There’s probably not many more frustrating annoyances than not being able to find what you need. This is especially so if you’re beginning a new painting. You have the idea in your head. You’ve done your sketch. Now where is that proportional divider?
Besides wasting time, you’re also in danger of losing your idea or at least losing the enthusiasm. It’s not unlike forgetting what you were going to say. You can ask the person you were speaking with, but chances are they forgot already too. One way to avoid such art disasters is to prevent them from happening in the first place.
After completing work for the day, clean up.
There’s something so refreshing about coming to a clean desk, in a clean studio. It mirrors the clean, white piece of watercolor paper or canvas you’re about to use. You’ve done well by setting yourself up in a distraction-free environment.
Everything in its place.
Don’t waste precious art time searching. Give everything its place. Done with the eraser? It has its place. Done with your number 5 sable brush? It has its place. Studio time is about creating art. It’s a good, positive time. Ditch the bad energy of frustration of not finding something.
Clean your palette.
Some may disagree, but everyone has their own style. For me, I like to start a watercolor painting with a clean palette. I have new ideas for mixing colors. Besides, how much more aggravating can it get than if some of last time’s warm sepia flows into your nice cadmium yellow?
The artist’s studio is a place where positive energy and creativity rule. Honor the Muse and give her a clean place in which to inspire.
