My old painting cart on wheels finally gave up. I'm sure it had to do with the number of times I've wheeled the thing in and out of the garage (which requires a bit of all-terrain four-wheel driving itself) and the use and abuse it's gotten over the years. I took the plunge this week, and invested in a garage-style toolbox/toolbench on casters from Costco.
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Rolling toolbox becomes an art studio[/caption]
It will probably make it to the garage someday and actually hold Troy's tools, but for now, it is my makeshift art studio. It is literally the most affordable and problem-solving option I found for storage:
1) wide shallow drawers for large sheets of paper, brushes, paints, etc. 2) lockable drawers and cabinets 3) wheels for moving about 4) surface to work on when needed, and 5) stainless steel for utility, but stylized function. (A penchant for industrial decor comes in handy sometimes.)
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Our home is max-ed out with our family of 8, and there is really no other suitable place for me to complete paintings and artwork other than in the front room (which used to be a dining room before the kitchen remodel) next to the sunny window where I keep my Meyer lemon tree. Anyway...I will admit that I did panic for a moment when I had to move my newly painted teal cabinet to the front entry, and wheeled in a manly toolbox. I really thought I had gone too far.
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Front entry + art studio + kitchen[/caption]
But, as I sorted all my supplies and tools, reorganized, redecorated, and moved things around, the space grew on me and began to feel warm and inviting. (Those of you who left sweet comments on FB and Instagram sure encouraged my nerves. :) ) I'm committed to making my home lovely and full of life-giving artistry, but function must have its place when this many square feet is shared by that many people. I am grateful to my patient, and loving husband, who continually encourages my dreams and fuels my passion for a creative life, both through words and pictures. This little studio area is the beginning of what I hope to be a pursuit of bringing more of my art out publicly (...to a little online shop near you, Lord willing.)
And, speaking of beginnings, I've begun sketching out a 3'x 3' painting I am dong for an auction to support dear friends who will be moving to North Africa...to speak the name of Christ with their lives.
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Beginnings[/caption]
So, today...I'm drawing close to new things beginning, new risks taken, and new places to go when a blank canvas lies before me...and in this season of my life. Thanks for following along, and joining in the journey.
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Drawing Close {31 Days of sketching and noting grace through drawing.}[/caption]
Join me everyday this month for the Drawing Close series.
Day 1: Drawing Close Intro Day 2: A Portrait Day 3: Parts of A Whole Day 4: Be Strong and Courageous Day 5: A World Where There Are Octobers {My Birthday} Day 6: Keep Moving Forward Day 7: Bearing Fruit Day 8: Capturing Life In Motion Day 9: Real (Uncomfortable) Hospitality Day 10: In Process, In Progress Day 11: Beginnings Day 12: Day 13: Day 14: Day 15: Day 16: Day 17: Day 18: Day 19: Day 20: Day 21: Day 22: Day 23: Day 24: Day 25: Day 26: Day 27: Day 28: Day 29: Day 30: Day 31: