Painted Paper Studio

February 5, 2023

Hi Reader!

Over the last few months, several of you have written, asking how I schedule or structure my studio time (none of you used the word structure, but it's what fits best here 😀).

So here's the very, very short version and the more extended version is below.

Please do me a favor; after you've read, please reply and tell me what a "studio" day is like for you.​
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A Day in My Studio Very Short Version

• Drink coffee
• Internet exploration
• Do my errands/chores
• Futz & dawdle
• Clean/Organize the studio
• Get into the flow
• How I get unstuck
• Listen to the "Archie" Alarm
• Work for 2-3 hours or 5-6 hours
• What I don't do is force myself

A Day in My Studio Extended Version + insights 🥰

Note: After I finished writing this email and had it scheduled to be sent, Britta asked this in this week's video comments, so I added it in.

Starting the Day

A day in my studio starts hours before I step inside. It begins with my morning routine, which is precious to me.

After taking Archie (my sweet little red-headed pup) out, I grab a coffee and return to bed.

I spend about an hour responding to your emails and comments (my favorite part of the morning) and satisfying my curiosity about everything available on the interwebs.

One thing I do not focus on during this particular time is world events or politics - I can't bear it first thing in the morning.

I'm sharing this - not because you should be burdened with my routine - but because I know what makes an enjoyable studio day for me.

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Pre-Studio Time

Aside from household responsibilities, errands, and the occasional workout, I spend the rest of the early morning "futzing and dawdling," as my husband calls it.

I can't define it specifically, but I do a whole lot of nothing, unaware of how much time flies by.

The futzing and dawdling are also precious because they help me break from my mom/wife/friend mode into my creative persona.

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Studio Time

Once in the studio, I putter around, cleaning or organizing. Then, I put on the apron, get clean water for my paintbrushes, and pick the tools I plan to use.

Getting set up takes longer than it should, but it's part of my creative process - it sets the mood and allows the time to pick a starting point for the day.

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Flow State

When working, I usually get into a flow state and go where my muse takes me. But when I get stuck, you'll find me daydreaming and reorganizing again.

In grade school, my teachers always commented that I should spend less time daydreaming and more time focusing (if only I applied myself 😂).

I'm glad I always had that skill. I daydream in my studio a lot. It summons my creative muse and allows her to run fearlessly through my body and onto the paper I'm painting.

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When I'm Stuck

If I'm really stuck, I'll leave the studio and watch other artists create or take Archie for a walk.

Actually, Archie is also an important part of my process. Sometimes, I don't get stuck at all, and the flow goes on and on...and on.

Archie is always by my side in the studio, and we have an agreement. He'll let me do my thing without complaint, but when he gets barky, it's time to take off the apron and step away from the work.

You know what, he's almost always right. It's uncanny. Like negative space in a painting, stepping away from your work at the right time can add much more to the piece.

How much time

Regarding time (Britta's question), if it's a studio day (for me), I probably work about 2-3 hours. If it's a filming day, it's more like 5-6 hours and requires a lot of cooperation from Archie. 😉

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I don't force it

It's important to note that I do not work in my studio daily. I mean, some weeks I do, and others, only when I feel the pull or the need. I love my creativity to pieces, and if I forced myself to create more, it might become a j.o.b, and I might lose my passion.

As you might guess, that passion is precious too.​
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If you haven't watched this week's video, please do; you'll see the passion in action.​
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​As always, I appreciate you and am thrilled that this community shares so much with me. It makes my life better.

xo,

Jackie

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