For this exercise, the OCA asked me to think about my creative workspace and answer the following questions.
Do you already have a studio or a space where you can creatively experiment and make your artwork?
At the moment, my creative space is under my stair case. This is where I produce all my blogging and any computer generated designs. For other more practical creative works such as painting or drawing, I use a drawing board that is in my children’s playroom or sometimes at the kitchen table. However, in the next few weeks I will be converting the children’s playroom in to a studio.
Below is an image of my studio-space that I use most of the time. This is under my staircase and although it is small it fits my laptop, Huion drawing tablet, some reading books, sketchbooks, a daylight lamp and note-pads.
Under the stairs office
When I need to have a creative space to draw or paint, I either will set up my drawing table or work at the kitchen table.
Kitchen table
Drawing table
Below is a sketch I drew to show what my typical day working in my studio can be like.
I then developed the sketch further with water colour and pen and changed a few things such as the scale and positioning of my dogs and added my youngest son who is never far from me.
I have been thinking about what type of art I’ll produce in my new studio and the items I’ll need to make a comfortable workspace. Below is a list of things I have considered for the new room.
- Good Lighting. I have blinds which I can open to allow natural light in but it can get quite dark so will need to think about alternative artificial lighting too. A bright light that won’t create shadows in my workspace.
- Comfortable Seating: I have an office chair which is adjustable, but I would also like to get an adjustable stool to support me while I work at an easel.
- Storage: Currently I have a kallax unit from Ikea but it is old and needs replacing. I will probably will get the same as it has lots of storage to organise my art supplies and tools. Around the room, I’ll also be adding lots of shelves. I would like to get a drying rack too, as I have found it difficult to find places for prints to dry.
- Inspiration Board: Around the room I am going to hang artist’s work that inspire me and put up a corkboard to display my ideas, sketches, and images that inspire me.
- Sink and water: Thankfully, I have a utility with an old sink where I wash all my pallettes and brushes.
Visual Skills 2 