Where ART Lives Magazine Volume 4 Number 3 | Page 95

In what town and state is your art studio located?
Denver, Colorado
What is your favorite thing about your studio?
My studio has one wall of north-facing windows, sky lights and many recessed
lights. It’s by far the roomiest and brightest studio I’ve ever worked in. My private
students tell me the light really helps.
I also love the light oak wood floors, the built-in book shelves and the Ikea ledges
for displaying and drying paintings. I prefer “crank” style floor easels and have two
of those—One just for painting and the other I keep clean for “show.”
Finally, I have a several paintings by other artists as well as many art books I’ve
collected since I was a teen that provide color and inspiration.
Would you describe your studio as messy or neat?
Because I have an open concept home visitors can easily see the studio so I tend to
keep the space fairly tidy. I also have two cats so I don’t leave out wet paint, etc. In
general, I organize my art supplies and books so I can find what I need quickly. That
being said, one day, I wouldn’t mind a space where I can be a bit more “wild” and
close the door when I need to.
Is our studio located in or out of your home?
I added the studio space as part of a first floor addition to my older home.
Originally the space was a covered back patio the previous owner (also an artist)
was using as a small studio. I’d been looking for many years in the neighborhood
for a first floor studio space and that’s why I bought this house even though it
needed a lot of work.
What do you do to set the creative mood in your studio before you begin
creating art?
I usually start with tying on an old baking apron I bought in Provence—it’s my
painting uniform. Sometimes I work in silence, but usually I put on a variety of
relaxing or upbeat music (jazz, classic rock, 80’s). I also find podcasts (particularly
an interview format) really helpful for keeping my “thinky” brain out of the way.
I also try to start my work session with a goal or intention so that I’m not painting
randomly. For example, I might say: Today let’s try a small landscape with a limited
palette and looser, thicker brushwork. That way I can more easily evaluate my work
along the way.
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