Art

A View From the Easel

“Hidden in an industrial area, down an alley, difficult to find, my studio is freedom.”

Lakshmi Rivera Amin

October 10, 2024 — 4 min read

Welcome to the 255th installment of A View From the Easel, a series in which artists reflect on their workspace. This week, artists savor seclusion, enjoy a view of the Celtic Sea, and express gratitude for uninterrupted painting time.

Want to take part? Check out our submission guidelines and share a bit about your studio with us through this form! All mediums and workspaces are welcome, including your home studio.

Tara Leaver, Cornwall, United Kingdom

How long have you been working in this space?

Five years.

Describe an average day in your studio.

On a painting day I head down to the studio after breakfast, and tend to work in bursts of a couple of hours at a time, with breaks in between to hang out with my dog and do other work or household tasks. I find my creativity flows better that way, although it took me a while to get past feeling like I was supposed to be in the studio all day every day.

How does the space affect your work?

Having a dedicated space is a huge blessing, as I can leave everything out and dive straight back in each time — no need for (much!) tidying up or getting things ready. The light here is amazing too, and having lots of glass means I can make the most of it, as I find I can't work under electric light. And having a purpose-built studio means I can work in collections and have everything spread out — I need to be able to see everything all the time!

How do you interact with the environment outside your studio?

There's a huge artistic community here in Cornwall — many artists are attracted by the light, the landscapes, and the coastline here. I show work in local galleries, and have connections and friendships with Cornwall-based artists as well as further afield. In the past I've participated in the annual local open studios.

What do you love about your studio?

The light and the space, the sea view, and not having to share it! It's a real sanctuary. I also love that it's at the bottom of the garden; I dreamed of that for a long time, and it makes a huge difference having it separate from the house. Less distractions — I intentionally didn't put WiFi in — but I can still pop back if I need something.

What do you wish were different?

There have been ongoing issues with water ingress and ants. We're going to make some changes to fix that, which will involve replacing the current wall of sliding glass doors. I'm very excited about that as my dog Poppy will be able to rejoin me in the studio (unfortunately I have to use ant powder right now), and it'll be more peace of mind not having to worry about paintings getting ruined by damp, which has happened in the past.

What is your favorite local museum?

The Tate St Ives. It's architecturally stunning, in a beautiful setting right by the beach, and has great exhibitions.

What is your favorite art material to work with?

I work with mostly water-based mixed media, so I have lots of favorites! I do particularly love walnut ink and Schmincke Granulated Watercolours.

Catherine Eaton Skinner, Seattle, Washington, and Santa Fe, New Mexico

How long have you been working in this space?

Over 20 years.

Describe an average day in your studio.

I have worked out of many spaces over the course of 50 years: one just a small table in an attic, another in a low-ceiled, cement basement that did odd things to my perspective. I now work out of two incredible studios. In both studios, I work about six hours five to six days a week to try to complete the business of being an artist.

How does the space affect your work?

I have found that I work in whatever space is available; what is most important is to be there.

How do you interact with the environment outside your studio?

The Santa Fe studio is a modern, adobe-style building separate from my house, overlooking a small river across the hills and mountains. Away from the bustle of Seattle, I love the silence in Santa Fe and uninterrupted time to paint and write. But, the dogs, children, and grandchildren are always a welcome distraction.

What do you love about your studio?

An office and printing area allows some separation from my workspaces. Upstairs is a small outdoor area with plants and fresh air.

What do you wish were different?

That these two studios were closer to each other, and not states apart!

What is your favorite art material to work with?

Encaustics.

Brian McPartlon, Santa Fe, New Mexico

How long have you been working in this space?

More than 20 years.

Describe an average day in your studio.

Hidden in an industrial area, down an alley, difficult to find, my studio is freedom. The floor-to-ceiling glass doors light up my eyes the way they did the first time I saw this space. Twenty-six by fifty-three feet, concrete floors, high ceilings, six-foot square skylights. Solitude and silence rule artmaking here. Ego is put aside in favor of humility.