Small Studio, Big Potential: How I Created My Dream Art Space

In my 5x3 metre garden studio, I've discovered that a well-planned small space can actually enhance your creative flow rather than limit it. I'm incredibly fortunate to have this dedicated space for my art and class creation, and I've learned to make every inch count - including cosy spots for my dogs Mabel and Phoebe, who are my faithful studio companions every day!

I want to share how I've transformed this compact space into my Happy Place, where magic happens and ideas come to life. Whether you're working from a spare room, a corner of your kitchen, or dreaming of your future studio, I hope my practical solutions and creative organization ideas will inspire you to maximize your own creative space.

Let me walk you through how I've made this space work for me, hoping it might inspire you with ideas for your own creative corner, whatever size that might be. Welcome to My Happy Place!

The Heart of Creation: My Painting Zone

The heart of my studio revolves around my wall easel - a simple DIY project using wooden strips and basic hooks that turned out to be one of my best studio decisions. Beside it, I've left a generous wall space free for hanging works in progress and completed pieces. Having my work displayed this way isn't just about storage; it helps me see connections between pieces and watch how my art develops over time.

Pro Tip: I've placed a mirror opposite my easel so I can view my work from a different perspective – it's amazing how seeing your work reflected can instantly highlight areas that need attention. It's like magic, and while I can't explain why it works, it really does!

Smart Storage Solutions That Spark Joy

My Upcycled Supply Station

One of my favourite pieces is an old mid-century writing bureau that's been given new life as my drawing and mark making supply station. All my pencils, pastels, and markers are displayed here – because art supplies are too beautiful to hide! Above it, shelving houses my acrylic inks and high-flow paints, creating a beautiful colour library that inspires me daily.

The Mobile Paint Station

A game-changer in my small space is my wheeled table that holds:

Two stay-wet palettes

Two water buckets

Paint Brushes

Drying rag/cloth

It's like having an art assistant that moves with me wherever I'm working!

Vertical Solutions

I've maximized vertical space with:

Utensil rails holding brush pots

Bulldog clips displaying frequently used paint tubes

Mood board above my desk (refreshed with each new collection or class)

The Practical Zones

The Clean-Up Corner

At the back, I've created a dedicated area for:

Large sink for brush washing

Wooden bench for my geli printing station

Canvas and board storage

Packaging materials for sold artwork

Lighting the Way

Natural light can be tricky in a garden studio, so I've created my own perfect lighting with:

Daylight bulbs throughout

Two large ring lights for painting and filming reels

Strategic placement of work areas to maximize available natural light e.g. my wall easel is opposite double glass doors to maximise light.

A Space That Nurtures Creativity

The Thinking Space

Never underestimate the importance of a comfy chair! Some of my best ideas come during those moments of just sitting and letting paintings "percolate" in my mind.

Reference and Learning Corner

My small bookcase is packed with art references and guides. These books are constant companions in my planning process for both paintings and classes.

Inspiration Inside and Out

One of the joys of my studio is how it connects with nature. Inside, my plants bring life and energy to the space. Outside my window, I've created a little slice of paradise in my small courtyard garden. Bird boxes on the opposite wall attract regular feathered visitors to the feeders, and seasonal changes in the garden create an ever-changing display of colour and movement. It's like having a living mood board right outside my window!

Making It Work for You

The key to making a small studio space work isn't about having everything – it's about having what you need where you need it. Here are my top tips:

1. Think vertically – walls are your friends

2. Make everything accessible, baskets and open shelving

3. Create zones for different activities

4. Include space to step back and reflect

5. Bring nature in however you can

6. Make it personal to your process

Final Thoughts

Your studio, whether it's a spare room, a corner of your kitchen, or a garden cabin, should be a space that makes your heart sing when you enter it. It's not about size – it's about creating a space that works with your creative flow and inspires you to make art.

Remember, the perfect studio isn't about having the biggest space or the most expensive equipment – it's about creating a space that supports and enhances your creative process. Start with what you have, organize it thoughtfully, and let your space evolve with your art practice.