Hello Lovelies!
American photographer and filmmaker Paul Strand once said, “The artist’s world is limitless. It can be found anywhere, far from where he lives or a few feet away. It is always on his doorstep.”
While truly you can tap into your inner artist wherever you go, I prefer to create my own private creative haven right in my studio at my gallery. Surrounding myself with nature, treasured antiques, photographs of those I love, and images of other artists that continue to inspire me, I find myself in a place to create.
In hopes that you too can find a place to claim your position as an artist, here are studios through the ages that have offered their masters a magnificent place to feel inspired. Perhaps we can take a page or two from their book:
1. Claude Monet, Giverny, France
Claude Monet lived in this home at Giverny for 43 years, from 1883 to 1926. During this time he has painted countless paintings of his house, his gardens, and water lilies. Isn’t the surrounding flowers absolutely magnificent?
2. Pablo Picasso’s “La Californeie” Atelier Villa in Cannes, France
In 1955, Picasso bought a whimsical 19th century home that became known as “La Villa California,” where he created some of his most famous works all with a beautiful view of the sea right outside his window. Do you see how much light comes pouring through the windows? Perfect for spotlighting a canvas.
3) Hans Hartung, Antibes, France
Hans Hartung’s studio was in his home in Antibes. His studio stood 12-meters tall and had an adjoining gallery that featured large picture windows with incredible views of olive trees outside. Who wouldn’t want to paint in a setting such as this?
4. Georgia O’ keeffe, Abiquiu, New Mexico
Georgia’s studio in Abiquiu quickly became a beautiful inspiration for O’keefe where she painting countless paintings that were inspired by the beauty of New Mexico. While simple, the surrounding plains are majestic, and offer a simplicity that doesn’t distract from the work at hand.
5. Yuri Kuper, former barn house in Normandy, France
British painter Yuri Kuper has created his own studio in a beautiful barn that dates back to the 15th century. It was restored in 1980 and the setting is just right for his more melancholy masterpieces.
In closing, whether your own studio is your kitchen, your garden, or just a peaceful room in your home, make it yours! How do you create your own haven for creativity? I’m all ears!
