What a week this has been!

In between being glued to the news reports, and also to find some solace from the news reports, I’ve spent a lot of time in the studio working. This morning I cleaned! Sweeping up my studio floor and rearranging my work surface is very therapeutic.

As I was doing this today I noticed some of the little habits and ways of working that are part of my  studio practice. Little things make a big difference, especially when you produce a lot of work in a small space.

So, I thought this week I’d share some things I’ve learned and some little things I find helpful.

ANGLE IS CRITICAL TO COMPOSITION! When you are drawing or composing, the relationship of the drawing surface and your head and body makes a big difference in how you see. The picture below might look a fine way to work on this small collage.

But, look again. Look at the plane of the surface. Look at the plane of my face. They are not aligned. If I draw or compose at this angle, the work will be skewed, slightly keystoned. I won’t see it till I finally hold the work up perpendicular.

Tape cores to the rescue! I go through a lot of masking tape and packing tape, so I keep the used cores handy for all all kinds of little applications. These will be used to prop up the collage in progress. (I also keep some of these next t my sewing machine to set my scissors on.)

Now the working surface of my collage is on a slight angle. It’s parallel to my face when I am above it with my head titled down. Now I will see the composition accurately.

(Another studio quirk I have is keeping the masking tape on my arm. It keeps me from going crazy looking for a roll. )

MOVEABLE EASELS  To work on more than one project at a time, I use ¼” plywood as an easily moveable easel.

I bought a full 48” x 96” plywood sheet at my local Lowes and had them cut it in thirds. The 48” x 32” pieces are a good working size for me for works in progress.. The piece shown has had a photo transfer of type, and so I taped it down flat to the plywood during the transfer process. This work will have a good deal of collage and painting, so I’ll leave it on the plywood during those processes. I won’t have to take it off till it’s time to back it and stitch.

STYROFOAM INSULATION BOARD  This is a great material for fabric projects.

Above, my easel is set up with two sheets of Styrofoam side by side to accommodate large quilts in progress. I can fit up to about 50” wide here. This is my design wall. I can pin the fabric in place, try things out and walk away.

The sheets of Styrofoam can also be used as moveable design walls, the same way I use my moveable plywood. (Also from Lowes, in 4’ x 8” sheets. Easy to cut to useable size)

A MIX OF CRUMMY BRUSHES AND GOOD BRUSHES I absolutely have an ample supply of really well-used, crummy paint brushes.

I use these for wet washes, painting on wheat paste or other gummy resists, and for painting acrylic medium and acrylic gel on surfaces to glue them in place. I buy cheap disposable brushes so I don’t feel guilty when it’s time to discard them.

I think that sometimes we become so attached to our supplies they become precious and we are afraid to use them. Being used it what they are for! There are plenty of things that can limit artistic courage. Nobody needs one more.

But…

It also a great joy to have beautiful, well cared-for artist brushes. I was kindly given a gift card from SAQA Florida recently and I used it to splurge on a Dick Blick order. New oil pastels. New brushes. Aaaahhhh!

One last thing to share this week. A project I’ve helped with for several weeks has finally come to fruition. I’ve been the book designer for SAQA Florida’s Fresh Fish project. It’s a creative collaboration of textile artwork and poetry. I got to meet a number of interesting poets, and I enjoyed putting the poetry and artwork together. I have to admit that I’m really pleased with the end product.

Because it’s a fundraiser for SAQA Florida exhibitions and programs, I won’t feel guilty about promoting it here. If you think you might enjoy a copy, please support the introductory offer to order through the SAQA store. Just $15.95 with free shipping (in the contiguous United States.) Special price till February 1.  You can find out more and order HERE:  www.saqa.com/freshfish

The true “trade secret” for artmakers is to make art.
Make time. Create a space. Be persistent. Make some art.

I am looking forward with hope and enthusiasm to better days ahead.  Stay well.

Thank you for reading. I always enjoy questions and comments.
--Bobbi
bobbi@bobbibaughstudio.com

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