Lately it's been tough to find time to paint and one thing I've always struggled with is working within a cluttered area (though I seem to have NO problem creating the clutter...) and it's kind of a problem when you're avoiding a space because of a mess. So it was time to finally do something about the mess and I started by taking measurements and doing online research (it's amazing what you can find on this computer thingy). After considering the options, I decided to go with wire shelving versus building a traditional wooden unit. For ideas, here are some images I came across online:
this would be perfect if I had a gigantic studio...
Alas, I was most inspired by the idea
below and decided to run with it:
In the photo above, the painter works on a smaller scale than I do so he can get away with using just one 24" deep x 36" wide rack with 4 shelves. He cleverly used peg board on each shelf and perfectly lined up dowels to create individual slots, especially helpful for oil painters who need to let their paint dry (I also saw other similar versions where the artists used wire or rope affixed from shelf to shelf ). Anyway he also added wheels to make it mobile - great idea!
For my storage solution, I needed a space for larger work (approx 24"x30") and decided that the perfect spot would be a 36" wide x 48" deep unused nook in the corner of the room. I purchased ONE 5-shelf unit and ordered 4 legs separately from another store for a total cost of $90 and in less than an hour (!!), I put together 2 shelf units back to back and had the entire space organized. I'm thrilled that I was able to turn the room around so quickly, maximize the storage space AND house all of the paintings in one tidy area. Ahhhhh... now I can finally see what I have and paint in a clutter-free space!! Ya, I know... it's weird where some people find happiness...
Below is the newly organized area!!
OMG, you can see the floor!!
Is that a clean table top I see?
Not for long.... ;)
