Best Tips for a Home Artist Studio

See 5 tips for setting up an effective art studio art home, explaining methods for creating an alert, productive mindset in place for the home studio as well as practical aspects such as keeping your space clean and functional.
Discussion led by RISD Adjunct Professor Clara Lieu and Art Prof Teaching Artists Lauryn Welch & Alex Rowe.
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Clara Lieu was an Adjunct Professor at the Rhode Island School of Design from 2007-2020. Her artwork has been exhibited at the International Print Center NY, the Currier Museum, Childs Gallery, the Davis Museum, and more. Lieu received an artist fellowship from the MA Cultural Council, has written for the NY Times, and lectured at Brown University, the NAEA conference, and in Vancouver & China. She has been profiled in Artsy, Hyperallergic, KPCC, & WBUR.
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[@peterdunlap7126]

i love how artists repurpose old items to use as wash containers in the studio good for the environment

[@rynjeff1073]

I learned to bring a bottle with a lid on it to sip from; otherwise, I will use the beverage in the mug as wash water. ooops.

[@keithlarsen7557]

Paint water in small cups, drink water in big cup. Works for me.

[@Durchii]

I'm a watercolorist, yet damned if you guys just didn't earn a new subscriber. The level of detail, the free form discussion, not overly editing down the content for some artificial sense of being concise... it might not be everyone's cup of tea, but I love it. I'm learning a ton about acrylics and oils, but also color theory, composition, HOW art is critiqued in this world (one on which I'm an extraterrestrial 👽 ), and how to put a studio together like we are here! Thanks so much from a bored dude on lockdown in Seattle.

[@artprof]

We’re so glad you’re enjoying the videos, thank you for the support!! Hope you are staying safe, while you’re at it we have some more lockdown related videos to keep you inspired: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rYmUkniQbNV6odk - Hema Somaya, Art Prof Staff

[@ismetavresk1986]

Same for coffee, closed top mug

[@eleonoralydia8884]

Protecting surfaces is something I learnt a long time ago. The sad part of this is that I had already ruined several favourite outfits, my desk, the walls, interior window, and curtains of my room.

[@tumblingrosesstudio]

Love the coffee pot, Alex!!! Music and podcasts distract me, I need silence, but I mutter under my breath! No snacks, lots of tea. Cool, not warm, always too hot

[@jenc3247]

My niece is quarantined with us and her crib is set up in my work room, so I’ve been painting in my bedroom on carpeted floor with no chair 🤦🏼‍♀️ thankfully I’m a careful painter!

[@laurynwelch2081]

Do what you gotta do! I am also stuck on the floor right now and sitting on a blanket with a cardboard box set up as a "desk". It's not great, but at least the box keeps me from leaning over the artwork for long hours! -Lauryn (Art Prof Teaching Artist)

[@SweetlyDarkArt]

To protect my carpeted floor (spare bedroom that's my studio space), I taped down a cheap shower curtain from the dollar store with a cheap rug on top for comfort. The rug absorbs the worst of it and anything else will dry into the curtain. When I do a deep clean of my space I can power wash the rug in the yard while I just peel the dried whatever off the curtain.

[@artprof]

Ooh that's so SMART! - Mia, Art Prof Staff

[@eleonoralydia8884]

I have found that going to a class makes it much easier for me to draw/paint consistently. It's a mixture of the fact that I am taking the class but also I like having people around me that respect the fact that my main aim for that time is to make art. I like being able to have a conversation with someone and I also like to listen to other people talking, joking, sharing stuff. So when I'm at home, I can't do anything without music. I listen to it, sing, I may start dancing. I've turned art into a social activity and it's actually one of the few things that get me out of my house without a protest.

[@artprof]

Those all sound like great habits! We'd love for you to join the Art Prof discord and hang out with us! :) discord.gg/g5XQRpT -Marc Stier, Art Prof Staff

[@carlhagemann1636]

Ooooh found the full length original! Love this. Thank you, you three rock abs inspire.

[@starvingartistscollective]

Really enjoyed this video! I am like Lauren and Alex, I like my particular comforts when I work. TFS!!!

[@artprof]

You are so welcome!

[@MummyBrown]

I LOOOOVE listening to spooky stories on KZbin. Lazy Masquerade, Bedtime Stories, etc...I like being creeped out while I work! I'm totally lovin' Alex's suggestions!

[@nelsonyiap81]

Amazing tips. It's so easy to sleep in and then just get to work. But it's worth getting up like you have to commute and doing your coffee/wake up routine to get in the zone. Thanks!

[@artprof]

Absolutely!!

[@shelleyburling4435]

thx that was great! can't wait to get some more inspiration !

[@artineswatini6721]

This is so useful! Thank you for the inspiration:)

[@artprof]

Glad it was helpful!

[@afrocubanita1969]

Love you guys! You all rock!

[@artprof]

Thanks for being a part of our Art Prof Family! ❤️ -Lauryn, Art Prof Teaching Artist

[@devandestudios128]

While I'm working I don't eat or drink anything. And I want to expand my studio space. As it is I work in roughly 3' × 6' area. So cramped. I need room to sprawl. To set the mood, I usually listen to music that's loud enough to drown everything else out. Usually something Metal, like Disturbed, or anything heavy. I like to have my paintings around me and organized chaos. I find an antiseptic clean studio to be not at all conducive to creativity. The only thing that limits what I can do right now in my studio space, is the lack of it. My studio is too small to do the large pieces I want to do. That and storage. The last tip though, I definitely need a better routine. My only problem with that is that routine becomes stagnant and boring and once I'm bored, I don't want to do anything. Simulating something that stimulates my mind and gets me into that proper frame of mind would be helpful.

[@artprof]

I can heavily relate to you when it comes to organized chaos. A possible tip for stimulating your routine is to give yourself mini challenges! Something like painting with limited colors, or with the back of the brush to get interesting marks, or even try out a new art medium if you’re able to. Hope that helps a bit -Marc Stier, Art Prof Staff

[@Angela-jy8um]

Thanks! Great video!

[@artprof]

Glad you liked it! - Mia Rozear, Art Prof Staff

[@francesb7515]

I have started replacing plastic with biodegradable large kitchen bags. I also use smaller pieces of biodegradable bags for adding texture to wet watercolor or gouashe and letting it dry. I loved hearing how you were inspired by your daughters drawing watching tv. I noticed that I am always engaged when other people are around me creating. I especially love how immediate elementary students are. I make sure to build art time rewards into the day when I substitute teach. ;D I want to create videos and an art date live group but I am not yet comfortable presenting online. I will start with friends and family.

[@artprof]

Oooh that's a great idea! Anywhere you can find a creative community-- online, IRL, between family & friends-- it's a win! - Mia Rozear, Art Prof Staff

[@lmundi6446]

A friend of ours has a really cute train caboose that she outfitted into her art studio.

[@Jopp7in]

I keep my drinks across the room. It forces me to step back and look at the piece. My music choice is all G&R, AC/DC, Metallica, and the like from the 70’s 80’s and 90’. My studio is rather comfy and I have to have a taboret and pallet that I hand made or built.

[@artprof]

Love your idea of keeping your drinks across the room. I should try that and see if it makes me less sedentary while I work! -Lauryn, Art Prof Teaching Artist

[@Flyingtherians]

Thanks

[@lesliesmith7312]

I keep my water in a smaller plastic trash can. And I have big metal can I keep my "dirty water" in with my brushes. I also keep my coffee in a thermos so it also stays worm. I taped some black plastic garbage bags to the floor under a colorful 6-10 rug that pretty much has all my usual painting colors on it. But I found that with my pergo floor the acrylic paint just peels right off. I also have a rolly chair that I can pull over. I like to watch documentaries, crime shows, and audio books. It can't be something too visually exiting or I end up looking at it instead of my work. I have a little exercise trampoline in the corner so I can bounce on it while I wait for my layers to dry.

[@sophiasimmons3307]

I am a musician before I am an artist, so music REALLY matters. If I am working with something more gentle, I HAVE to put on soft music, otherwise I will rush and put angry strokes on the page. The Gnossiennes by Satie evoke impressionism and softness, and usually I will be working with watercolors or inks when I am listening to that style of music. When I am working with colored pencil/pencil, I will put on aggressive music (e.g. Queens of the Stone Age, Charles Mingus, Shostakovitch) to try and trick my body into putting more pressure into the paper. If I want to work with Gouache, I tend to listen to more whimsical music like Glass Animals, Axel Krygier, Red Hot Chili Peppers, or Andrew Bird. Acrylic, my most contemplative medium, gets music that evokes nostalgia, angst, and desire, like Fiona Apple, Arcade Fire, Ani DiFranco, Ryuichi Sakamoto, and Philip Glass. By doing this, I can simultaneously study the art and the music in tandem, which makes me focus in a way that is truly enriching to all of my senses.

[@artprof]

Music is a large part of my life too and I think it’s beautiful how much it can affect your work. Awesome music choices by the way! Moanin’ by Charles Mingus is one of my favorite songs ever! -Marc Stier, Art Prof Staff

[@denisestover2416]

I am a silk artist and when I go into my studio I first pray. Then I listen to OTR Old Time Radio programs from the 1930's, 40's, 50's and 1970's. My favorites are Suspense, The Black Museum with Orson Welles, The Mercury Theatre with Orson Welles, The Mysterious Traveller, Richard Diamond Private Detective with Dick Powell and CBS Radio Mystery Theater with E. G. Marshall. These shows are perfect for artists because you listen while you paint and you don't need to look at a screen...it's all in your head! I also have playlists of music for different moods I'm in.

[@artprof]

Thanks for these great suggestions! I always need something auditory playing while I paint, but it can't be too engaging or complicated or I will lose my focus. 😊 -Lauryn, Art Prof Teaching Artist

[@bonniekuhn1366]

Cheap floor protection that is also biodegradable and - if not too painty - can be recycled: contractors' paper sold in big heavy rolls at the hardware store; it is very stiff but once taped down it is slip proof and impervious to most paints and grit. A cheaper, more portable option: Heavy duty Kraft / package paper, which will work for both floors and furniture. It won't hold up under a lot of sloppy wetness (as in spilling a quart of paint), but will protect floors and other surfaces from ordinary paint splatters.

[@artprof]

Ooh that's a wonderful tip!! We've gotta protect those floors - Mia, Art Prof Staff

[@tslilbearshoppe9870]

you are all my people lol...I just accept the fact that I am going to drink paint because that means I am really into the painting. As far as the mood I usually listen to female french singers to get into the flo of a watercolor, if I do abstract I listen to metal, If I do landscape I listen to classical. Music drives me. As far as a neat studio, if you are too neat you will not want to dirty it. If it is too dirty you'll get frustrated. You need a balance of the two. Bright lites, lots of surfaces and a great chair for seated art are good tips, also the supplies at your fingertips is a great idea as well. Good listening to you guys. Enjoy.

[@artprof]

That's so awesome, I love altering my playlists to fit whatever art mood I'm in :) We're happy you resonated with this vid, thanks for watching! - Mia, Art Prof Staff

[@tslilbearshoppe9870]

@@artprof yes and it's funny because if there is no music, there is no creativity for me...thanks for making them :)

[@maryriley6163]

I’ve sipped the rinse water, too. Yep, it’s all about the container.

[@artprof]

I have almost sipped gamsol-- luckily I have a pretty good sense of smell, so I stopped before I could! - Mia, Art Prof Staff

[@2003mandiman]

This is great! I've found my Kindred Spirits! 😍😍😍😂😂😂

[@artprof]

Woohoo! - Mia Rozear, Art Prof Staff

[@corrine_rw_artist]

So happy to see artists talking abt sth really practical. Now i know im not alone. 😄 btw, I washed my brush in my coffee ☕️ before…. Oops

[@artprof]

Ohhh nooo, hope you didn't drink it! 😆 -Lauryn, Art Prof Teaching Artist

[@lynnrushton7458]

Just randomly came across this….. love it! I listen to true crime & ghost stories 👻😂 it’s a podcast called ‘Uncanny’….they are true stories. Love the chat 👏👍

[@artprof]

I haven't listened to "Uncanny" yet, thanks for mentioning it! -Lauryn, Art Prof Teaching Artist

[@lesliesmith7312]

What I'd really like is to know is how everyone goes about storing their finished pieces? I'm starting to get a back log

[@artprof]

I have a bunch of very big durable portfolio cases, but yes, I did go through some major purges in my life! Thank goodness I’m not a sculptor! -Prof Lieu

[@rawbeadlab810]

Me an my wife are totally opposite when it comes to are work station I keep a tidy ship an she work on multiple projects at a time

[@artprof]

Watch our video on art supplies hidden in your home! kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZKbnYSNnrisb9E Prof Lieu is available to do lectures on remote teaching for faculty. Email [e-mail] for more info. Watch more videos on teaching & learning art online in this playlist: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o3TVdIF6fdZ9n7M See our teaching & learning art online section, which consolidates all of our teaching & learning online content, further info such as images and links to equipment, a visual chart of home art supplies as well as available for free: artprof.org/teaching-learning-art-online/

[@jacqulineloncke7832]

I have Parkinson's disease and that's why I draw looking at you professor the gives me encouragement hope hope 1D I will be able to do at art school I did homeschool been having the Parkinson's disease I lost my I lost my ✋ wirtingthankyou thank you for that I feeling with you ❤️😘😘💗 🏫 thankforyoutube

[@artprof]

You're amazing, keep going!!! -Prof Lieu

[@jacqulineloncke7832]

@@artprof ldrawnfacello email

[@jacqulineloncke7832]

@@artprof lhopeyouwillgotomy Instagram jaçquliñe lonckellàminlondn

[@louiseryder5035]

👍

[@maryriley6163]

I like to put on some KZbin ambiance depending on what the project is.

[@artprof]

Me too, any background noise is super helpful! - Mia, Art Prof Staff

[@hectorurdaneta3393]

I recomended air purifier is pretty good for that 😃

[@julian5718]

Any recommendations for lighting? I'm just finishing up redoing an extra room for a new art space but it's going to be mostly artificial lighting. A bummer, but this room is DEFINITELY an upgrade!!!!! 😁❤💕

[@artprof]

Ooh that's so cool! Maybe we'll make a part 2 to this video.... - Mia Rozear, Art Prof Staff

[@tumblingrosesstudio]

Picky about light bulbs, daylight led

[@artprof]

Yes, I'm all about those 5000K bulbs. 😀 -Lauryn, Art Prof Teaching Artist

[@wendyw-j4557]

Is this the office hours place? I thought it would be live today? ☺ Thank you!

[@artprof]

Yes! Office hours starts in 35 min, at 1pm EST

[@artprof]

Sorry, I just realized I posted the wrong time in Discord!! -Prof Lieu

[@anawieder5003]

I use blue tarps you can buy at a hardware store

[@artprof]

Thanks for the tip! - Mia Rozear, Art Prof Staff

[@autumnsartstudio]

I would love to traditional paint in general but I have no room for an easel or canvases at all. My bedroom is my studio. It's really REALLY a small space. I barely have room for my L shaped desk to hold my computer.

[@artprof]

Living in a small apartment, I definitely empathize with this. We can't fit a desk in my bedroom, so one "hack" I've found for painting at home is setting up my palette, water, brushes, and rags on a small chalkboard on my bed. I do all my painting on 9x12" canvases on the top of the chalkboard and it keeps the mess pretty contained (so far, lol). I don't recommend easels unless you're plein air painting, because they take up a lot of unnecessary space and are more likely to create mess just because of gravity. You might like this video on studio supplies you might already have in your home: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZKbnYSNnrisb9E -Lauryn (Art Prof Teaching Artist)

[@rette2901]

I have a solution to the drink vs paint water problem...they make a clip-on cup holder you can clip on opposite side of table as paint water.😁

[@artprof]

WHAT, that's so smart! - Mia, Art Prof Staff

[@barbaramadison4397]

I use a Yeti travel go cup with a metal straw that has a silicone cover on the end. Never drink paint water or dip my brush in it😂

[@artprof]

Omg, SMART! - Mia, Art Prof Staff

[@robertanderson445]

I’d like to learn more about the angled work desk as seen in Mr. Rowe’s studio (14:40). Would you have any recommendations about that particular or related desk/work surfaces?

[@artprof]

Alex told me he likes having a desk with a glass top because it's easy to clean. (he works in gouache and watercolor, easy to clean off glass! ) -Prof Lieu

[@missbeaussie]

I'm so jealous of that desk

[@ave_rie]

This answer is a year late lol. You can use the search term “drafting table” (that’s what we can them here) or architect table. Hope this helps! :)

[@sineanahita3383]

In regards to oil painting at home... are there safe alternatives to the toxic chemicals? I have ordered lavender oils and lavender-based solvents for example. And in your video, there was a brief mention of walnut oil as a medium. I would like to learn more!

[@artprof]

Gamsol is a great solution! Just make sure you're painting in a well ventilated area :) - Mia Rozear, Art Prof Staff

[@lmundi6446]

I did try walnut oil but my timing was off and started using it at the same time our house sold and we decided to move to north eastern California. It is gorgeous summer, fall, winter and spring.

[@kimmmoon.]

HA! YUM PAINT WATER LOL! DRINK IT ALLL THE TIME!

[@artprof]

My favorite drink :) - Mia, Art Prof Staff

[@cassirobertson7884]

Even after protecting all surfaces and floors, I still get paint, pastel and charcoal everywhere.

[@artprof]

Same, I try so hard to keep it off of my non-studio clothes and it *still* ends up on them! -Lauryn, Art Prof Teaching Artist

[@jonmahashintina]

id have thought youd want to be careful about having bright colourful foods around your bright colourful paints. dipping brush into coffee on a different scale.

[@laurynwelch2081]

Yikes! That hasn't happened yet, but seeing as I store my paint in condiment cups, I can totally see how it could! -Lauryn (Art Prof Teaching Artist)

[@AquaMarino]

One time its for my glass of water, minutes later become for my brushes.

[@artprof]

Until you have multiple brushes in multiple glasses of water. D: -Lauryn, Art Prof Teaching Artist

[@attheranch873]

What about pets while working in the studio?😳I’ve got a year old very persistent cat that will jump up on whatever art materials I’m using, and get into what I’m drinking, forget snacking! I don’t always see her coming. She has a bed on my table and a cat tree in the room to look out the window, so she has places to be. I’ll play with her before I start working to try to tire her out. I’ve been teaching her what no means, and she does understand but most of the time she doesn’t mind. My studio is my whole living room and the only way I can keep her out of my stuff when I’m working is to shut her in a bedroom. I don’t like to do that because I like her company, but she drives me crazy. Any tips for this situation?

[@artprof]

I don't have a pet that roams (we have 3 guinea pigs!) but perhaps some well placed fences around spots in your studio you want them to stay out of? -Prof Lieu

[@attheranch873]

Art Prof: Create & Critique she can scale a 6” fence, but I can get a large wire crate to put HER in when I’m in the studio, That’s better than shutting her out of the room 😀 I hadn’t thought of that, thank you so much for your response 😀👍

[@melanieaway]

I have more work clothes than regular 🙃

[@artprof]

hahahaha awesome! -Prof Lieu

[@ismetavresk1986]

If you add pinch of salt in your water and drink few sips every 20 minutes, you wouldn't have need to go to bathroom as often as if you drink plan water

[@anawieder5003]

it's important to be comfortable, but not too comfortable. Art is very movement based, it's extremely important to feel like you can move at any moment. A good office chair is great but a futon is a bad idea because it's too easy to sink into and take a nap. As for food. I'm a messy painter so it's really important to keep your food separate from your paints because that's a serious health and safety hazard. I wear gloves to paint in because it gets all over my arms. If I want a food break I take the gloves off and wash my hands and arms first with murphy's oil soap

[@artprof]

Gloves are a smart idea-- so is separating food and paint. I've heard many horror stories about mixing up the two, haha - Mia Rozear, Art Prof Staff

[@ismetavresk1986]

Have a bottle of water to drink and you wouldn't confuse it with working water

[@artprof]

Smart! Would have to do the same putting coffee in a thermos rather than a mug, at least in Alex's case! -Lauryn, Art Prof Teaching Artist

[@BrendaKnoll]

OMG I am on a soapbox about the drinking your paint water = BUY A PAINT WATER CONTAINER. they are less then $10, have ridges to clean your brush off and you are NEVER going to mistake it and drink from it.

[@dianemiles2720]

I paint dog portraits for a living and I'd say 50% of my subjects are no longer on Earth so working from photo is the only way I can produce a grievance painting for a client.Therefore I ask for as many pictures in as many different light sources as possible. Especially if it is the type of dog that needs haircuts because the fur looks totally different with every groom. So then as I paint, I am the final groomer. The worst is when I've heard that I made the dog look fancier than they ever were. If an owner sees an endearing ugliness to their dog I need to capture that ugly that they love so much; drool, ear knotch and all.

[@artprof]

Thanks for sharing some of your processes, that’s really precious and amazing! -Marc Stier, Art Prof Staff

[@chuckandmax7313]

Why do you assume that artists and their studios are a place for painters? There are a lot of different kinds of artists and a wide range of mediums, I create miniatures and my art studio has to have multiple spaces for various purposes, I need a good surface for woodworking and storage of carpentry tools, an area for staining woods and creating faux finishes as well as a space for doing drafting and working with pen and ink. I do have some tips for you though, that would be helpful. In order to not ruin your clothes wear an apron that just goes around your waist like what a waiter wears. It’s really helpful to place tools you have used in the pockets of the apron as you work and then when you are finished you empty the pockets and put all the tools away, so you are ready for the next day. Also you can use your apron to wipe off paint brushes. Another tip is to take blue painters tape and cover your shoes with it, this keeps your shoes protected from getting paint splattered on them, not everyone can afford to ruin all their shoes. Another tip is to create an artists uniform that you wear whenever you start working in your studio, doctors scrubs are really easy to wear and can just slip on over whatever you are wearing. For carpeted rooms invest in a good painters drop cloth, made from sturdy canvas and you can use painters tape again to attach it on the floor. As far as how I have to have my studio set up, I have to create spaces that bring me inspiration, things I love to look at that are familiar. In my studio there is a huge oak roll top desk with multiple drawers and slots, my drafting table, my wide paper file cabinet that I attached legs to to raise it to cabinet height so I can use the top as a work area. I have four bookcases full of art books as well as past projects on display and all of my miniatures. I have a cabinet that is a miniature display case. I have an enormous collection of 1/6 scale and 1/12 scale action figures and they are on shelves and the top of the bookcases, I have installed lighting throughout the room that spotlights certain figures. The room is one of my bedrooms, I have a four bedroom house and have 1 roommate I bought the house just so I could have my own dedicated art room, a guest room and a bedroom for both my roommate and I. The bedroom has a walk in closet and a full bath, so I have access to running water and it makes clean up easy. I remember reading a book that says you should create an artists shrine, which is what I have done, as I mentioned prior. There is a space for my dog to have his little bed. I use a pair of Bluetooth speakers to listen to whatever moves me at the time, but I find listening to podcasts of people talking is best as it just creates background that fades out and doesn’t distract me, I spend so much time in my mind and I need either complete silence or white noise. I do have an area for painting with an easel and canvases waiting for creations to appear, I don’t really like using toxic materials such as oil paints and thinners I prefer everything to be water soluble. My studio is also my home office so it has to be well organized and free of clutter. I think there is a place for everything and everything in its place. I also use fabrics and sew as well as beadwork, so I have many bins filled with different supplies. When you work in miniature you find that you can use so many items that would otherwise be trash, I have a lot of fabric sturdy canvas storage bins that are all the same color and they easily slip into a shelf and I have everything sorted and placed in the closet or the bookcases depending on how often I need them. It’s really a individual unique space that everyone has their own style. Some people like a messy workspace, some people like it tidy, music, no music, it really also depends on your mood. In a multi media room you have to really put a lot of thought into where everything is going to be stored so it’s easily accessible and I always clean the room back up when I’m done as part of my down time so it’s fresh and ready the next time I need to use it, and of course nobody is allowed in my art room unless I have invited them in, nobody uses my tools or supplies and I am firm on that, it’s my private area where my muse and I create together, and I’m very protective of my muse.

[@artprof]

Thank you so much for sharing about your work space! Everyone has a different way they like to work, so a studio should reflect that :) There will never be two studios that are exactly the same! - Mia Rozear, Art Prof Staff

[@youtubeyoutube59]

Soo annoyed of the "like" alex prononounces every 0.5 sec. It distracts me to listen to the whole conversation...