Studio design

[T-Rex]

We're getting ready to build a new house and my hubby is including a studio in the plans, :clap: :D :clap: What would you suggest as a must/must not have? Got to make sure I think of everything........Karen (no carpet, of course):p

[Mary Kay]

Hi Karen, what a great opportunity for you! We rebuilt a garage last year, and added a second story for the studio in the new building. Since the size was predetermined, I decided first how I wanted to utilize the space...a teaching area, a framing area, a painting area, wall space for finished work, and storage. lots to pack into 18x32 feet, but it is working out wonderfully.

I have windows on one end and french doors on the other, the painting area is near the french doors to take advantage of the light. I also have 2 ceiling fans and 6 sets of track lights, along with a drawing table combo light. lighting is one thing to consider.

I bought 2 -6foot tables, these create a 4x6' surface area that doubles for teaching and framing. I keep a matcutter, shrink wrap, and light box on an old set of drawers along the side wall.

I'm a watercolorist, so a kitchen sink is there too. i have 12 feet of cabinets on one side, and 12 feet of bookcases on the other side. only have about 3 half-shelves of books, and it is great storage for still life objects for my classes.

I did get a carpet, low pile, not too light or dark, some variation in the color to hide spots. I also added a phone and cable line, I hope to put a computer up there eventually.

It is a wonderful work space, and I get lost in it. i have friends who are oil painters, sculptors, photographers. i couldn't work in their studios, they couldn't work in mine. every artists' needs are different. just start making a list of what you want to do, then a list of what you need to do it. don't leave anything out. it's easy to take things out later, but a devil
:evil: to put it in after the fact.

good luck, have some fun, and I am thrilled for you. keep us updated on your progress.
Mary Kay

[Mich451]

I agree every artist has their own need for different things. Running water is a must and i can tell you that you can never have too many tables/counters.

I have 5 giant work surfaces at waist height and I need more...giant to me is 8X12 feet.

[T-Rex]

Thanks MK,Mich (like that tater) for the ideas, I've got a running list started now.....I can't tell you how much it helps, the wheels are turning!


I' m into water media, too....h2o is a must... my concern w/ carpet is my ongoing desire to grab acrylics and ink:D :p Got 3 6'x 3 tables now that constantly are covered, more needed 4 sure, I'm going to put in for more sq ft if I can get away w/ it:evil: :angel: ....I'm in the position now to request it all....I will, too hee,hee,hee:angel: :angel: :evil: :angel: ....Thanks a bunch, Karen

[Leopoldo1]

Originally posted by T-Rex
We're getting ready to build a new house and my hubby is including a studio in the plans. What would you suggest as a must/must not have?

My wife and myself had a pole barn built and off that we divided it into 2 studios, each 20'X18'. As big as this might appear to some it is quickly becoming too small. The point is, it can never be built large enough! We both wish we had the others space and the wall divided us wasn't there. She has a sink and the water supply. We both paint differently and I chose the north facing direction with only 1 small window on the north so I can darken the studio easily with a stream of north light to paint from. She has alot of windows. I chose to attach my studio photo to show one wall with a simple easel structure to hold very large canvases if you decide to paint large. High ceilings are nice where daylight renderingflourescent bulbs can be hung. :oL

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/11-Jul-2001/studio5.jpg

[Mary Kay]

Electric plugs! Add more electric plugs! I'm already using those extensions with 6 plugs each. I tried to get plugs in the middle of the floor, for spotlights and the drawing table, but that idea was nixed. i'm sorry now that i didn't push more for that. I'm tripping over extension cords.

MK

[T-Rex]

I am so glad I posted this thread and even more glad to have your input, thanks all.

I would not have thought about floor plugs for sure even tho I have the extension thing going on now. Thanks MK

And Leopoldo, SPACE....I went right to the man and relayed you and your wife's experience. I was thinking about a space about 20 x18 but I'm going for more. If I don't I'll miss the chance! Hadn't considered ceiling height in regards to the lighting but that's an integral part of it now isn't it? I'll have to think on that one. Thanks L

This input is proving invaluable for me:D ...........Karen:D

Having a ball here:clap:

[weece]

:)
This is interesting - to view Leopoldo's studio...( I love his work..) and read everyones comments....

We are also renovating in the next year, and our ideas are including a studio space for me too, even though I have just started painting, it is great to have room. My main request is to take advantage of natural light as much as possible, also so that is is cool in Summer, warm in Winter... 'cos I love feeling cosy when I paint. I havn't got to finish plans of what my room will be like, but I sure am looking forward to it, and hope to have a wonderful place to sit for hours.

[T-Rex]

Thanks for the reply Weece. Hope your space turns out great. Me too on the light. ( I just want to see out as many windows as I can have:D ).....Karen

[4vincent]

Karen,

I remember when I was in the process of getting mine built, I perused some back issues of American Artist and Artist Mags for the issues pertaining to studio design and layout. Maybe you can dig some of these up, or go into past forums on studio design discussion.
My suggestions would be as other have suggested plus having mobile elements. Easels and cabinets on casters make future studio space adjustments easier. As stated before, there's never enough room; my studio is 20 by 30 and getting smaller everyday.
You can find pics of it along with other's studio in the reference section or here:

http://www.wetcanvas.com/RefLib/cgi-bin/imageFolio.cgi?direct=Cafe_Guerbois_Painters_Group/Artist_Photo_Albums/Artist_Studio_Photos

Good luck with it.. Ken

[T-Rex]

Thanks for the suggestions Ken,

That's an excellent point about the casters, I only have 1 piece now on casters and I do love that convenience of just giving it a shove.

Magazines and previous threads....more research, Can Do
:D
I do remember a thread about the lighting issue, daylight vs artificial (many options), I'll look there..

Starting to clear land in a week:clap: What an adventure this is gonna be SPACE is definitely the operative word here ( I'm going to share that 20 x 30 is too small :evil: ) :D :D

Does anybody have a walk-in storage? I'm considering doing something along those lines as well. Thank you MUCH!

[Maria Gusta]

You all are making me drool and my husband tremble...

;-)

Please do keep sharing ideas and photos.

re: windows: I had a lovely dream in which a bunch of us took over large greenhouses, and made them into studios, each designed by the resident artist and without expense... And we were paid a lovely salary, to be artists with or without teaching... Waking up to go to work was NOT pleasant!

[Leopoldo1]

Originally posted by T-Rex
Does anybody have a walk-in storage? I'm considering doing something along those lines as well. Thank you MUCH!

T, I wish I would have given more consideration to storage. I happened to come across a metal cabinet at a garage sale and it has worked fine for storage of materials, attached photo. One area that I am now considering is storage racks for paintings but where? Space is running out. Invarible if one paints alot especially on panel or canvas supports, the hanging walls are full, the art gallery is limited in space to more of your work and family members all have a painting, then one needs storage for finished work. It would be ideal as we give birth to our creative talents that they are all adopted out and find a home but that is not always the case. If you happened to go into art galleries they all have racks specifically made to store various artists work. This kind of setup would be ideal as a foster home for your children. Good luck T with your studio. :oL

PS: I wish I had dreams like yours Maria, mine are anxiety filled if not on the nightmarish side, if I had that dream the glass would offer no protection!

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/18-Jul-2001/storage.jpg

[T-Rex]

Thanks for the replies MG & Leopoldo:D

I'm gonna get kicked out of the house

Well now, I'm going at this after a "dream studio," but if I get any bigger the studio won't be part of the house as originally planned but separate which just might be better anyway......still planning...

It is so cool :cool: to see these photos Leopoldo, you have quite a set-up, it helps because it shares (therefore I can share) that there is an enormous quantity of materials,etc. that get accumulated not to mention the homes for the "children"......

What's difficult is to see various products advertised and not be certain which is the smart buy or if it is something that you could just come up w/ yourself, the storage problem actually applies to the entire house but I know how fast I have grown out of my 16 x 12 studio and its because things can't be stored where I can get to them again quickly, so I just leave them about so I can see and find them...You know what else was helpful was to see the TV/VCR set up.... that means cable:evil: :) :) for the computer of course, hadn't crossed that thought yet .....THE LIST GROWS

The photos are just great, really helpful, thanks..... would love to see any that are out there to be shared

:D :D Thanks so much...Karen

[Elisabeth]

NORTH LIGHT is the most important thing! I have plate glass windows on three sides and none on the south. I have shades to close at night. But the north light is far better than all the light bulbs in the world! I did put tempered glass on the West window to cut back on the heat.

A storage area with many shelves for supplies. Areas to store canvas's and frames according to different sizes. A place for a file cabinet or two. I use file cabinets for photo reference material and instructional stuff. Shelves for books and videos. I have an area for my drafting table and another table near it to hold supplies. Another area for my floor easel. A table for my million or so brushes!

But above all, get that North Light!! and windows all around!

Have fun!

[Elisabeth]

Oh, almost forgot, I also have a small loveseat in my studio for those "thinking" times and when you just want to sit back and analyze your current project. So don't forget to add a little "resting place".

[Leopoldo1]

Karen, sounds like you have alot of info for your studio and have fun with it as I know you will. An exciting time!

I tend to stand alot when I paint, at the easel and then back 10 feet or more and then close again. I found to soften my soles and pinkies I use matts. Costco sells those extra heavy duty rubber matts that are most oftern used by restaurant employees to stand under. Just one more hint. :oL

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/20-Jul-2001/matt.jpg

[T-Rex]

Thanks Elisabeth and Leopoldo.....

Northern light will be include on my list, thanks...that's not something that can be changed later.....found a good thread in the studio forum debating the artificial light issue (about 100 days back) will refer again to that

Noticed a sofa in one of Leopoldo's photos:) There's another space item

The mats are a good idea, saves your feet and back too probably, I'll more than likely be sitting (watercolor) but I know I want/need a better chair......Noticed your wall color Leopoldo, the thread I referred to went on to say to be cautious what color your walls are because they too can reflect light effecting your work....even your clothing and palette color should be considered

Saw also a sweater rack used for drying work.....would work for me.....the garage sale find also got me thinking about stores going out of business and their fixture sales...I would like to build in a lot of storage if possible but the portability can have its advantages........will have more questions for sure,
Thanks again for helping, its so valuable for me....Karen:D

[Leopoldo1]

Originally posted by T-Rex

The mats are a good idea, saves your feet and back too probably, I'll more than likely be sitting (watercolor) but I know I want/need a better chair......Noticed your wall color Leopoldo, the thread I referred to went on to say to be cautious what color your walls are because they too can reflect light effecting your work....even your clothing and palette color should be considered


Oooooh Karen, so many wonderful ideas! I don't know about the matter of wall color other than something that is a off white to iluminate the studio better. One aspect that is important is too have the same identical light reflecting on your palette that would be relected on your paper support. The eye needs that sameness for true color rendition :oL

[T-Rex]

Interesting as well :o L,

Appropriate attire, decorate accordingly, lounge and relaxation, accessorize......sounds like a cocktail party........bar is next LOL

So far all suggestions have been approved WHAT A GUY

It was suggested to have a mirror behind your work area so you can step aside and take a look at what you've done.....2x the distance is created? something like that (reverses tho also?)

Must distort too, that's easy enuf to check out:D :D

[4vincent]

Gee, what a thread this is turning out to be!

You're getting a lot of helpful info, Karen; I didn't want to get into a lot the first time, but since you're at the preliminary stage, any suggestions could help.

I agree about north light, if it's possible. I have three six-foot fixed panes of glass for mine; the casement windows below are mainly for ventilation. (ventilation...another consideration?)

I also have some eight ft flourescents (ultralumes) for night painting mounted at an angle at the ceiling above the windows.

Storage...are you getting flatfiles? I used to have my set of flatfiles built inside a frame made of two by fours, on casters, with a plywood top. This, being mobile, would double as a model stand or a work surface for mat cutting, etc. After aquiring more flat files, I just stacked them in one of my "dead zones". (I established my "dead zones" earlier, being areas for storage away from my designated working area. These are used for still life props, cabinets, etc)

Cameras, projectors; the list could go on and on. Just be careful you don't accumulate too much, your studio will "shrink". :) Ken

[T-Rex]

Thanks 4 the input 4Vincent,

Haven't invested in any flat files yet, but would love to do so...was wondering if that could be something I could find 2nd hand or not....maybe that's not a good idea because there's no telling what may have been stored in them, the framing and wheels w/ them doubling as a work surface is a keeper

You do make a good point about too much....got to toss everything around while its in the "dream" stage.....I have that shrink problem currently:D .....Thanks again, to all, this is proving invaluable for me....Karen