Artistic Endeavors Archives | Page 41 of 58

Artistic Endeavors

designing a product

A year and a half ago, I was offered the opportunity to design home decor products. It’s something I had considered. and even hoped for, for a long time, but it just never came together. I was such a hands-on creator that I struggled with trying to communicate my vision to someone else. I also had to learn how to design something that could be manufactured (and shipped) on a larger scale. Well, the opportunity was “learn-as-you-go” and I have learned a lot. It took designing hundreds of products to learn what would sell and finally, some of the products that sold, have hit the market. (It takes a long time!) A few of my products have been floating around for a while, but none of them were branded. The other day, I received a message from a followers on Instagram. She had found some enamel signs at Hobby Lobby

January 22, 2018 103 Comments

Art

gaining space & resourcefulness

I said I was going to hang the postal sorter on the wall to gain some space on the table, so I did just that! Well, I say “I”, but Jeff actually did it for me. I did take everything down, tell him where I wanted it hung, and then put everything back, so I was a participant! He’s just better at hanging things than I am, given that he’s a perfectionist and, basically, a human level. It was a small change, but those few inches of table that I gained makes a big difference in the functionality of the space. I can put so much more on the table now and I have unobstructed access to the cubbies. I was able to make better use of the lower cubbies, since they weren’t blocked. So, I filled them with some small canvases, water color palettes, sketch books, etc. We hung

January 17, 2018 57 Comments

Artistic Endeavors

through the lens of a camera…

I did a proper photo shoot in my kitchen last week and there was something therapeutic about it. It was my first “real photoshoot” where I styled everything (removed the unsightly stuff like the toaster), used a tripod, tethered the camera, etc. There is something about taking a picture of something that makes me love it more. Well, maybe it’s more than just taking a picture, but taking my time taking a picture. Or a few dozen pictures! I’m not sure how to explain it, but I have always felt that way about antiques I find, furniture I paint, places I visit, and the rooms in my own house when I photograph them. The process of making sure everything is clean and aesthetically pleasing, seeing it through a camera lens, capturing it from angles that I hadn’t noticed before, etc… it just changes how I see it. I suppose I’m

January 16, 2018 69 Comments

All Things Home

studio tweaks

When I moved everything into the studio, I knew that they might not stay that way. I had an idea of how I would use the space, but that was based on the idea that the drafting table would be my primary work surface. Since I’ve been doing more painting than watercolors and drawing, I’ve been working mostly at my easel. That puts the work/storage table that houses my palette, brushes, paper towels, etc., on my left. As a righty, that means I’m reaching across my body constantly. I haven’t thought too much about it, but it is awkward at times and not ideal. The postal sorter is also monopolizing quite a bit of surface space on the narrow table, so things are a bit cramped. So, I’m going to move the easel where the drafting table currently is and I’m going to hang the postal sorter on the wall,

January 10, 2018 27 Comments

Art

100 meadows project | 61-80

When I made the half-hearted commitment to paint 100 meadows, I didn’t think I would make it this far. I was planning on not making it this far. But, this challenge has been a surprise and a gift. I never expected to see this much progress or to experience this much growth. I didn’t know I would start to feel at home in front of an easel and working with oils, a medium that was so foreign and intimidating, would become a preference. Above all, it’s shown me that artistic ability, which most of us stand back and watch people who possess it with some element of wonder and envy, can be learned, practiced, and improved. Seeing that truth play out at the end of my own brush has encouraged me to challenge myself even further and not shy away from subjects that intimidate me. I hope some of you

December 18, 2017 24 Comments

Art

100 meadows project | no. 41-60

I can’t believe I’ve made it over the halfway mark in the #100meadows project! When I started, I was pretty sure that I wouldn’t even make it this far, but now it looks like I will easily reach 100 and beyond. I’m already thinking about what my next art challenge will be! I still have a lot to learn, but it’s so encouraging to see how much improvement I’ve made just by daily discipline, practice, and reading up on oil landscape painting. As usual, I’ll share each painting, some of my notes on them, as well as the inspiration picture. No. 41 I was excited about painting another barn, but the shape and color of this barn had me a little apprehensive. I like how the sky turned out and the overall color and composition, but this one ended up lacking value and depth, so it looks a little flat.

November 6, 2017 30 Comments

All Things Home

art studio organization

This art studio is totally different from my last one. It’s about a 20th of the size, maybe even smaller than that. It doesn’t have storage closets, rolling dividing walls, or many zones for different tasks. This studio is designed specifically for small-scale creative endeavors and photography. No shipping, no office work, no big sewing or furniture projects. Even small-scale creative endeavors require lots of gear, though so art studio organization is vital! I am still figuring out how to maximize the space I do have, but this is what’s working for me so far… The large, antique hardware store cabinet is the focal point, statement piece, and most of my storage rolled into one. It’s perfectly sized for art supplies – everything from tubes of paints and brushes to canvas and papers. (For those who missed it, I found the cabinet on Craigslist. It came out of an old

October 26, 2017 No Comments

Art

studio organization

This studio is totally different from my last one. It’s about a 20th of the size, maybe even smaller than that. It doesn’t have storage closets, rolling dividing walls, or many zones for different tasks. This studio is designed specifically for small-scale creative endeavors and photography. No shipping, no office work, no big sewing or furniture projects. Even small-scale creative endeavors require lots of gear, though! I am still figuring out how to maximize the space I do have, but this is what’s working for me so far… The large, antique hardware store cabinet is the focal point, statement piece, and most of my storage rolled into one. It’s perfectly sized for art supplies – everything from tubes of paints and brushes to canvas and papers. (For those who missed it, I found the cabinet on Craigslist. It came out of an old hardware store in Maryland.) Someone asked and

October 25, 2017 34 Comments

I’m Marian, a painter, writer, and lover of all things creative. From art and antiques to home projects and everyday life, I share my journey in hopes of inspiring you to embrace your own creativity and make beauty in the spaces you live.

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