IMG_0824.jpeg

 Set up your studio.

  1. Where: Anywhere. Your bedroom, kitchen table, the toilet (no joke, it’s been done.) You don’t need a special place, and you can take down and set up as easily as you do in class each week. If you’ve got the room, make a nice permanent, private area.

  2. Lighting: Cool, consistent lighting is best. Red Dot has that, and you may have trouble duplicating it. Just do your best. A cool fluorescent would be nice, and the less light changes through open windows the better. Let go of perfection!

  3. Easel: Not required! If you’re on a budget, I’ll loan out my table easels until we open again. Otherwise a standing easel, table easel, or just lying your painting flat are good options. 

  4. Surface cover: To prevent oil paint from getting on your kitchen table I use a plastic trash bag. Good idea for protecting surfaces around you if you flail paint.  

  5. Fumes: Red Dot is magic in its ability to be fume-free. You may have some issues with this. Use ventilation (a fan or open window.) If you’re really serious you could use a respirator, but they are uncomfortable. I use an air purifier at home, but I’m not positive it makes a big difference.

  6. More on fumes: If this is still a problem, you may try using M. Graham paints and Walnut Oil for a medium. My pregnant students go that route, but the drying time is much longer. You’ll want to work on more than one painting at a time.