How to create an Art Studio at Home – even when you don’t have space!

How to create an Art Studio at Home – even when you don’t have space!

Often people say to me that they can’t create art at home because they “don’t have the space”. I get it, it is inconvenient. However, for most of my life, I never had a studio and I never let that stop me from making art. It has been challenging at the best of times, but it has also allowed me to get creative and innovative. Before I had a studio, you could usually find me creating on my cousin’s kitchen floor, working in my parents’ garage, or taking over my coffee table. Today I’ll be sharing a few fun and easy ways to incorporate a creativity studio or nook into your home.

1. Create an art-making toolbox. This will allow you to pick up and move your supplies anywhere! Grab an old or new toolbox and take over your coffee table or kitchen counter. You can easily clean it up and move everything aside when needed.

2. Set up a rolling studio cart. Pick up a cart from Ikea or Michaels, and organize your art-making materials. This will allow you to easily roll your “studio” around the house and set up on the go.

3. Divide a room or take over a corner. Create a permanent art-making space in your living room, bedroom, or anywhere that you can fit! Set up a small desk or an easel, find some storage containers, and use a divider or arrange the furniture to create 2 distinct purposes for 1 room.

4. Convert a closet. Do you have an unused closet? Clean it out and create your studio nook! Set up a desk, chair, and shelves, and fill it with inspiration.

5. Install a Fold-down table. Tight on space? Get smart with your storage! Invest in a fold-down table for additional art-making surface area.

6. Use your garage or shed. Consider converting your outdoor storage into a studio space. This may be seasonal, but it's better than nothing!

The key is to make your space functional, low maintenance, and inspirational. Make it work for you and your specific needs. You want to create a comfortable space you want to spend time and energy. Keep it clean, organized, and ready to go!

What creative and innovative solutions have you come up with? Share your suggestions with us! If you need some extra ideas or visuals, visit Pinterest for more studio inspiration.

- Danielle Folkerts

Landscape Artist of the Year Canada

“With 18 Professional and Amateur Artists, 50 Wildcard Walk Ons, Four  Stunning Locations, and One Winner Set to Be Crowned Canada’s Landscape Artist of the Year, Watching Paint Dry Has Never Been More Exciting” - Blue Ant

I have a pretty wild secret I’ve been keeping since last September. Now that the cat is out of the bag, I can finally talk about it and I’m excited to share my experience.

I made my national TV debut this February. Last fall I was chosen as one of the top 23 artists in Canada for the TV show Landscape Artist of the Year Canada. If you have seen the UK show, you know it’s amazing! I put an application together and ended up getting a call back - it was such a great surprise! From there things moved quickly and it was a crazy month of interviews and preparation leading up to the show.

We prepared for both scenarios, as producers weren’t sure if I’d be a main contestant or Wildcard. Only 18 artists were selected as the main contestants, and I was officially slated to be a last-minute stand-in artist. We also didn't know our painting location until 12 hours before filming - you can imagine the suspense!

The night before filming, I packed up my car, the location was released, and things suddenly got very real. Arriving on set the next morning, I discovered I’d be painting with a heat of Wildcards. Despite not being a main contestant, the wildcards still compete against the main contestants and fight for the title!

To my delight, being a Wildcard meant less pressure overall and more opportunity to connect with the other artists. Everyone had their own unique plein air gear, set up and mediums, and it was fascinating to chat with artists from across the country. In the morning, we all marched to the grassy platform next to the Cobourg Marina, in Cobourg, Ontario. The 4-hour countdown began the moment we started to set up. We had 4 hours to set up, plan, and complete a painting. It was all hands on deck, and time to PAINT!

The weather conditions and scenery were challenging. The marina was grey and dull and the heat was intense. Despite using sunscreen, we all managed to burn to a crisp, but we painted through the sweltering sun and worked with an ever-changing landscape. I had to keep my painting suggestive and loose, as the boats kept moving and blocking my view. I mean would this be a painting competition without a challenge?! Here’s my disclaimer… I don’t paint boats! I paint mountains, prairies, and forests, as you can see HERE. However, I was up for the challenge and enjoyed the process.

My goal for the day was to have fun, make connections, and give my plein air painting pops of delicious colour. I wanted to breathe some vibrancy into the marina, and I played with my favourite pastel colours to create a modern and contemporary twist. The judges enjoyed my "cotton candy" landscape. I decided to focus on enjoying the process and experience, over worrying about the competition.

Overall, it was a thrilling experience, I enjoyed chatting with the judges, the film crew was amazing, and I loved seeing everyone’s unique paintings. I was blown away by the talent and honored to be part of such a great group. I felt such a beautiful sense of community and appreciation to be a part of Canada’s thriving arts scene. This was a moment in my career I’ll never forget.

You can watch Landscape Artist of the Year Canada now airing on Makeful TV. Catch me on Episode 2.

Cheers,

Danielle

“Landscape Artist of the Year is an original British television hit competition series which was created by Storyvault Films, and distributed by Banijay Rights on Sky Arts in the U.K. Landscape Artist of the Year Canada is set to air in early 2020.” - Marble Media

READ MORE: https://blueantmedia.com/2020/01/picture-perfect-makeful-tv-launches-landscape-artist-of-the-year-canada-a-new-competition-series-hosted-by-sook-yin-lee/

Also, a special shout out to lululemon Kingston for fitting me up with new gear to tackle a hot and sweaty day of plein air painting. The Swiftly Tech Short Sleeve Crew is the perfect anti-stink top for those extra hot and sweaty days.

World Broadcast Premiere on Sunday, February 16 at 9pm ET/PT as part of Makeful’s Free Nationwide Preview Event

Instagram: @travellingartisanworkshops

Facebook: @thetravellingartisan