How I Prepare for Painting in my Studio

When I set aside a true studio day - I mean business! A lot of times when I have multiple paintings, I'm working on I really do plan ahead to get the most out of my time in the studio and it's awesome these are definitely my favorite days!!!

1. Set Intentions

• First, I always need to know what I'm going for - am I finishing some paintings, starting a new collection, do I have my reference images ready? I always need to make sure I have a plan so that when I'm ready I can dive right in.  

2. Gather Materials

• Making sure I have what I need is next.  The first thing I always make sure I have ready is my reference image.  I really don't like fumbling through my iPad when I'm ready to paint so I always charge my iPad the night before and make sure my photos are ready to go!
• Clean brushes! I always clean my brushes each time I'm done painting but every once in a while, they need a deeper clean with some rubbing alcohol so if I need to, I do this now!
• Set out paper towels and wipes. I make sure I have my paper towels ready, and the roll isn't empty because when I make a mess (which is definitely going to happen) I'm not scrambling to clean it up

3. Organize Your Workspace

• I like to set my paints in a certain spot by my easel - on my right-hand side to be exact.  Paints and brushes and water always go on my right so I can quickly grab them on my dominant side!

4. Prepare the Environment

• I love to listen to music when I paint, especially if it's a long day in the studio - you know I have Morgan Wallen playing on repeat.  It's just my go-to! I make sure my Alexa is plugged in sometimes it gets bumped or unplugged when I'm using my scanner, so I also get that ready to go!

5. Wear Appropriate Clothing

• I have an entire shelf in my closet dedicated to my painting clothes.  I used to "attempt" to wear an apron but every single time I would inevitably get paint on my butt or socks or some other random place the apron didn't even seem to matter!
• I now just pass down whatever leggings or sweatshirts I'm ready to retire to my painting wardrobe

6. Have a Sketch or Plan

• If I'm starting some new paintings, I always like to have them sketched out ahead of time.  I use purple paint markers on canvas panels to do this and I draw out my ideas so that it can dry and also, I feel much more prepared when I sit down to paint, I'm not starting 100% from scratch.

I hope you liked today's behind the scenes into my painting days.  I really do think that preparing ahead for what I want to accomplish helps SO MUCH!

Until next time,

-Paige