It has been an interesting month since my last
post. I worked hard going through every nook and cranny in my studio
cleaning, culling, and reorganizing. There have been many changes both
large and small.
I actually was pretty much finished a couple of
weeks ago but due to getting hit with a rather nasty cold virus that has
been going around and spraining my foot a week ago, I have not been
able to get back to work quite yet.
Yesterday I couldn't take it anymore. I wrapped a
garbage back around the armored boot protecting my foot, hoisted my
painting pack on, and hobbled the 1/4 mile out to the north end of
Neahkahnie beach to paint. The winds were fairly strong and the tide was
going out. Not the best time to paint. This time in the tide cycle I
usually head out to Short Sands beach or Hug Point to paint. I am not
quite up to those spots yet but hopefully next week.
I made notan sketches while waiting to see if the
winds would die down. They didn't so I weighted my easel with rocks and
got to work. I wasn't trying for a masterpiece, I just wanted to paint.
I did spend much of my downtime studying and I wanted to play a bit.
The winds increased to the point where they were blowing me around to
much to paint so I had to head home. Here is a photo I took from
yesterday:
The painting wasn't that great but I am actually
pleased with it as it is showing some of the things I have been
learning. It will take more practice.
I have a surprise addition to the studio. I
wanted to find a way to take some of the financial pressure off the art
making while continuing to put in the time and effort to improve and
using resources I already have. I have been a weaver in the past and
have a rather large weaving loom and the skills to use it. The skills
may be a bit dusty but they will come back fast. We live in an area that
has a tourist economy. I have decided to spend a bit of my day weaving
accessories to sell in area shops. Weaving has given me many skills that
have been beneficial to my painting. Weaving and music both. My
painting also helps my weaving.
So with all of that, here are the pictures of my refreshed studio. The loom is empty at the moment, waiting for my foot to heal!
The back of the loom, looking toward the painting area.
Side front of the loom. I have a few plaster casts for drawing, and a Lego phone!
This is
the drawing nook, with my canvas and paint supplies on one side, and art
books on the other. The photo of the handsome man on my bulletin board
is my wonderful supportive husband Bob.
One final
mention, I do have a weaving blog. It has been in virtual mothballs
these past 5 years while I worked on art. I will be posting my weaving
results there and not on this blog in the future. The site can be found here.
The studio is a bit crowded but definitely workable. Now to get to work!
-Renee
6 comments:
Very nice blog post today Renee. I love the studio photos. Your idea of supplementing your income (aka art fix) with your beautiful weavings, is a wonderful one. I think its nice to remove yourself from one interest to another to give your brain a rest. I know how much focus goes into painting. Ahhh,
Great post. :-)
Thank you Nancy! Weaving long hours is hard on the body. Moving between the two to give my eyes/brain a rest and my body a break from weaving is what I am thinking as well. We shall see how it works. I am thinking I might actually be more productive!
I'm sorry to hear about your foot and your cold, but its fun to see your studio. I think your weaving plan sounds very viable. Good luck!
It is so nice to see the loom! I have sold my AVL but she is not leaving until Sept. and then she is going to the Getty with a visiting scholar from Scotland. Well traveled Big Sal!
I am loving my Macomber though and 12 shafts is plenty.
Is there a new pup in your future this year you think?
Wow Theresa! Big Sal does indeed know how to travel! I would love a new pup. Mentally I am ready but our situation is still in flux. I did tell Bob I would wait no longer than my 55 birthday. Two more years.
Renee, good idea to set up another income stream. I'm glad you got out for a bit. I've been away from studio and beach for 7 weeks now handling elder care issues. Financially this year has taken a huge hit. I've also been thinking about how to salvage my sales year.
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