Karin Wells

Karin Wells · 03-20-2003, 11:25 PM

Here is a shot of my studio. The model stand is on the left.

I tacked up an old Oriental rug on the wall behind my easel in order to darken the area (I cannot look into light when I paint). The natural colors in the rug helps me keep my eye tuned into my preferred "earth" palette.

I have an old "studio prop" screen to shield my taboret from the glare of other windows on the south and east walls.

It is always "daytime" in my studio because I have installed color balanced fluorescent lights in the ceiling. The weather in New England and my odd-ball work schedule makes this necessary.

Karin Wells · 03-20-2003, 11:37 PM

The high windows are north light with window shades that pull upward to narrow the light.

Giant "steps" utilize the stair housing to the lower studio storage area. They are additional storage areas that double as a model stand (lower one) and a still life stand (middle one).

Michele Rushworth · 03-21-2003, 12:16 AM

Gorgeous space, Karin. Thanks for posting these. I think I see a Vermeer copy hiding there, too!

Elizabeth Schott · 03-21-2003, 05:35 PM

Karin, this is an artist's dream!

Do just have the North windows? I noticed the color balanced fluorescent lights seem to be on the ceiling in all areas, or are they just over the north light?

Is this part of your home or property? Or do you travel to a studio? Sorry to ask so many questions. I am drooling! Did you custom design the space or adapt an existing space?

Karin Wells · 03-21-2003, 10:25 PM

The lights are installed on the ceiling. Yes, the studio was an addition to my house. My husband designed it.

I'm glad you like it. Someday soon I will photograph the rest of it and post the pix.

Linda Brandon · 03-31-2003, 06:59 PM

Dear Karen,

This is a beautiful space. I especially like the idea of putting in the steps for multiple levels; very clever. I can't wait to see the rest of your posts.

Best wishes,
Linda

Jeanine Jackson · 05-11-2003, 10:15 AM

Compliments to you for the design, and to Peter for the results! As we house shop, I shall keep it in mind.

Valerie Warner · 07-15-2003, 10:39 AM

Karin,

Your studio is beautiful! Thanks for posting the pic of it. I have a question, though. I had golden wood ceilings in my studio. I also had balanced lighting. I found that the ceiling bathed my studio in a yellow light. My paintings were coming out blue/purple to compensate so I covered up the ceiling. Did I imagine this? Do you have any trouble with color because of your golden room?

Thank you so much for all the effort you put into this Forum.

Val

Karin Wells · 07-20-2003, 11:43 PM

My ceilings are a bright white. However my walls are wood and the golden color probably does influence my painting - but for the better. I have a natural tendancy to make my paintings a bit too warm and this forces me to keep a cooler palette.

I have never been able to paint in a room with white walls. I really need a medium value neutral earth color to surround me...sort of like an imprimatura on the white canvas.

SB Wang · 11-27-2003, 09:22 PM

Dear Karin:
Wow! Karin's palace is a corner of Kremlin Palace.