This article is dedicated to all 2D artists who may have felt uninspired or disconnected from their art practice due to the lack of a dedicated studio space or a sense of community.
We've uncovered the most amazing artist studio right inside your very home, your kitchen table! Remember, creating the art is the first step toward developing and sharing your most memorable and enjoyable work, the environment where those materials hit the page matters not a lot.
You Have a Dedicated Art Space, Your Kitchen Table
For many artists, the idea of creating art without a dedicated studio space can be daunting. The belief that a proper studio is necessary to produce great work can often serve as an excuse for not creating art at all. However, I'm here to tell you the perfect place to make art at this time is your kitchen table.
Not only is your kitchen table the most practical place to make art, you can also document this time in your life and create something tangible that reflects your experiences and emotions. The intimate setting of your kitchen table can inspire you to make your very best work, unencumbered by the distractions and expectations that come with a formal studio space.
Here are some guidelines for this life-changing practice of making art at your kitchen table
Stand When You Work
If you stand up while you create, you can easily work at the kitchen table and still maintain proper proportions in your work. Alternatively, you can purchase a table easel if you’d prefer to sit instead.
Build Your Routine
First and foremost, it's essential to practice with regularity. Set aside a specific time each day or week to work on your art. This can be as little as 30 minutes or as much as several hours. Consistency is key, so make a commitment to yourself to stick to a regular art-making schedule.
Instead of Grabbing More Materials, Grab a Cup of Tea
It's important to keep your art supplies at least several feet from your kitchen table. Select your materials before you begin to work, and I’m talking 5 paint colors max, for example.
Resist the urge to constantly reach for more materials as a crutch. Instead, challenge yourself to problem solve with the materials at hand. This will improve your work and help you develop new techniques and approaches to your art. With each new sitting, try using different supplies, but avoid the temptation to accumulate more than what you need.
Don’t Be Messy
There is no reason to be clumsy and messy with art materials. If you can eat without making a mess, you can make art without making a mess. When you use a limited arsenal of materials, it’s easier to keep things neat as well. If you like to be messy, think about why this is. Is this a feeling or philosophy you could express in your art instead of all over the floor and walls. Add that playful, carefree feeling to your work, not the table.
Clean-up Right Away
Make a habit of cleaning up right at the end of your art-making session. Make this a ceremonious time. Clean and thank your brushes, wipe your paints, and put all materials away. This will help you maintain a sense of order and organization in your art-making practice and home life.
Start Small
If you ultimately want to make large art, start small and gradually work your way up. Begin with smaller projects and gradually increase in size as you feel more comfortable. When you're ready, break free of your kitchen table and experiment with new spaces and materials. Try working on the floor, outside, or even consider renting a studio space if it feels like the next step.
In Summary
Creating art at home allows you to integrate your artwork into your daily life. Instead of separating your creative life from your everyday life, you can make your art practice a seamless part of your routine.
By establishing a regular practice at your kitchen table, you can enjoy the benefits of creating art without having to leave your home or incur the additional costs of a studio. With dedication and discipline, you can cultivate a meaningful and sustainable art practice right at your kitchen table.
So why not give it a try? Set up your kitchen table for art-making, commit to a regular schedule, and start creating. Remember, it doesn't have to be perfect or grandiose. Start small, embrace imperfection, and enjoy the process. I think you and I both know, your art practice may just become the most integral and fulfilling part of your daily life.
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