my school house studio
 

After over a year of work, I finally finished my late 1800's style school-house studio. Leaving nothing to my imagination, I used a common home-building sofware (with help from my older son) to design this studio and adjust the building and window dimensions, roof pitch, overhang, etc. until I felt everything was just right (at least to my eyes!). Although the bell tower and its witch-hat roof were time-consuming to design and build (about 2 weeks), I am glad that I spent the over the winter working on it. Just this past week, I began to paint again (not trim or walls) after nearly a year off. It is wonderful having so much space. Even though I live in the country, it is strange having so many windows (8 in the main area) around me.

This is so cool...and you built it all yourself! Can we see how it looks on the inside too? Love the garden - it looks idyllic.

I agree -- very picturesque! Would love to see inside too :)

Love it! I am filled with admiration that you designed and built it yourself too. I second the motion to peek inside.

I am always interested in the studios of other painters. For anyone else who is curious about such things, there is actually a whole magazine out on the newstands right now (from American Artist) focusing solely on studios. Someday I hope to have a dream studio too!

Thank you for your kind comments. My wife tried to convince me to wait until I was retired to build this studio, but I am not sure that I would have the energy or strength 20+ years from now! About 10% (based on the overall cost) of the studio I did not personally build but contracted out (e.g., digging and pouring the foundation).

I have attached two images of the interior. The walls are extra thick and filled with insulation. I also insulated below the oak plank floors (and above the ceililng, of course), so I hope the heating bill this winter is low.

From one of the images, you can see that I enjoy collecting antique hats--and using them in the portraits when they fit. At the school where I teach, I picked up the slate blackboards (barely visible in the background behind the easel) and then built the frame and chalk tray for them. I use the chalk tray to hold paintings that are drying.

Kenneth,

this looks like a magic place to paint....many congratulations. Glad you decided to go ahead!

WOW! This gets me thinking . . . just don't tell my husband ;) Really, though, nice work. What a wonderful environment for creativity to flow!

Beautiful - so inspiring!

and it is allllll yours to fill your days how you please, wow. That is freedom.

What a great place to paint, I am truly jealous.

What a nice feel it has to it. On the inside and on the outside. I hope you paint many wonderful paintings in there. Many blessings.