I recently moved my studio from a small bedroom to a much larger bedroom in our basement. It was a lot of work, and many trips up and down stairs.

But definitely worth it.

It gave me a chance to go through all the "stuff" I've been collecting over the years, and I was actually able to purge some things. Decluttering really does help clear the brain too.

It also meant I could get all the stuff better organized. There are lots of ideas out there that can help keep a studio organized, and I thought perhaps I could share with you what has worked for me. So here goes:

- I got all the junk out of large bins and organized by item type into small bins and shoe-boxes, with labels. Some people like to use large mason jars so they can see at a glance. I'm a fan of this idea too. A bit time consuming to get this sorting done, but worth it - saves lots of time later searching for stuff.

- My magazines are now organized by type. I kept seeing recommendations to simply tear out pages and ideas that I'm attracted to, then toss the rest of the magazine.  But I don't like to follow that suggestion as I believe that tastes can change and something that I didn't look at today may catch my attention tomorrow. So I decided to keep my magazines intact, but at least sorted by type.

- Organize your space by need. I now have actual workstations. Where before I had only a small space for making cards AND painting AND using my computer, now I have a separate space for each. It's far less distracting, and I don't have to do nearly as much cleaning and tidying up just to make space.  This suggestion does depend on the size of space you have available, and a bit of creativity at times to get it all to fit.

- I'm considering painting part of one wall with chalkboard paint. I have far too many post-its and little notes. My thinking is that it would be easier to jot down reminders and ideas on a chalkboard. Besides, post-its sometimes fall off the wall, never to be found again.

- Paint your room in a colour that you can work in. My studio is teal - a colour chosen by my step-daughter when this used to be her bedroom, but it works for me. I find it soothing and inspiring at the same time, not overwhel

I hope these are of some help. More ideas to come in future blogs.....

I needed a new project recently for my coloured pencil class. So I went with a recommendation to have each member of the group re-create one square of a painting. With 9 in our group, I cut up a picture into 9 equal-sized pieces. Each person then was given a blank piece of paper in a larger size, with instructions to draw in then use colour pencil to "paint" their section of the picture.

I knew that the final piece, once all 9 pieces were together, would be quite different - after all, each person in the class has a unique style - but should look something like the original.

I was nervous at how it would turn out but hopeful at the same time.

We didn't quite complete the project in one class (we'll finish it next class), but the results are already in.

And the best part was the comments from each of my students.

They knew they had different levels of experience, they all tend choose different colours and shades, some go with vibrant tones, others muted, some choose unexpected colours, others try to copy exactly. Some add many layers of pencil and press hard, others have a very light touch. Some use 2-3 colours to create a new colour, others go very monotone.

Each person recognized all these differences in the work of the others.
Each saw how they could try something that another had used, and see how it works for them.
And each received something very valuable from the others.

Recogition.

The support and praise for each other was very evident in our art room. They recognized the varying styles and how each of them brought their own individuality to the painting. And although each was very different, it was because they are all unique personalities, and they began to appreciate that when we re-create a piece, the idea is not to duplicate it but to interpret it with your own style.

I would say we had a very successful class.

Can't wait for next one.

While looking for some fresh ideas to use when teaching coloured pencil techiques, I stumbled across a fun website - colourful, lots of ideas - basically to make doing art fun, and geared to all skill levels. All free ideas, from someone who wants to share her passion with others.

http://www.art-is-fun.com/

There are suggestions for different mediums - not just coloured pencil, but also pastel, watercolour, ink, acrylic - and also for different styles and subjects.

Check out her newsletter too. Lots of fun ideas and links each issue.

Hope you enjoy.  If you've found a website you enjoy and share, please let me know and I will post it here.