Today, I’d love to invite you behind the scenes for a little sneak peek into my studio—though you’ll have to excuse the dogs' couch! Dottie the Labrador and Oliver the mini dachshund are my constant companions on painting days, offering moral support (and constant distractions).
When we built our home, I knew exactly what I wanted for my creative sanctuary: a light-filled studio with large windows overlooking the garden, and vinyl floors (because, let’s face it, painting can get messy!). It’s my little oasis, a place to escape, slow down, and get lost in the joy of creating. There’s something incredibly meditative about settling into the rhythm of painting, and being close to nature—with birdsong and the breeze filtering in.
One of my favourite things about my studio is the collection of colour charts that adorn the walls from a summer school with the Colourist Painter Hugo Grenville, in the UK. They’ve become a huge part of my creative process. Whether I’m in the mood for bold jewel tones or soft, calming pastels, those charts always give me the spark I need to begin a new piece. They remind me of the endless possibilities with colour, and how a single hue can completely change the mood of a room or painting.
I find surrounding myself with previous work and the work of others very motivating - in a creative dry spell it reminds me that sometimes it does go right. I have some of my life drawings from a class I took with my sister in West End Brisbane. I have her beautiful painting on a sheet of music to remind me to think outside the box.
If you are struggling creatively I would really recommend go to a life drawing class, the human form is so fascinating and challenging to capture-but it is a "low stakes" creative activity to help with your sketching skills. Don't worry every different class I have been to everyone is ooohhhing and aaaahhhing over eachothers work, so it's all round just a lovely warm experience.
So, this is where the magic happens. From sketches and brushstrokes to moments of contemplation with a cup of tea, this is where I pour my heart into my work. My studio is my happy place, and I hope a little of that joy finds its way into every painting I create.
Here’s to artful days and cozy nights,
Bec xx
