I am lucky enough to have two spaces to work in – my office inside the house where I do my ‘real’ work (i.e. work I get paid for!), with computer, scanner and all the other related paraphernalia – and a shed in the garden. The shed is shared, so I only have half. In the other half there are bicycles, weights, some tools and tables where the other occupant does mysterious things with cables and soldering irons, and other unidentifiable bits of hardware. It is a blissful place to work, no distractions of emails, but with radio or music or talking books in the background.
The table is actually a sewing table with fold down sides, so it can be folded up and pushed back against the wall when I need more space, but opened up fully I can really spread out. There is a floor-standing light with magnifier, handy for miniatures or fine detail, and a hard floor to cope with spills or paint splatters. The magnifier is covered with a bag as I discovered to my cost that sunlight going through it at the right angle can start a fire …
On the drawing table is a work in progress, a series of studies of broken shells in pencil, but there is another drawing under way which uses the coloured pencils set out. On the back of the table are some recently completed works in oil on board and on the wall are some of the small oil paintings on canvas, which have been a continuing series over the last four years or so.
Light pours in from the folding doors that open to the garden, letting sunshine and fresh air in. So what am I doing sitting at my computer writing this? Time to go!
Gosh, I get jealous (not seriously) what a beautiful place to work and what beautiful paintings
LikeLike
It is a nice place. Thanks Mitza!
LikeLike
This looks like a slice of Artist heaven! Lovely space with magical light. You look very organized. Wonderful to see your paintings up on the walls, so inspirational!
LikeLike
It’s only recently become this organised, and it made such a difference! It always was nice and sunny, but I am now using it so much more.
LikeLike
It looks like such a beautiful space! I’m very envious!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Looks very nice Anna!
LikeLike
Thank you Ingrid!
LikeLike
Yah, I love seeing where artists work and this is a lovely studio. It is also exciting to see your work in situ as it gives it a sense of scale. Yours is way neater than mine. The colours of the walls are beautiful, such a warm, tranquil space, thanks for sharing. Karen
LikeLike
That is such a good point about seeing the scale of the works – something that concerns me showing my work on line is that it gives an inaccurate impression of the work. Thanks Karen, always appreciate your insights!
LikeLike
What a great space, with a great view!
LikeLike
Thanks Elena, it is a very peaceful place to be!
LikeLike
Such a happy and positive space, Anna. Who even needs a glass of wine as a relaxant when one has such a spirit-lifting environment? If this is your shed, I bet your house is warm and inviting too – and filled with lovely art.
LikeLike
What a lovely thing to say! Thank you so much Julie.
LikeLike
That’s the poshest shed I’ve ever seen! Not to mention the tidiest.
LikeLike
You can only see one corner Annette – not so posh on the other side! And it is nice and tidy there, but not always. I do try to keep it under control though …
LikeLike
Wow, Anna! You are so blessed to have two places to work, and your work is amazing and beautiful, but I hear you about sitting at the computer. However, I am so glad you did take the time to write and share your space with everyone. It is inspiring! My main place of creating my paintings is a table in our bedroom. When I am working on small drawings, I am usually in a chair with the T.V. on! That may sound weird, but I can get a lot done during a movie. We have a small house and the garage which is too packed with “stuff” for a car, is also detached from the house and is always either “too cold” or “too hot” to work in. I am waiting for the day that one of the kids move out so I can take over their bedroom! 🙂
LikeLike
I really am blessed Patsy, but the shed is a fairly new environment for me – it used to be a dark, damp garden shed but about 5 or 6 years ago we rebuilt it and made it habitable, but I have only been using it properly for a couple of years. Its amazing what we can make do with when we have to!
LikeLike
Yes, you’re right! I just wish our garage wasn’t so hot in the summer and freezing in the winter. We live at a very old fish hatchery that my husband works at, so these houses are over 50 years old. The garages are detached, too. I think if we could just get it cleaned out enough, I could use space heater out there in the winter, but it still wouldn’t be very comfortable having to wear a coat or layers of clothing to work in. So I just have to wait for one of the kids to move. The space I have in our bedroom is fine for now. 🙂
LikeLike
The kids will be gone sooner than you think, the time flies past, then you will be able to spread out!
LikeLike
Yeah. Deep down I am not looking forward to them being gone, but on the other hand, my son’s antsiness to leave, lately, makes me feel tense! 😉
LikeLike
What a super personal space Anna .. as others have already said it looks so neat !! And again to see your art displayed like that does give a sense of scale . You have such an all seeing eye … it’s lovely to see your world in paintings .
LikeLike
Thank you Poppy – it has changed entirely since I took that photo, still relatively neat but the table just has one large sheet of paper, a couple of brushes, some weights and a big pile of cling wrap …. an experimental drawing coming up! It is very useful to be able to display my work on the wall like that. I have a very handy man in my life who put up the hooks (not to mention the fact he built the shed)!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Anna, I have turned slightly green. What a beautiful work space! I don’t think I would ever want to leave it. I like the thought of having a creative space without technology. You have the best of both worlds…
LikeLike
It really is the best of both worlds Patsy, I am very lucky. Have to pinch myself every now and then!
LikeLike
(:
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much for this post. I enjoy seeing, very much, how artists carve out a space for themselves to work. Your space is warm, inviting, and so inspirational. I especially like seeing all of your work around your area.
LikeLike
I love seeing other artist’s studios too, so I am delighted you liked a glimpse into mine. Once I am in there working I can get lost in my artwork. Thank you for visiting!
LikeLike
A vast improvement over my dining room table! I never quite got around to clearing out my ‘spare’ bedroom, maybe it’s about time.
LikeLike
It took me a while to get the shed ready, then a bit more time for me to get used to using it, but it is such a joy now. Go for the spare room, you will enjoy it!
LikeLike
Nice view, and nice work. And all those colours!
LikeLike
Thank you Bente – I am a little bit embarrassed to admit those aren’t my only pencils – I am a bit addicted to them, there are a few more tins lurking around, but they do get used!
LikeLike
I always like to see the places where creative people or artist work, thanks for showing yours! And yes, it’s very nice, it must be a pleasure to sit and concentrate on your ideas.
robert
LikeLike
It is a good place Robert, I feel quite privileged to have it. It constantly changes though, right now I have moved the drawing board and the table is filled with the constructions I have been making from my prints!
LikeLike