Watercolor Artist Studio Tour - How I Setup My Watercolor Art Studio

[@VanmeterFL]

I always lose my studio during the holidays because it's also the formal dining room. Once all our family and friends leave, I transform it back into the perfect studio for me. Your video gave me a couple of pointers and made me realize I lucked out because I have a huge northern-facing window with a 4'x5' paladin window that's always completely open to light and a huge double window below it with plantation shutters I keep open during the day. I'll be rearranging a bit in January. I've already taken over the large sideboard which gives me the storage area I need and I have a cart on wheels for additional supplies (paint, brushes, tape, and paper). My husband's office is directly across the foyer (it's all open space) so we enjoy each other's company. A huge piece of PVC corrugated board cut to measure goes over the table and sideboard to protect the surface. I don't really have separate areas as you do, but I make due and it's easily transformed back if we have a visitor since our guest bedrooms have large closets that hold the dining chairs or my rolling art cart depending on the need. Usually, dining rooms are just a waste but most of the year it's my little domain. Thank you for your wonderful tour.

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

You are so welcome. Thanks for sharing about your creative space. Sounds wonderful.

[@polgara28]

By FAR my favorite studio setup! I've watched so many of these videos trying to get some ideas and inspiration. I should have watched this one first, would have saved a ton of time. So practical, well organized, not messy but not overly fussy either. Thanks for making this! Merry Christmas.

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

I feel really blessed to have so much space dedicated to my art. I realize many people only have a corner of a room to use. So....I try to use it daily. THANKFUL.

[@NYtalk60]

Thanks for sharing. I just started watching you today and subscribed!

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

Welcome to the channel.

[@jaquelinedeponce5251]

Thank you for sharing your studio with us. I’ve been trying to streamline and reorganize my studio after a very prolonged absence, due to personal loss. I’m hoping that by refreshing my studio with a brighter more efficient workspace it will help me through this process so I can return to painting once more. 🤞🏻

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

Jacqueline, thank you so much for sharing. I wish and pray for you the BEST as you walk a path of healing. Painting has often been a source of joy for me.

[@jaquelinedeponce5251]

@@KrisDeBruineStudio I too am very thankful for such blessings. As long we have faith one can always hope…

[@jackieojeda6101]

Hello there I just happened upon you and I am so glad I did! 😊 My name is Jackie and I also love painting. I enjoy your videos and hope to be along for the ride! So take care of your artistic self! And God bless you and yours🥰👍👋😄🙏

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

Hi Jackie. Thanks for watching and introducing yourself. I began my watercolor journey a few years ago and absolutely LOVE it. I try to paint daily, which has been a big factor in my growth. You might find this video to be helpful as well - kzbin.info/www/bejne/gZyzd2OOo550nJY

[@karenmorris2913]

What a lovely studio. Oh how I’d love to have all that light. I have been looking for YEARS for an easel with an easily adjustable head. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

You are so welcome! I'm glad it was helpful. Merry Christmas!

[@karenmorris2913]

@@KrisDeBruineStudio I ordered it. Yeah. Can’t wait. Thank you so much

[@pilasumana4410]

Thanks Kris! Beautiful studio you have and the best that I really enjoyed, your nice, warm, generous sharing personality!

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

Thank you very much. My studio is a special place. I'm very thankful for it.

[@pilasumana4410]

You’re a very special soul! I can tell by the way you share your watercolor passion!

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

Thank you!

[@c8Lorraine1]

Wow great information. I can see how you will save me heaps of money by leaning on your experience. I’m new.a subscriber to your channel

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

Welcome to the channel Lorraine. :-) I'm glad you found the video helpful. Just FYI - I have a free online course that offers a much deeper dive into watercolor supplies and materials. If you are interested you can check it out at: studio.krisdebruine.com/getting-started-in-watercolor Have a great day!! ~Kris

[@marmyyetter5674]

I love your setup!

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

Thank you for watching and leaving feedback. I appreciate it. Have a great day!!

[@seamasadkins]

Kris, did you purchase the A2 or A3 light pad? I hadn't even considered one of these, and I think it's a brilliant idea! Thanks, Rick Adkins.

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

Hi Rick. I purchased the A3 size. I bought it 5 years ago and it is still working great.

[@seamasadkins]

Thanks for letting me know. That’s what I’ll go with.

[@Zenon-fg4dw]

Thank you for showing your art studio. It was very helpful.

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

You're welcome. I'm glad you found it helpful. Have a great day!!

[@annepozzi]

Thank you for sharing this, Kris. I love your space and I love your view! I recently got the Quiller porcelain palette and love it!

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

You are so welcome! Thanks for the feedback. I'm glad you like the palette. I love mine. :-)

[@elenaborowski2520]

Good practical presentation. Thank you for sharing.

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

You are welcome! I'm glad it was helpful.

[@michelleodell2986]

Thank so so much..I’m just beginning

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

You got this! Welcome to the channel.

[@FLYINGWARRIOR19661]

Awesome to see your studio..l am a beginner and don't have a dedicated space...but quickly am finding out i need one. Currently looking for the right desk....and like you said the set up would be easier and i would paint more

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

You can do it!

[@TheBeverleyann]

Thank you Kris ! Wonderful art space ! I always enjoy you tutorials . i have a small room that is my studio aka * Hidey Hole * hahaaa* I am sure i will move stuff around from time to time , and this works for me . Thank you again for all you do x

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

Thanks for watching!!

[@jodylane5882]

Kris, can you share the size of the regular desk you use for drawing, also the dedicated desk for light pad? And sources online you prefer for that kind of purchase. The light bulb went on for me when you showed the separate and dedicated workspaces.

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

Sure. I have three tables in my studio. 1) The secondary painting/drawing table is 30" x 48" and 30" tall. It is very similar to this one on Amazon - amzn.to/3R1sedZ

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

The table where I use my light pad is a bit smaller. It is 31" x 31" square and is 28" tall. It is very similar to this one on Amazon - amzn.to/44VGbjs

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

My main BIG table is 53" square. It is also a taller table -- at 36" tall, which is bar height. I stand when I work at this table. I bought this one on Craigslist so I don't have a link for it.

[@jodylane5882]

Awesome, thank you so much! Especially appreciate the links. I plan to follow up. Having an organized enough set up is going to make a big difference. Look forward to seeing more of your videos.

[@carolinesudbrock1339]

Thanks, Im a beginner and you are easy to follow.

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

Thanks for the feedback. I'm so glad to hear that.

[@syedazim2011]

Hi Kris, Many thanks for sharing your studio; I love the setting. Would you please share the distribution of colour in the Stephen Quiller wheel? This is the first time I see it in a utube, many thanks. Azim Bangladesh

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

Hello Azim. Thank you for your kind words. You can download a chart of my watercolor palette from my website at: studio.krisdebruine.com/kris-debruine-color-palette. This PDF document contains all the colors I am currently using. I hope you find it useful. Have a great day.

[@syedazim2011]

@@KrisDeBruineStudio Got it, many thanks for your assistance. 🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

You're welcome.

[@syedazim2011]

@@KrisDeBruineStudio 🙏🏾

[@TheAndrewMosley]

Hey just wanted to say I enjoyed your video. I'm just now teaching myself to draw but it's nice to see people's setups - be it a small desk or a rented art studio

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

Hi Andrew. Thanks for the feedback. I realize I am super blessed to have such a large dedicated art space. However, I know that great art can be done anywhere. I hope you enjoy your art/drawing journey!!

[@harpmyday]

So, you are not "stretching" your paper with one of those methods where you soak and then tape down with gum tape? Do you struggle with buckling?

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

Hi. Thanks for the question. No, I don't pre-stretch the paper. Normally, I wet the front and back of the paper before beginning. This helps me get nice, smooth washes in the initial stage. The damp back of the paper causes it to cling to the board I paint on. Works like a charm. No need to fix to the board. If I do need to hold down the paper a bit, I use painters tape along the edge.

[@dr797-w2b]

Nice setup indeed. A friend of mine suggested that I avoid using "direct light." And he said something about diffused light. His suggestions confused and annoyed me. Do you do anything with lighting? I simply use a lamp so I can see what I am doing. Obviously the arrangement of the angle and the intensity of the light relative to the object will create more or less shadows and other effects; beyond that I don't know what else I can do. (I am a novice, btw.)

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

Hi Daniel. I use a lamp, that has a daylight (5600K) bulb in it, that best replicates sunlight. It does have a diffuser on it, to eliminate strong shadows. I think your friend probably means avoid direct sunlight....but only because the sun is alway moving...and can change what you see as you paint. It can also be rather harsh. Anyways....there are lots of opinions. But using a lamp, like you're doing, sounds GREAT! Here's the big lamp I use (mostly because I'm also shooting video, as I paint) amzn.to/3GvJGjO

[@SuperExadidas]

Hello Kris…l am a new subscriber to your channel. How do you preserve your Arches paper? Thanks

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

Welcome! I assume you are referring to the big roll of bulk Arches that appears in this video. When I was using that bulk Arches paper, I kept the paper in a bag, inside the box. This protected it from the non archival box. :-) However, I have used up all that bulk paper, and now I tend to purchase my Baohong watercolor paper in sheets (22"x30"). I prefer that mostly because I like the paper to lay flat. I have some videos on that topic as well - kzbin.info/www/bejne/d2eoq4p5gaZ3n8k Have a great day!!

[@SuperExadidas]

@@KrisDeBruineStudio Thanks for your kind reply. Maybe because we are in tropical country and humidity is high. Yes, l really enjoy using Baohong, especially their artist grade. lt seems they have reached the std of my favorite Arches.

[@gabiballetje]

When i saw the name i was reasonably sure you'd be Dutch or Belgian, but nah :P

[@KrisDeBruineStudio]

An American with a Dutch name. :-) Merry Christmas!