all mine, a place where I could concentrate on painting without being interrupted. 8 years later I love my studio. It is a work space that fulfills my needs as an artist and a teacher. Here are some of the things I have done that help me work effectively in my studio.
Lighting : A studio is all about the lighting. The best investment I made was the purchase of eight florescent bulbs by LUMICHROME. These fluorescents are 5000 k and 40 watts each. They give a balanced spectrum of light and have a CRI (color index rating) of 96. The paintings I do in the studio look good under any other lighting conditions. I also use them as a source to photograph my work. They were pricey when I purchased them but I still have the original bulbs from eight years ago so I am happy with the investment.
I purchased my bulbs online. Since that time there are more companies offering them online and the price has dropped considerably. Phillips also makes a good light that can be purchased at Home Depot or Lowes. The label should read 40T12 “Natural Light”.
Work stations: Being an artist who works in several mediums and teaches means that my studio has to meet different requirements. I found over the years organizing my studio into a series of work stations has helped me work more efficiently. These workstations meet specific needs, some of them overlap but each serves a purpose.
Painting area- painting supplies, easels, tv trays, stand lights, plein air boxes and easels, chairs and a captains chair for models. Still life objects line shelving units along with different color cloths.. My laptop and monitor face the painting area. I work from a 24” monitor when I paint from a photographic reference.
Business area, l have a row of files boxes on the opposite side of my painting area. They include files for teaching, exhibition information and catalogs, business receipts, and collector/ student contact information. I also use a white board to list upcoming exhibitions, acceptance info and shipping dates.
Paintings,- My framed paintings hang on a metal display panels that are used for art shows.
Framing- I have a selection of frames, most in standard sizes. I also have a mat cutter and tools for framing on a table.
Workshop bins- Because I travel and teach I have developed bins that hold all I will need to teach particular workshops. Each bin has a master list of the supplies that I check off as I prepare to leave. I also include the lesson plan and handouts for each particular workshop.
Shipping- Strong boxes and boxes I have constructed myself. I save bubble wrap, foam, and protective corners for shipping to re use for future shipments.
Open shelving- If I can’t see it I won’t use it. I use open shelves to store much of my equipment. My space is small and everything in the studio is used. Keeping it out in the open helps me keep tabs of what I have. I store my unframed work on a backers rack. The rack is separated into subject matter to help me locate a painting.
Wheels- Many of the shelving units and taborets are on wheels. This allows me to reconfigure the studio easily for workshops or whatever purpose I may need. I keep the majority of my pastels on a three tiered rolling cart. When I want to work in pastel I roll out the cart to the easel, when I am finished I roll it back to its out of the way spot. The top tier of the cart holds an array of pastels organized into 4 values. The middle shelf is for pastel sets, and the bottom shelf is for aluminum pizza trays that hold pastel pallets for specific paintings I am currently working on.
Comfort
Temperature control It is a basement and in the winter it is cold. The addition of a quartz infrared heater allows me to paint in warmth and safety. A dehumidifier runs in the summer.
Entertainment and Education. I use my laptop to listen to music and books on tape. When I have busy work to do, such as gessoing panels, I will watch movies or art instruction DVDs.
My studio was created on a shoestring budget and much of my gear is from discarded objects that have been repurposed. The studio has changed as my needs have changed and while it is not fancy it suits my purpose. Would I like a new studio with a large north light and endless storage space and state of the art classroom space? Yes I would, but until I win the lottery I am content with a studio space that is mine and functional.
