In The Artist Studio: Where The Magic Happens

Katie Turner, “My Studio & Cat” 2022

David Hockney is not the only artist that painted his living space or studio, but one of many.  Hockney used cubist perspectives to deconstruct his living room for his painting.  He also picked up the idea for composition from Chinese scrolls that show landscapes in different spaces and from different points of view .  Hockney includes a bust of Pablo Picasso above the fireplace.  You can view the painting here: https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/485302

Gustave Courbet, ‘The Painter’s Studio: A real allegory summing up seven years of my artistic and moral life‘ (1855) (Photo via Wikimedia Commons Public Domain)

Rembrandt, Gustave Courbet and Monet also gave viewers a glimpse into their workspace.  Some were simple, some elaborate but all tend to draw our interest.  Why so much interest?  This is where the magic happens!  Courbet said his studio is the place “the world comes to be painted.”

Claude Monet, ‘The Studio Boat’ (1876) (Photo: ErgSap via Wikimedia Commons CC BY 2.0)

Where ever the artist sets up to create is where the studio is and where the magic really happens.  Monet would often be in a boat or near the water happily painting his waterlilies.  Van Gogh painted from his hospital room while he was being treated for mental health issues. 

Vincent Van Gogh, ‘Window in the Studio’ (1889) (Photo: Van Gogh Museum Fair Use)

In fact, we are so taken in by creators’ studios there is a popular magazine titled “In Her Studio” which highlights various creative spaces and lives of female artists, designers, writers and makers.  https://stampington.com/in-her-studio/

But is the studio really a magical place?  It’s the place where inspiration meets the tools and ideas that materialize into something fabulous!  The studio could be anywhere, but finding the perfect working space can be the key that opens the door to organization.  Without some kind of organization or system a creative may struggle and end up with a disappointing space full of half-finished masterpieces.  But is this just an excuse?  Only the artist himself would be able to answer!

If you enjoy looking at more studio spaces, go to Google Arts & Culture to see an editorial feature with a LIFE Photo Collection by Gjon Mili, click here: https://artsandculture.google.com/story/take-a-peek-inside-the-studios-of-famous-artists/MAXhJLKkuWbyIg?hl=en

Thanks for reading.  I’d love to hear from you – be sure to share your thoughts! Where is your studio? Does magic happen there?

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