Tag: art studios

Dreaming. An Art Studio Reading Nook.
It is with the reading of books the same as with looking at pictures; one must, without doubt, without hesitations, with assurance, admire what is beautiful.”

– Vincent Van Gogh

What to do while the paint is drying? If I have a comfy spot, I’ll grab a book and catch up on some reading.

As I’m daydreaming (a lot these days) about what my permanent studio will look like, I’m definitely conjuring up a cozy reading nook tucked in amongst the paint and canvas.

image found here

Here’s how the perfect studio morning would go– I step out my backdoor and take a leisurely walk to my studio among the trees.

image found here

After painting for a few hours, as I wait for the paintings to dry, I make a cup of coffee and curl up in my reading nook with a book. Maybe an artist biography (this Joan Mitchell bio is so good) or maybe I’ll just flip through a book of work by a favorite painter, like this book of Georgia O’Keeffe watercolors.

Of course, I dream about what that cozy little space will look like!

images found here here and here

Light walls, wooden floors, fresh, cozy, textured, warm. A place with plenty of natural light (good for reading and painting!) and an atmosphere of sweet calm.

Since I’m daydreaming, why not be specific? So I spent a little time on the Arhaus website and put together the elements of my dream studio nook! PS- Make sure to check out all their lighting options— so important for good reading! AND during their storewide sale this month 10% of the purchase price of all lighting and accessory mirrors will go to Global Dental Relief.

I think if you can’t go just a bit funky in an art studio, well, where can you? And a few of these may be a bit too nice for studio life, but a girl can dream right?!
1. Painting, Shadow On the Wall by Lesley Frenz. Must make sure furniture matches the artwork!
2. Rug, Zayne 8×10 Grey Rug by Arhaus.
3. Chair, Dori 31″ Upholstered Chair in Madeline Gold by Arhaus. For guests, but more likely the cat.
4. Light, Wooden Prism 22″ Chandelier by Arhaus. Don’t forget, buy this baby & that’s almost $70 to GDR!
5. Pillow, Boho Ivory Applique Pillow by Arhaus.
6. Sofa, Fiona 97″ Upholstered Tufted Sofa in Brussels Rosewood by Arhaus. I dream of velvet tufted sofas!
7. Chest, Teal Ming Cabinet by Arhaus. For book & blanket storage, obvi.
8. Ottoman, Gentry 50″ Upholstered Bench in Aliz Indigo by Arhaus. Somewhere soft for the tired footsies.
9. Mug, Black & White Tumbler by Studio Joo. Coffee tastes better when sipped out of something beautiful.
10. Throw, Faux Fur Brown Feather Throw by Arhaus. Something extra cozy for cold days in the PNW!
11. Pillow, Stone Washed Velvet Rectangular Pillow in Stone by Arhaus. Never enough pillows in my world.
Just thinking about this space and doing this exercise has me so very excited to settle into a permanent studio next year! I have no idea what it will look like or where it will be, but there will be books and coffee and pillows. Oh yes, there will most definitely be!

Image sources linked above.
November 8, 2017
Wearing. My Studio Style.

Every artist has their own style, not just in the work itself, but in the way they work. What we wear in the studio has as much to do with our personal style as it does with our working style. Messy painters and sculptors probably don’t wear precious clothing or jewelry in the studio!

My own personal studio style is an extension of what I like to wear every day. I don’t like changing clothes throughout the day and since I work freelance from home, I can pretty much wear whatever I like. I do, however, like to feel “ready” to work– I never roll out of bed in my pjs and get to work. Putting on my studio clothes is as much a signal to get down to painting as putting on my favorite music.

So what do I wear in the studio? Comfy clothes and shoes for a start.

My favorites are a t-shirt or tank under an oversized flannel or chambray with stretchy leggings.

I layer up because mornings here in the PNW are usually chilly but if I’m working hard, I’ll soon need to strip off that top layer. Fashion faux pas or not, leggings let me move easily and comfortably and they are my fave. I buy the cheapies from Target so I don’t feel guilty when they end up with paint on them.

Since living in the PNW, I can wear my most comfy old boots in the studio for most of the year.

In the warmer summer months, I opt for cheap flip flops I don’t mind getting paint and medium all over. Although, this year I’ve noticed a difference in the way my legs feel after wearing the flip flops in the studio all day so think I need to find a more orthopedically friendly choice.. ugh. Getting old is for the birds, ya’ll.

I always wear an apron in the studio– since we’re traveling light, my clothes need to be able to do double duty, so I can’t really have a set of clothes just for the studio. A sturdier apron works best for me, since I tend to use a lot of glazing medium, which has a heavy, glue like consistency and will go right through thinner aprons (which I discovered the hard way).

I rarely remember to remove my rings and watch before I start working, but find that acrylics clean up off them easily enough if I get super messy.

How about you? What’s your best get down to work wear?

Side note: All those artists I see on Instagram painting in bikinis or cute dresses and heels? No way you’re actually painting in that. Let’s be real with ourselves and each other.

All images by me.

October 4, 2017
Listening. My Studio Soundtrack.

Being an artist, especially a painter, requires a lot of alone time in the studio. Solitude can be blissfully peaceful and lovely but it can also be a bit lonely. To stave off that feeling ( and to get the creative juices flowing ), I like to choose a studio soundtrack that fits the mood of my work for the day.

My work often begins with the inspiring wild places Mr. F and I visit. Eddie Vedder‘s Into the Wild soundtrack captures the haunting majesty of big mountains and vast landscapes. I even created a Pandora* station based on the soundtrack, filled with wilderness-evoking music by Nirvana, Iron & Wine, Nick Drake, etc. It’s my favorite music for working on large canvases– mellow but full of energy.

*side note– is Pandora still a thing? There is probably a better source for online listening, but I’m still using Pandora. I’m uncool like that.

When working on smaller pieces, I bring the energy down a notch or two. The Innocence Mission provides a dreamy, misty atmosphere that gets me in the mood to settle in and lose myself in creating small beauties.

And then there are times when music just doesn’t fit. Usually when I’m gessoing or at the very beginning of new work, I find myself craving conversation and podcasts fill the bill. My favorite these days is Danielle Krysa‘s ( aka The Jealous Curator ) Art for Your Ear.

Danielle has a relaxed, easy interview style that makes it feel like you’re chatting with friends over cocktails. Seriously fun and such good information. Artists getting real.

I’ve also recently started listening to Cheryl Strayed‘s Dear Sugar Radio. I connected deeply with Strayed’s book, Wild and the ways our journeys parallel– the loss of a beloved mother to cancer, the love of hiking, how we’ve both found ourselves literally and figuratively in the Pacific Northwest.

Fresh Air is also a favorite, along with John Dalton‘s interviews with artists. I like to concentrate visually on the work, so I try not to watch videos in the studio while I paint but during breaks I love the Art Documentaries You Tube channel, especially the What Do Artists Do All Day series– the Tracy Emin episodes are especially wonderful.

What are you listening to these days? Any inspiring podcasts I should know about? Beautiful and beauty-filled music to inspire?

November 12, 2015
Artsy Spot: North Coast Open Studios & Eureka ArtsAlive

Every weekend Mr. F and I stay at home ( in other words, no camping or backpacking on the agenda ), we say we’re going to have a relaxing, chill weekend. But lately, our weekends around home have been anything but slow and this weekend was no exception! After a yummy breakfast in Arcata Saturday morning, we attended the Sustainable Living Expo– gotta get some ideas for the artsy dream home we’re saving our pennies for!

I try to take advantage of our weekends in town to do something artsy and lucky for me, this weekend we were able to take in not only a few stops along the North Coast Open Studios tour, but this month’s ArtsAlive in Eureka.

peggy loudon studio

peggy loudon studio

In addition to Peggy Loudon’s studio ( check out her website, stunning ceramics! ), we also took a peek into the studios of Libby George, who was kind enough to give me some pastel tips, and mixed media artist and painter Natalie Craig.

After a little rest, we headed down to Old Town for Eureka’s monthly ArtsAlive event. We were able to hit a few studios and galleries before meeting up with one of Mr. F’s coworkers for a drink.

lori goodman at piante

sheldon skillie at the black faun

The work of both these artists intrigued me with their references to ancient cultures– Bhutanese for Goodman, Native American Haida for Skillie. To reference aboriginal culture and customs in modern interpretations give me hope that these old traditions won’t be forgotten. And this busy but artsy weekend won’t be far from my own memory for a long time yet! Next weekend– hoping to get some painting time in!

All images are by Artsy Forager.

June 10, 2014
Artsy Dwelling: Where’s Your Artsy Spot

Touring artist studios at last weekend’s ArtsAlive got me day dreaming about my own future work space. As we travel, I paint either at our dining/kitchen table or on a collapsible easel Mr. F bought me a few years ago. I can’t wait for the weather to get warmer so I work out on our pretty little deck! Where do you like to set up your artistic command center?

If you work small like I do currently, or on paper, maybe a table works for you. A big flat surface where you can spread out and everything you need is within reach. And bonus– you get to sit down!

michelle morin on anthropologie

Or maybe you’re a traditionalist and working from an easel is your thing. A good sturdy, adjustable easel is a thing of beauty. There is one in the window of the local art supply store that I am totally coveting.

katie stratton on a beautiful mess

Perhaps you like working a la Jackson Pollock? It might be hard on the back, but working on the floor is great for large canvases or getting a different perspective on your work. And I’m pretty sure it’s a great workout.

isabella ducrot

A lot of artists like to mount their canvases on the wall and if we ever have the extra space, I would love to give this way of working a try. Would be especially fun in a studio in which you were free to make as big a mess as you wanted!

heather day

A lot of artists don’t have the luxury of a dedicated studio space, so we just find a place to land our artsiness wherever we can! Maybe it’s the kitchen island or a corner in the attic. If you’re an artist, wherever you happen to be, that’s your artsy spot.

sarah boyts yoder

So where’s your favorite artsy spot? I’m off to pin inspiration images for my someday studio! A girl can dream, right?

All image sources linked above.

April 10, 2014
Artsy Dwelling: Your Art Studio Style

As different as each artist’s work can be, so too is the way they work and the environment in which they find the most creativity. Some artists are lucky enough to be able to design their studio space to fit the way they work just perfectly, others take advantage of whatever available space may be at hand. And some, like me, out of necessity keep their supplies to a minimum so they can set up studio wherever they land! But oh how I long for the day when I can have a dedicated work space. Are you dreaming of your own studio space, too? What’s your current art studio style? What are you dreaming it could be?

found here

Do you like your space open & airy? Maybe like Willem de Kooning, you create best in bright white spaces with soaring ceilings and gorgeous light.

clockwise from top studios of kirra jamison | emily ferretti | lisa congdon | brenda hope zappitell

Don’t have a big open space? Paint every surface of your small studio white and remove any window treatments. You’ll be amazed at how much light bounces around the room!

Some artists work best in smaller, creative & cozy spaces. Filled with warmth and life, Monet-like spaces make you want to settle in with a cup of tea and paint your heart out.

found here

clockwise from left studios of isabelle tuchband | anahata katkin | claire basler | michelle armas

Paned windows, chandeliers and plants make a studio space feel like a creative home. And having a sweet pup around to love on helps with the creative frustration!

found here

No doubt working in a neatly organized space helped O’Keeffe achieve her soft, elegantly clean lined paintings. A tidily laid out space with supplies within arm’s reach allow an artist to concentrate on creating instead of looking everywhere for that one tube of paint..

clockwise from top left studios of scott waterman | jenny saville | mari andrews

Timothy Atwood said, Creative mess equals creative thought. And for many artists, I think this holds true. Most creatives are, by nature collectors. We need to be surrounded by a beautiful mess, so that inspiration may spark at any time. And let’s admit, sometimes, we’re just too busy creating to pick up. 😉

found here

clockwise from left studios of thomas campbell | cornelius volker | flora bowleg

What is your own studio style, Artsies? One of the above or a mix of all? Is a studio overhaul on your 2014 to-do list?

See more art studio style inspiration on my Pinterest board, Where the Artsy Folk Work. Have a dynamic studio to share? Leave a link in the comments!

All image sources linked above.

December 18, 2013
This Artsy Life: Weekend 2 [ Artsy & Mr. Forager go to Vegas ]

As part of my longing to share a little more of myself and our life with you, Artsies, hope you enjoy this second installment of This Artsy Life, a new series of posts in which you get to see a bit of how Mr. Forager & I live. Last weekend, we made my first & our first together ( and probably last ) trip to Las Vegas. While it was nice to get away and stay in a luxurious hotel ( thanks, Hotwire! ) and we can now cross Vegas off our list of must-sees while we’re in SoCal, we didn’t enjoy it as much as we thought we might. Not to sound snobbish, but I think we just hated the artificiality of it all. I know, I know, that’s kind of the point.. yet we found it very wearing. There were a few highlights though, including a trip downtown to the up & coming 18b Arts District. Truly if you go and need a break from all the spectacle, hop in a cab or take a bus downtown and visit the galleries & artist studios there. Your soul & spirit will thank you!

[ drinks at Gordon Ramsay’s Pub & Grill.. Hell’s Kitchen is a guilty pleasure of ours ]

[ sculpture imitating art ]

[ socio-political art at 18b ]

[ art square studios ]

[ art is a weapon ]

[ our contribution to the letter to the president art project ]

[ ok, so Vegas isn’t all bad ]

How about you, Artsies? Love Vegas or hate it? Want to see more of This Artsy Life? Artsy Forager is now on Instagram! Come follow and see what Mr. Forager & I find inspiring, comical, or just plain wacky!

January 14, 2013