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Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Getting settled in to a new Studio



Guess what? I moved again. Four moves in four years. I'm a needy organized nester, and moving seems to keep me out of sorts longer than would seem necessary. At least this will be my excuse for the long periods of absence on my blog, and lack of finished paintings for 2009. I do want to apologize too, for the delayed responses to comments and emails I've received over the last two months, I have let myself get so far behind being distracted with the move and getting my studio set up. The good news is, this time my husband and I bought a house, so HOPEFULLY we are staying put for a while! Yea!

I've been busy painting the walls/ceiling/trim all white, so it seems only fitting that my first painting in my new space would be inspired by all white as well. Of course, all the snow might be responsible for the white set up too, but I think the real source of inspiration started back in June by a comment by Alia El-Bermani on my post for Fireworks. She stated that "cloud nine" would have been a good title for that painting or a new one, because of my own joyful reaction to my recent paintings. Of course, my crazy brain immediately jumps to... cloud nine...yessss...nine big canvas of all white!

Well, that might be a bit ambitious. I have a very bad habit of starting a huge painting (that I never seem to complete) every move and new studio. But, seeing that I have so much white for inspiration around me, with clouds, snow, and a bright new studio, I just might get this done! I'm hopeful.

The canvas is 20 x 20, and this is the charcoal sketch so far.

15 comments:

A Gift Wrapped Life said...

Good to see you back Karen, was wondering where those painted gifts went! Her's to lots of inspiration in your new home.

Tammy Hext said...

A great start, and wow what a beautiful studio. Congrats on the house. Happy painting!

Alia El-Bermani said...

Awwwh! I'm so happy that you are back to painting (and blogging). I'm also glad my silly comment got your gears turning. And I love the 9 white painting idea! Wooo hoo! Go Karen, go Karen, go. Enjoy the new home and especially the new beautiful studio. May you be settled a long long time!

Christine Mercer-Vernon said...

yay! congrats on your new studio and new home! it's so inspiring to me in a new space isn't it. lovely windows too!! looking forward to your new paintings karen!!

FCP said...

Karen! I've missed you!.. but I can relate so very much. It takes me a minimum of a year to move and feel I have found a place for everything in the new space (including myself), and now I have a name for it--who knew I am a "needy organized nester"? I love the clean slate and all white beginning...good luck in your new space and may you discover lots of great chi (and yourself) there.
Faye

Daphne Cote said...

I know exactly what it's like. I am going through some upheaval too. Your new studio, with the windows and light, is really inspiring. It makes me want to kick my but back to the studio. Thanks for inspiring me. (oh, and I love the series idea!)

Sharlette White said...

I have sooo missed your inspiration. I retire in 127 DAYS! I am so ready to start painting and I need to be inspired by great artists! You and Sara Winters are my favorite artists that really get me in the mood to get going....

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous space Karen! Especially love those windows and the mirror. I'm looking forward to seeing these white bows finished.

Karen Appleton said...

Thank you Sande, I do hope to get settled in and paint flowing again!

Thank you so much for the well wishes Tammy!

Yea! Alia, keep those comments and inspiration coming, who knows what might come next!

Wow, Christine, you've got a great new space too! I hope you're enjoying yours and creating gorgeous works as always!

So glad I could be of help with naming our crazy disfunction Faye! :) Yes, it will take me a LONG time to really feel settled. Thanks for the encouragement!

Thank you Daphne, I'm so sorry for your upheaval, and I hope you get settled soon too! Your paintings are fantastic by the way.

Sharlette you are way too kind, thank you. I love Sara Winters' paintings too. Happy count down to retirement!

Thank you Silvina!! Can you believe this room CAME with this mirror!! Perfect! I foresee more self portraits :)

Tammy Hext said...

Hi Karen,
Thank you for your lovely comments and for introducing me to Nancy Switzer's work. I had never seen it and it is awesome! Now I can not wait to start painting today. Thanks for the inspiration.
Tammy

Helen Read said...

Glad you are back!!

Karen Appleton said...

Glad you like her Tammy!

Thank you Helen, it's great to be back!

Joan Breckwoldt said...

Hi Karen, so glad you're back to blogging and posting your gorgeous paintings. Congratulations on your new home! I hope you and your husband have many many happy years there. Your studio looks fabulous and wow! that easel looks like a really nice one too. I covet that easel :).
Looking forward to seeing more of your beautiful paintings,
Joan

Things That Inspire said...

Look at all of the light in this space...light on at least two sides is always the sign of a great room, in my mind.

Karen Appleton said...

Hey Joan!! Thank you so much, I'm excited to be blogging and settling in to a new space. I purchased this easel years ago when an art store had a half price sale. I'm really lucky to have it, it has been a great one.

Thank you Things That Inspire, windows are such a luxury!! I am very very fortunate :)