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My 'newly renovated' work space.

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In my last blog post I mentioned that my studio had gone through a major renovation. This prompted several of you to send emails asking for pictures.  After nearly three months packed up in crates, I have everything pretty much back in order.

 

My studio is an example of creative thinking.  It is my 'den', my 'FASO tech support work station', and my 'art studio'.  As you take the tour around the room you will see what I am talking about.

 

The white furniture you see are the remains of an old bedroom suite.  It is the 'wall hugging' modular type you might see in a childs room.  The chests are only 19' deep and 29' tall.  The perfect desk height.

 

I've used glass coffee table tops to create 'work spaces' between the chests for my computer station and my painting area.  I found the glass at Hobby Lobby...quite reasonably priced.  

 

"My Nest"	"My FASO Computer Desk"

 

I've always had a need for a "Nest".  This is my comfortable chair, with everything I need close at hand.  I sit here to THINK and read.  There are pads of paper and pencils in the basket beside the chair.  I can make quick sketches or even do a not too large lay out drawing. 

 

The small table is handy for a 'drink' and even has a favorite scented candle on it.  My Bose Radio is on the chest to the right...for playing some 'soft jazz' to stimulate my creativity.  A foot stool for my feet, a glass of wine, some soft music - what more could you ask for.

 

The second picture is my FASO work station.  For those FASO artists who have spoken with me during a Tech Support call...(I'm sitting in the white office chair right in front of the window).  Here you see how the glass coffee table top works as a computer desk.  Everything is close at hand.  I can reach to my right and grab something from the printer, the drawers to the left contain the usual office supplies and a few frequently accessed files.

 

"Painting Area"	"Close-up of glass top"

 

The photo above on the left is of my painting area.  This is on the wall opposite my 'nest'.  Once again you see the glass I used to create a work area for the art side of my world.  The coffee table glass is 28" deep and 52" long. Extending out further than the depth of the chests, it provides a nice sized area to paint and draw. 

 

I do smaller works most of the time, when working on larger pieces I use an easel - but I still try to sit to paint.  I've stood 35 years as a hairdresser...I'm done standing, the body just wont take it any more.

 

The TV and the books to either side of the work space are sitting on what used to be book shelves hanging on the walls.  I painted the book shelves the same color as the chests, turned them upside down and used them as 'risers' for the TV.  The basket under the shelf on the right holds my most used drawing supplies.

 

"Work Station"

 

Directly across from my FASO computer desk  is the Work Station where I do my final lay out drawings.  The table shown is a counter height bar table I picked up at a garage sale for $10.   I had to replace the glass top...but still a steal for the price!  It works perfectly.  Some times I stand others I perch my self on the stool. 

 

The cabinets on either side of the table were actually made for 'stampers'.  I use them for various painting supplies.  I also have several drawers dedicated to projects I'm working on...unfinished drawings, painting sketches, pre-cut mat boards and probably a few other things I've forgotten about.  Just a great place to stash what you don't want laying out.

 

Well, I believe that concludes the 'studio tour'...just short of opening the closet doors, (and you really wouldn't want to see that)!

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Now I think you should share photos of your studio set up.  It would be interesting to see how other artists have adapted their space.  After all, we are creative people at heart and making something work is part of that.  You'll have to come back and post a link when your pictures are up so others can follow you.

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Genesis 9:16
Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth.”
Genesis 9:15-17 (in Context)

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Opening Night...David Strawn Art Gallery

Saturday November 6, 2010

 

The photo above isn't even a third of the people who came to my opening night at the David Strawn Art Gallery.  There were so many familiar faces...some I had not seen in years.  The evening was very humbling and exhilarating, all at the same time.  There were two main gallery rooms and an entrance hall.  The walls were filled with my Paintings and Drawings and the rooms were filled with people. 

 

I gave a 'gallery talk' and my niece took the photos below...I never realized that I was this animated when I spoke, but my daughter was quick to chime in with "You certainly are..this is exactly how you talk".  So much for what I perceived as the 'professional me'!

Secondary Gallery room...   The image above is of the smaller gallery room where my drawings hung...a total of 22. You can see a few on the wall behind the people.

I wanted to show you the beautiful hors d'oeuvres table set up by Nick and Jeanie Xamis but couldn't get a clear photo for all the people in the room.  Nick and Jeanie prepared an array of Greek delicacies for the evenings enjoyment.  Everything from beautiful chocolates to savory quiche and meats.

To top the evening off with the perfect atmosphere there was music.  I'm not certain of the instrument shown here but it played the most lovely tone and the song selections were perfect.  My great niece is shown here trying her hand at 'making music'.

Earlier they had been singing 'Itsy Bitsy Spider' and she was doing the animations.   You can see a few of my portraits hanging on the wall in the background.

 

I wouldn't have changed a thing about the evening. I was surrounded by friends and my family. I met so many lovely new people and reconnected with others.  I sold several pieces that night.  The exhibit will hang until the end of November.  Who could ask for more!

 

On a final note:  My art career did not start until later in life and I want to say a special thank you to all those who have encouraged me along the way, (even those of you who 'gently' pushed me).  You know who you are so no need to mention names:)  Please know what a blessing you have been and how much I appreciate you.

 

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Psalm 5:11
But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love  your name may rejoice in you.
Psalm 5:10-12 (in Context)

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Let Me Introduce Myself:
Hello, I'm Marsha Robinett, and I'm from Lincoln, Illinois...right in the middle of corn country.  I am a working hairdresser and started my career as an artist later in life...at the age of 57, to be exact!  As a self taught artist, I work mainly in carbon pencil with accents of graphite and charcoal. 

I enjoy drawing still life and doing commissioned works of most any subject...from your grandchild  to your grandmother, your antique car or your daughter's first ballet slippers, your son's baseball uniform or even "Gretchen," your ten-year old basset hound.  Working mainly from photographs, I strive to create a realistic image that reflects the essence of the subject while projecting my own unique style as an artist. 
View my complete profile.

Be sure to visit my other sites:
         Marsha Robinett Fine Art
         My Starving Artist Portfolio
         My Squidoo Lenses:
                  1. Drawing  Techniques:  using carbon, charcoal, and graphite.
        
            
Enjoy your visit and please contact me if you have questions.
Marsha Robinett       Read More