PAINT AT HOME
1
MAKE SURE YOU’RE
COMFORTABLE
You don’t need a huge space to
create a functional art studio. There
might be more space in your loft or
garage, but if it is draughty and damp
you won’t feel as creative. Keep the
room well ventilated, particularly if
you’re using solvents. Get a chair that
you will be comfortable sitting in for
long periods of time.2
GIVE YOURSELF SPACE
Again, this isn’t about the size of
the room, but rather allowing yourself
a space to call your own and one in
which you can leave things out.
Nothing kills creativity like packing
everything away at the end of the
evening. Likewise, cover surfacesif necessary, so that you can be
expressive with paint and not worry if
you accidentally splash everywhere.3
GET THE LIGHT RIGHT
Natural light is ideal, sure, but we
don’t all have a giant spare bedroom
with north-facing, floor-to-ceiling
windows. Replace the bulbs in a
ceiling or lamp light with daylight
bulbs, which you can order online.
Position it a good distance from your
canvas or paper. Avoid bright lights
behind you and also spotlights –
you’re aiming for a gentle wash of
light to help view colours accurately.4
KEEP THINGS
ORGANISED
You’ll be surprised what you’ll findaround the house to help make a
temporary space for art. An old
cutlery tray makes a great way to
store pastels. Repurpose an old wine
rack too – cut the tops of old plastic
bottles, place them where the wine
would go, and fill them with pens,
brushes and more.5
STOCK YOURSELF UP
Don’t forget that – at time of
writing – many online art shops are
continuing to trade during the lockdown
so you can order extra art materials
easily and stay creative. If your local
newsagent is closed, you can also
subscribe to Artists & Illustrators
online and we’ll deliver every copy
direct to your door – find out more at
http://www.artistsandillustrators.co.uk.Set up a
studio
Make great art during the lockdown with
FLORENCE SHEWARD’s five studio tipsISTOCK