As we were looking for an apartment or home to rent for the month between moving out of our house and driving out east, we had a few requirements. Number 1, we didn’t want it to be outrageously expensive and, let me tell you, renting furnished apartments by the month can get absolutely crazy. I was not prepared! The second thing is that we wanted to have enough space so we wouldn’t feel on top of one another for four weeks. That would be three bedrooms so the boys could each have their own personal space. The final thing is that I needed a place to work…a temporary studio.
My work can pretty much be done anywhere. I just need my laptop and wifi and I can be productive, but I knew that I would really want a space that felt conducive to writing, painting, and creative work. When I spotted this three-bedroom duplex in an older home, I knew it would be perfect. It is tighter than we’re used to, but the boys each have their own room, we have two couches, so we can all pile on and watch a movie, and the dining room is a perfect temporary studio for me.
Not only does it have a large work surface, but it is neutral and filled with a lovely light in the morning and afternoon.
Of course, it does mean we often eat on our laps, but we can work with that! The boys sort of scoot things out of the way to make room for a bowl of cereal and we have a lot of picnics on the coffee table.
I initially took over just a portion of the table, but I continue to spread out as I work! That’s natural a natural thing in any studio and it carried over into this temporary studio.
When I was packing what to bring, I was practical in that I brought paints, solvents, and finishes I didn’t want sitting in a hot container. I brought things I knew I would want to use. But, I also brought things that were purely for my own enjoyment and to make a temporary space feel a bit more like mine. I brought a few of my favorite antique art boxes and other decorative goodies.
Necessary? No. Practical? Probably not given that we have to haul everything with us for an indefinite period of time. But, that was what encouraged me to keep these pieces with me. I will be setting up a temporary studio for an indefinite period of time and I’d rather a few more things than not enough! And I definitely have enough.
In addition to my art boxes, a couple of travel easels, solvents, and paints, I have brushes, a marmalade crock to hold the brushes I’m using…
…and even some things like oyster shells to use as subjects.
I can tell you that I am missing my drying ledges. Right now I have paintings all over the place while they are drying. But, that is a sign of productivity. It’s a sign that the temporary studio is serving its purpose nicely.
I’ve been doing some master studies, which I have been enjoying immensely.
I’ve also played around with some abstracts, which is outside of my comfort zone. I’ve grown to admire a great piece of abstract art in a more traditionally decorated room. There is something very interesting and compelling about that combination. I imagine painting a large abstract and putting it in a gilt frame. I sort of love these little simple studies and I look forward to doing more.
And I’ve been painting some pictures from vacations as well…
I’ve been having a grand old time arting away! I’ve also been writing and working on some of the other projects I mentioned last week, but drawing and painting have gotten most of my attention.
In addition to missing drying ledges, I am really missing drawers. I am working out of bins (which are not very organized) and I definitely get frustrated as I’m looking for things. On top of that, I have to lift lids with wet paintings on top to dig through the contents.
But, I am so thankful for a great space to work and play.
The things I miss in this temporary studio will make setting up a new permanent studio all the sweeter.
14 Responses
I love seeing what you’re up to and how you make things work for you and your family. Have you thought of using those sweater drying racks (which easily come apart later for transport) to dry your little paintings on? You’d just put paper under them on the floor and put the rack(s) over that and you’d have lots of places to dry paintings without having to move them. 🙂
I enjoy abstracts too, but I haven’t a clue where to begin; how do you get inspiration for one?
A true artist (as you are) can set up anywhere!!! I bet this is a great time of enjoyment for you as you are not bogged down with all the normal household chores.
As I was reading, in the third section……. “I bought a few of my favorite antique art boxes” I was thinking…”oh!! no she is buying MORE to move. How will she fit it all in the car!!!??? I think you forgot to put the “R” in brought!!!! lolo…..
Ha! I said bought and brought in that paragraph about things, but I meant brought on all of those. Must’ve been a slip. ? That being said, I have bought things, but I have it shipped to my mom!
You have made that dining room into a lovely studio. It definitely says, “Miss Mustard Seed.” With just a few touches, you have made it speak your name.
You were very lucky to find any place to rent for just a month especially with the housing market as it is. Just saw on the news there are bidding wars on renting anything now not to mention buying. Love all your posts and especially where you will travel to this summer then where you will land.
Rent is crazy right now even for the smallest of places. I should have went into real estate years ago. Glad you are finding your little space and actually being productive. I love the study of the lady doing hand sewing. My mother used to hand quilt all the time, and I enjoy sewing myself. Hope your boys are adapting and doing well.
While we were in Florida for the month of February last year , I brought my oil paints and did several small canvases. I found canvases at th Dollar Tree store. I used pizza boxes to transport them home to Ohio . You are so creative and I’m sure you will make things work .
Where are the animals? The first thing I thought of when you said you had paintings lying around drying was “how does she keep the kitties off them?!”
Catching up on my blog reading. I think Marian said the animals are staying with her parents or in laws.
You could try using a folding wooden drying rack meant for hand washables as a drying rack.
You will look back on these crazy days with fondness.
Your temporary space is still absolutely gorgeous. I am really impressed to see your beautiful little abstract studies and I cant wait to see one in your new home space as time goes by. You are the only woman I know that can photograph bins of art supplies and make them look sweet and pretty! Someone should make you a trophy! Seriously 🙂
you are making the space work…I am going to be downsizing and moving in a few months. Keeping my home so my kids can rent it from me… yes they are paying…It is making me take a good look at my most valued treasures …
Bravo! Love how you can make any lemon into lemonade, Marian. Well done.