Making Big Art in Small Spaces

Reorganizing and cleaning my studio.
I think it needed it.

Do you have a small studio in which you are creating? Do you think you need a large space to create large paintings? Are you not creating because you are waiting for that large studio space? What size do you consider large?

I have been moving around since May 2012 and finally feel fairly settled in Sedona. I have been praying for a larger living space that would include a spacious, light-filled studio. Alas, after living in this small studio apartment for 1.5 years, I have no idea when that will happen. I have been making do.

It's actually not as hard as one might believe to create and paint in a small space. You just have to get creative and live the artist's life. What that means is surrendering to the fact that you will live, eat, and breathe your art. There is nowhere to put things away. It all has to stay out in open view. You have to live with the mess of your art supplies being seen in plain sight. This takes organization to the max and a new mindset.

Relocated my art supplies to a
shelving unit leaving my
tabletop free.

If your visitor's find this arrangement not so savory, they need not enter. Make no excuses. Your space is a sacred creative container. Anyone who does not understand this needs to stay away. Meet up with them in other places.

Inspired by last week's completed abstract expressionist painting, Transmutation, I undertook a reorganization of my studio. It's time to create!

My paintings and blank canvases are in storage about a half hour away from Sedona in Cottonwood, Arizona. The space is too crowded and too far away for me to get to my blank canvases easily. This had to change immediately, especially after my excitement of creating more large abstract paintings.

I spent the good share of Friday splitting my 10 x 10 foot storage unit into two 5 x 5 foot storage units. One of these units is now in Sedona. It contains my paintings for sale and my blank canvases. Phew! This feels fantastic.

Aha! Room for a blank canvas.

Saturday and Sunday I spent cleaning and reorganizing my space. My art studio area benefitted by a shelving unit that I brought out of storage. This allowed me to get art supplies off my table top. I have room for a 36 x 48 inch blank canvas! I'm so excited.

Relocating my studio spaces over the years has me comfortable in setting up my art studio anywhere. I also know that I love having my paints and other supplies in a shelving unit and close at hand.

Do you have your art space organization down to a science? Do you know how to arrange it so it makes creating art a breeze? Is your space large or small? How can you organize for either size? What size of art do you like to create? Can you accommodate that size no matter what size your studio or living space?

Talk to me about your thoughts and how you create in your studio space.

Until Next Week

• Create art
• Appreciate art
• Buy art

Mary Gravelle (Mary Rae Rush)

Sir Kitty

About the author: Mary Rae Rush (Mary Gravelle) is an artist and writer who resides in Sedona, Arizona with her beloved assistant, Sir Kitty.