From Garage to Gallery: Creating My Dream Art Studio

For years I painted at home, in the kitchen, in bedrooms, in the (cold) sunroom at the back, continuously ruining floors, walls and ceilings with the spattering of paint where enthusiasm and in the moment impulses would overcome sensibility, and I'd be forever scrubbing carpets and walls whilst mumbling apologies.  

Plus I would have the laborious task of having to bring it all out in the morning and put it all away again at the end of the day, so that the kids didn't get creative whilst I was out of the room, and start painting over one of my canvases/ the floors/ the walls or THEMSELVES! (it happens).

After Covid hit, and we had spent endless hours restricted to our own homes, I knew we had to move, I was desperate for my own work space, a place where I could leave my paints out, somewhere I could lock myself away and fully immerse myself without fear/ guilt of taking over and continuously ruining our family spaces.

I desperately wanted a light-filled space where creativity could run wild, where blank canvases could become portraits, and where I could step inside and feel instantly inspired.

So the house went on the market and sold, and we then rented for 8 months before finding our now dream home. 

A bungalow & a full renovation project all rolled into one. And the best bit, was a large garage perfect for a studio!! So we started to turn my dream into reality.

We started from the ground up — literally. We dug out the cold, uneven garage floor and replaced it with a brand-new surface that feels warm underfoot. 

We installed folding doors that open right onto a brand-new patio framed by greenery. 

I made a giant easel that can hold 3 or 4 paintings at a time, we put in an old outside BBQ sink, where I can wash my brushes without fear of staining or damaging it. 

Every utensil, brush, palette knife and book has its own place. I am now organised, happy & full of inspriation without the old distractions.

And overtime it has become not just a studio, but a sanctuary. Somewhere, where time slows down, and I can fully express myself, my ideas, my energy and my passion.

It has become my perfect creative haven.