Monday 31 January 2011

Have Studio, Will Paint




Finally, the studio is finished, and I am getting used to a whole new way of working. 



Years ago in an art magazine I read an article about a successful artist, who had produced all his artwork in a tiny backroom, perched in front of a coffee table. With success came more money, and he built a big studio, only to find that inspiration did not strike, and the space failed to live up to his expectations. This is always a worry, that when we get the thing we want, it doesn't turn out to be what we hoped. 

Well I can say with confidence, having a studio is GREAT. It is warm, peaceful, and I get at least twice as much work done. Even the cat has his own place, (Every artist needs a muse):


 Unfortunately he cannot be persuaded to stay on his blanket, or indeed to wipe the mud off his feet:



Luckily he has so far not managed to get on the big table where I produce artwork. He also likes to sit with the (tasteful) Gnomes that boyfriend kindly placed on the decking out front, which makes for an amusing site:



Having finally gained workspace I first finished four mosaics I started recently:

A flower with black grout (lucky you can't see how my manicure looked after this one)...


 A romantic affair made from some of the smashed victorian crockery an artist friend gave me...


A fish on a wooden base...

 
and an abstract spiral made from a selection of bits and pieces...



And just to get back into painting, I finally finished this watercolour of Layer Marney Tower, only 6 months after I started it!

 
In between this I was catching up on paperwork and emails. Then at the start of last week I received a sample of the products I have been illustrating. This one is Norwich castle, I will post some photos of it built (it kept the teen amused for part of Sunday) next time.

 
Since then I have illustrated the Tower of London, 2 Ravens, Henry the 8th, Elizabeth the 1st, Colonel Blood (chap who nearly got away with nicking the crown jewels) and a Beefeater. For the same print run, but a different project I also illustrated a fairy house, 3 fairies, a treasure chest and 2 pirates.  

I have also provisionally booked a gallery for myself and my super saturday students to have our first exhibition in October. They appear to be excited and terrified in equal measure. It's a lot of work, but should be fun. 

A painting of a local sea view was started last week, but I am not sure when it will be finished, it's the end of the month and the accounts need doing. And apparently Westminster Abbey needs illustrating (Royal Wedding anyone?) Tomorrow I spend part of the day in Colchester, teaching a workshop for clients of the Mind charity.

At some stage, I am determined to take a day off this week!



7 comments:

  1. Your new studio looks fabulous, Michele, but it wouldn't suit me because I'd be afraid to make it messy - like your cat! But you have been extraordinarily productive! My favourite is the 'romantic' mosaic, I think but they're all lovely!
    And as for the 'Cat with Gnomes'....!

    Will be interested to hear whether you do actually have your 'day off'!

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  2. WOW Michele! Love your new studio. I'm not surprised at all that you're getting illustration commissions -your work is amazing. I also enjoyed reading your blog - fun to read.

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  3. I love your studio, I to waited for years to get my own space and when my sone left home last year had a room that I dedicated to my art and crafts, But alas I always end up in the dining room, i feel isolated and unispired by my new space and it has become a dumping ground. i need to relook and see what the problem is and see if I can sort it. But I can see whty you love yours so full of light and it looks very relaxing

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  4. Thanks for joining the party Michele:) I love your studio. I remember seeing a pic of it before, but don't remember the window seat. Love it!!

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  5. The window seat would be delightful if I ever got to sit on it, but the cat has nabbed it!

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  6. Fab studio, I'd love to have space where I can lay things out and not worry about putting things away because people are coming over or that I really need to clean and these bits are in the way lol.

    Also love that your cat joins you, I could see mine grabbing that sunny window seat too!

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  7. Thanks Sarah, yes it is lovely, it has it's own eco system too, my boyfriend walks in and says aargh I can't stand the heat, because I have it so warm, I am a chilly mortal. But I tell him, it is cheaper than heating the whole house if I were working indoors!

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