My Studio (And When You Don't Have One!)

I still can't believe that I actually have a real studio! It's miniscule in size, but after having to use my bedroom to paint in for about 15 years, it's real luxury!

One room I had was actually smaller than the bathroom and could only just fit a bed and my desk in.  That definitely was a challenge.  Maybe it's one reason why my art has got smaller and smaller as time goes on?!  Another one contained two sets of furniture, clothes and books, because I'd just moved back from university, so my painting area was relegated to a teeny corner amongst all the junk.  The most recent bedroom had tinted windows and painting in winter was almost impossible because the light was so bad.  Although in a way it was good for me because it stopped me obsessing so much over tiny details because I couldn't see them!

So if you are a person who is has to do your creative work in a bedroom, on the kitchen table, or some other inconvenient or tiny area; and if you see other artists' photos of their spacious workspaces complete with packaging stations, storage shelves and huge windows, and turn green with envy, please be comforted.  I know how you feel.  But I've learned that it's possible to make the most of whatever workspace you have and still be productive - it's sometimes even fun trying to be creative with what you can do in a small area. And an extra bonus: it certainly makes you keep things tidy!