January Studio Cleanup

Good morning this cold January day. The beginning of a new year is a great way to restart your life and make exciting changes. The teacher in me always loved the beginning of September and the beginning of January and for some strange reason this habit has stayed with me.

Stormy days lead me to introspective thought while I am cozily tucked into my favourite chair in front of the fire. We have had a few. I have come to the conclusion that I need to let more of my sewing stuff go. Looking at  all these materials and equipment  that I can't play with just keeps me stuck in that place so it is time to let it go. I can still embroider and do beadwork so those things will stay. The rest I will sort through, sell or give to friends who will be able to use these items.

I tackled my little 10 ft. x 9 ft studio first. ( Wrecked my knees with all of the trips up and down the basement stairs). Tore it all apart, took the sewing stuff to the basement and bought an IKEA cabinet to store paper and finished paintings. Sorted through all my stuff, found things I forgot I had and added four project boxes found on sale at Canadian Tire.

This Ikea cabinet I found in the business section. It took me two hours to put together by myself, woohoo! I first laid out all the parts, and read the instructions. Great paper storage solution.
Since I like to work on more than one project at a time I also bought four see through project boxes.

The more paintings I finished the more holes I put in the wall. So I decided to use some plastic, removable hooks, not the perfect solution but it works. The bulletin boards holds cards from friends and keeps important notices and papers in sight so that I cannot forget. Artists are such visual beings.

 My old Ikea shelves are a great place to store supplies and keep things within reach, they are at least 20 years old.  Just like the grocery store I keep the most frequently used items within arm's reach.

The white boxes ( no longer available, darn ) hold my smaller items and are labelled. Of course I had to highlight my cards. These little paintings are a delight to do and bundles of them make great gifts. My supply is getting low so I will have to play some more.

Now ready to work.

First painting of 2017

Funky Flowers #11.

Over the holidays I met two lovely women who wanted to buy a flower piece. I am happy to say that because of demand, I only had two left, I had to finish a piece already started and then have it sent to them. A nice thing about a commission is that it can be customized to the clients wishes. After selling the pieces in the fall I bought some coloured India Inks which I was able to incorporate into the piece. Added some peachy orange which really enhanced the painting.

Last Paintings of 2016

Funky Flowers # 10

Of course when Christmas time comes around it is always great to give paintings to members of your family and your friends. As the work is completed I always take note of which painting strikes a cord with which friend, especially if you are working on something fun and new. I find it really great to audition new work to someone who at least is on your side. Then I am ready to present it to the public.

"B"

This one was very much fun, it is the portrait of a favourite stuffed animal for one of my biggest and favourite admirers. 

White Rooster

This gift went to a family member who loves chickens. When making a custom piece you can keep in mind their decor and choose your colours accordingly.

2016 was a great year for me, I think that I got my art groove back. Joining B.A.S. has been a delight and I am looking forward to another productive year. And I have made a promise to myself to paint daily, no matter how little, how silly, or how little time I may have on a particular day.

 I am moving on!!!!