subject: Permanent or transient space to paint ? [print this page] Permanent or transient space to paint ? Permanent or transient space to paint ?
Permanence is great if you value leaving your work, tools, and painting in place until you return. After all, you can devote less time to putting things away and taking them back out again. When you want to work, your equipment is there, waiting for you. A studio can be an attractive space and a valuable addition to your home, as well. A work area with a painting in progress and interesting paraphernalia can become an attractive part of the design of your home.
If having permanent space isn't possible, and you're resigned to being a nomadic artist, you can make some adaptations. A toolbox to put things away, a shelf dedicated to your painting equipment, and a couple of nails in the wall to hang a painting transform a kitchen or laundry room into a studio. A glass palette wrapped in foil keeps your paint fresh for days.
Wherever you work, you need access to a sink for cleanup. You can use a utility sink, a bathroom sink, or a kitchen sink. Along with being tidy in your work habits, being tidy when you clean up pays off as well. You don't have to leave smears and stains of paint at the sink. Review the directions about cleanup to cause the least amount of irritation for yourself and your living companions. Learning to properly dispose of trash in a way that doesn't endanger your household or the planet is absolutely essential for the environment.
The following is a list of pros and cons to consider when figuring out where to set up your painting space:
Basement: Permanent to semi-permanent. A basement usually has lots of room, but it can be dark and unventilated. Be sure to have lots of light, paint the walls white, and install mirrors, if necessary, to visually expand the space.
Three-season porch: Permanent to semi-permanent. This space has great light, but temperature is an issue (for you, not the paint the paint will be fine). Bonus: You can pretend that you're painting outside without bugs.
Garage: Permanent to semi-permanent. A garage is similar to a basement, but it has great ventilation. It can be cold or hot and dark. Paint the walls white and make sure that you have lots of lights.
Utility/mudroom/laundry room: Transient. These spaces are used for storage and work, so they usually have lots of shelf space and light.
Spare room or bedroom: Permanent to transient. Protect the floor with plastic floor mats from an office supplier, and cover surfaces with vinyl tablecloths.
Kitchen: Transient. Protect surfaces with newspaper and vinyl tablecloths. Pay extra attention to cleanup in this area where you prepare food and eat.
Off-site: Permanent to transient. You have to factor in rent, zoning, parking, gas, and drive time, but you have a studio.
