The Dream Studio... Complete!

It's FINISHED!!!!  MY DREAM STUDIO IS COMPLETE.  ((Okay, it's almost finished.  All it needs is a door latch and the corner of the table rounded so I don't impale myself one day.))  But it is complete enough for me to be more than satisfied, more than happy, just ECSTATIC.  Let us revel in the beauty and glory that is my dream studio:

On the right you will see one of the newest additions: a table with a storage shelf.

And here is the other new addition on the left, a large shelf for large vertical storage of large art and supplies.

Let me remind you how this space looked when we first moved in:

 And here is the exact same corner of the room now:

If you have been following the blog for a while, you'll know that we have been slowly working on making this into the dream studio for over a year now.  My amazing soon-to-be-unoffical-husband Mat, and his father Xelle have helped soooo much.  I also would not have been able to afford this awesome face-lift had it not been for all of you out there who have supported my endeavors via buying art, commissioning art, taking classes, and helping me promote.  So if any of that applies to you, THANK YOU!!!  I walked the fine financial balance of "how can I make this as cheap as possible while still keeping it good quality?"  And just over $1,100 later, I think I did a pretty good job, considering all of the following renovations:

• installed roof insulation
• put in ceiling
• installed track lighting
• flat file added
• floor raised and leveled
• painted ceiling

• added insulation and paneled walls
• added floor, ceiling, corner, door, and window trim
• painted walls, doors, and all trim
• bought art supply storage cabinet (just $60 at Goodwill!)
• vinyl flooring put down
• added outlet for air conditioning unit
• built shelves for verticle storage (canvases, paintings, etc.)
• built table/counter with shelf storage
• painted shelving and table/counter
• bought area rug (hand-made from factory scraps and super cheap)

Phew!  All of that took up a lot of weekends with Mat and Xelle, and at least 15 full days of me working on my own.

I can't believe how fortunate I am to be able to live off of my passion, and now in such a warm and beautiful environment.  Fortunate, but with lots of hard work and help.  I couldn't be happier.

So if you would like to visit the studio, see lots of art (I have more stored that you cannot see in the photos,) and maybe talk art, please let me know.  Hit that 'Contact Me' tab at the top of the blog.

Inspiration Source #7: "Planet Earth" and "Life."  Each series is by the Discovery Channel and the BBC.  Many of you who may read my green tips may think "Jeez, what's so great about other life on this planet that I should do anything to help preserve it?"  Well, watch "Planet Earth" and "Life" and I guarantee it will all make much more sense.  Every episode of these is phenomenally breath-taking and awe-inspiring.  I can't express the amazement you will experience at all of the completely unique and fascinating landscapes and creatures on our very own planet.  If I could only own two DVDs (or DVD sets) they would be these.  They still give me chills and I could watch them over and over.

When you do buy or rent these, definitely get the versions narrated by Sir David Attenborough.

Thank you for your visit!

-Heather