Studio Deux – Creating Time for Creativity

by Barbara Lehtiniemi

With rain softly pattering on the windows, I finally resumed work on a painting that had been on “pause” for almost four months.  Like some other paintings, it had started out looking like nothing and it was easy to work on—how can you mess up a “nothing” painting?  Then I added some sweet pea blossoms and it began to look like “something”.  All it needed was some stems and vines!  

Whoa, there, Barb.  Don’t screw it up or “something”  will turn into a big fat “nothing” for sure.

During my first Studio Time session at the Glengarry Hub on a recent Wednesday, I donned my apron, blended the paints, and gave those poor sweet pea blossoms something to hang onto!  And the painting made a big leap toward the finish line.  And it was so easy!—I just had to make myself get started.

When I gathered materials for this Studio Time session, I deliberately chose the Sweet Pea painting.  It was easy to ignore it at home when I had other paintings to work on, but if I took it—and only it—to Studio Time, I’d have to work on it.  I packed Sweet Pea, along with paints and brushes .  I also packed another painting that would be a good candidate to receive leftover green paint from Sweet Pea’s foliage.

Since Studio Time sessions are three hours, and paint needs to dry, I also packed a bag with sketch books, coloured pencils, and writing materials.  I also threw in two library books I hadn’t yet made the time to look at.  I thought about chucking in some knitting, too, but figured I already had enough for three hours.

When I arrived at the Hub, I had my choice of work stations, including tables, floor- or tabletop-easels, and standing desks.  I decided to use a tabletop easel, set up on a table with a view over Mill Pond.  After perching Sweet Pea on the easel, there was no choice—I had to work on the darned thing.

With the aroma of brewing coffee, and soft music playing in the background, I worked on the painting.  I was so glad I had signed up for Studio Time!  With completely focussed time, and no chance of interruption or dithering, it was blissfully easy to work.  The Hub’s Studio Space is many times larger than the space I work in at home, and I felt my creative energy expand into the available space.

While Sweet Pea and another painting dried, I cleaned up painting gear and pulled out sketching materials.  I used one of the standing desks (with adjustable height) next to a window and sketched Fireman’s Island in the Mill Pond.  Afterwards, I had time to do some writing.

I don’t always make time for creative pursuits, often squeezing in a session between tasks I feel I “ought” to be doing.  Booking Studio Time carved out dedicated time for creativity.  I am there to be creative and nothing else.  It’s a creative gift I give to myself.

Before the three-hour session ended, there was time for artists to share what they’d been working on.  Other than a few muted exchanges of ideas and materials, the studio session was quiet and relaxed.  Now I’m looking forward to visiting my studio away from home, my “Studio Deux”, again next Wednesday!  And, as with long-neglected Sweet Pea,  I’m definitely eye-balling projects I’ve been putting off.  Studio Time gives me the space and impetus to work on even the scariest projects.

And… after a few more painting sessions at home, Sweet Pea is finished!

Another win!

At time of writing, Studio Time sessions are Wednesday mornings, 9:45am to 12:45pm.  Studio time is suitable for a range of creative expressions:  painting, sketching, writing, needlecraft—lots of possibilities.  The sessions are hosted by Jessica MacLeod Creative at the Glengarry Hub, 90B Main Street, Alexandria (corner of Gernish St, above the Glengarry Market.)  Contactjessica@jessicamacleodcreative.ca for information, availability, and pricing.