Color & Whimsy

Howdy folks! Seamus and Merle are taking the night off, no doubt to go out and celebrate Seamus' return from the Other Side of the Door. We'll let those party animals have their fun. Meanwhile, I wanted to share something else with you...

Back in May I began renting studio space at the local art guild. I've written before about the office I set up in my apartment, and for a time it suited my needs. Eventually I grew to need a bigger space where I could paint with abandon and not have to worry about getting paint on the floor/walls/ceiling. (As I am fairly certain my landlords would not be particularly pleased by that.)

As it so happened, I had come to the guild to hear the poet laureate, Kelly Cherry, speak about her experiences and to read some of her new works, when I found out that spaces were available for rent. Needless to say I jumped at the chance!

A little sparsely decorated at the moment. That will soon change.  The easel is located beside where I was standing to take the picture. 

So what has it been like to have some space all to myself? To be honest it's been just as marvelous as you would imagine! I have been so much more productive than I had been working at home. For one, working at home usually means more distractions. I'd constantly be taking breaks from my work to check facebook & twitter, or to do chores, or answer the phone, etc. Soon I'd stop working altogether and not pick up a brush for several weeks. (I also have a bad habit of forgetting to rinse out my brushes so the paint dries inside the bristles making it impossible to paint. I've invested in a lot of brushes this year! Whoopsie. :) )

The biggest difference for me has been that now I am conciously putting in the time and effort to drive out here and work. When you're paying for something, you tend to invest more in whatever it is. At least that's how I'm wired to believe. :) So while it is a fifteen minute drive from my apartment the benefits far out way the costs. Not to mention the fact that painting keeps me sane. ;)

One of the things I love most about renting from a guild is that sometimes people stop by while I'm working and will poke their heads in. Their first reaction is always, "Wow! I love it! It's all so colorful!" For those of you who know me, this will not come as much of a surprise. I mean, this is me we're talking about...the woman who wears neon colored chucks or turquoise cowboy boots to work. Still, I suppose newer acquaintances just have to take some time and get used to it. ;) 

Here are a few close up shots of some of my finished pieces:

There you have it! My own little corner of color and whimsy. Hope you enjoyed the tour. :)