Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Confessions of an Empty Studio

I have a confession to make. It's been five days since Thanksgiving and I still haven't re-assembled my studio. On Thanksgiving Day this small room had two card tables and six chairs in it, complete with brocade tablecloths, china and candles. It was the "second dining area" for my guests, since our main dining area can only hold ten people around it. There were also four more guests in the living room sitting around our huge coffee table.

I plan to put it all back today, but I'm thinking......maybe I needed a break. Time to breathe in new inspiration. So in the meantime, I'll surf around and get inspired by everyone else's paintings and creative works. That's why I'm so thankful to have all my blogger friends!


15 comments:

Kathleen Krucoff said...

Hi Janelle!

I like the serene, tranquil setting here. I'm certain it makes for a wonderful studio space.

Ever since my evening of watching the sun set on the mountains, I've been able to draw on morning sunrises, wispy clouds with those first hues of pink/blue from the sun, and of course, the shadows in the even as the sun sets.

I know you are gathering your creative fuel and I look forward to seeing more of your work.

Anonymous said...

Janelle,
How lovely to have so many friends and family members for Thanksgiving. I miss thanksgiving being back in the UK.
I think empty rooms and empty studios are very therapeutic…. it’s a great time to de-clutter before putting everything back, and a good opportunity to re-evaluate just what you really do need in your studio, rather than hoarding lots of stuff just because it was either given to you or supply purchase mistakes. It’s easier for me with paintings done on paper, as I have a once a month sort out and ceremoniously tear up not such good work. Everything else goes into mats ready for framing or is mounted in one of my sketchbooks. It’s hard for me as I now only have a small studio space, so everything has to be reachable but in order.
Hope everything is going well for you over on e-bay.
Sort out, re-evaluate, learn from not so hot work and become inspired all over again.
Maggie L

Manon said...

A break is good Janelle! You will know when it's time to put it back together!!

neetzy said...

I like your studio space. It is warm and inviting. I am currently working on two large paintings. I am working in layers so I have to wait for the layers to dry. Hopefully I will have a post soon. One painting was somewhat inspired by your paintings...a different technique, but similar subject - late afternoon, rural treeline...drying to capture that late afternoon "glow".

Barbara Pask said...

Enjoy your break, look forward to your new inspired work.

Janelle Goodwin said...

Hi Kathleen, I do think of you when you told us about your own experiences at a similar stage in your creative life. It seems there are so many forks in the road. Thanks for your encouragement!

Hi Maggie, Such good advice you gave! When I read your comment yesterday, I decided to sort through and shuffle all the materials I had previously in my little studio. I only put back the basics. Thanks so much!

Hi Manon, I've seen your studio space on your blog and I'm so envious. It's lovely!

Hi Neetzy, Okay, now I'm REALLY curious. I'm jumping up and down with anticipation. But of course, I know all about layers needed to dry before completing a piece :)

Hi Barbara, Thanks, I appreciate your comment!

Tess Kincaid said...

Your studio is tranquil and beautiful. Sometimes it's good to have a stretch of peace to clear the cobwebs.

Karen said...

Your label for this post made me laugh!
My confession: I think I went about 4 days without painting too.

Maggie's advice is great! wow...I can speak from the side of a cluttered studio that I know distracts me at times and creates anxiety. must go clean...

Hope you had a great Thanksgiving.

Catherine Jeffrey said...

I have been hearing this more frequently these days...the need to take a break to reevaluate, get re-inspired. I think its a good thing to do. I also wonder if the added stresses of Thanksgiving and Christmas are enough to make people realize the need to slow down a little. People often don't realize that doing art is hard work...gathering ideas, getting inspired, doing the actual painting, framing, selling etc. etc. O.K...I'm tired now. Need a break :)

Betsy Brock said...

Take you time! I have the good silver still out waiting to be put away from Thanksgiving! :)

Diane Irvine Armitage said...

A break is just what a creative mind needs! Time to let ideas percolate :-) I enjoy your blog and your paintings are beautiful!

Becky Joy said...

Nice feeling in your studio.

Janelle Goodwin said...

Hi Willow, You're right, it's good to clear the cobwebs. I also noticed quite a few cobwebs when I took my studio equipment out of the room. Thanks!

Hi Karen, Well, now I don't feel so bad. Because I know what a prolific painter you are. Hope your Thanksgiving was happy also!

Hi Catherine, I'm glad to hear you say all that's involved in painting. Whew, now I'm tired too. Maybe I'm just in the "gathering inspiration" phase. Now I need to see what you've been up to!

Hi Betsy, Ha, I'm glad I'm not the only one. And it's time to put up the tree! I'm hoping you'll show us a picture of yours, I would love to see it!

Hi Pandora, Time to percolate? I love that phrase and I think I'll write it down. Thanks!

Hi Becky, Thanks, it does look calm and peaceful right now. That will change when I start painting :)

Jeannette StG said...

Your studio looks so intimate - no wonder your paintings have a similar "taste." It's hard to get back in swing after Thanksgiving and before Christmas - i have the same thing:)

Celeste Bergin said...

even when we are not painting...we are painting. You have ideas that are gestating.