While organizing I found a bunch of “beginnings” stashed in various parts of the studio. The origins of art are so varied – especially in mixed media. Sometimes a pieces starts with an idea, but sometimes it simply starts with a palette of colors or interesting materials. For a mixed media artist a piece might start in one medium, but begs for a mixture.

These two are starts with bits of similar colors. I’m going to love the 1st one for its different textures when it’s done.

The second will be be loved for its rich and vibrant colors. It’s hard to tell but the substrate is a rich burgundy paisley patterned fabric stretched like a canvas. It had been used before but the piece never sold, so… Destroy and recreate was the only option. This will have lots of rich reds and golds along with the burgundy.

I’ve spent many many months doing a deep dive into cleaning and organizing my studio. This has been an every 3 months chore for years now. This time, I’ve gotten down to the nitty gritty and I hope this means that the cleaning will have to be done less often and will be easier. I’ve worked very hard to make sure that everything has a place and that I know where that place is. I know it’s working because when I’ve purchased new things and bring them home, I know exactly where they go. The same has been true of when I finish a piece and have to return some items their place.

In the process, I stumbled upon some things that may be of interest and taken pictures along the way. I will be posting about these things on Thursdays and Sundays. Even a clean and organized studio doesn’t necessarily look like any other clean and organized room: