SAGA OF THE PAINTING STUDIO
It has been a bit since we added a piece to our ongoing online blog, an autobiography of sorts. But we have been engaged in normal life activities and have had not much special to say. However, our final major project for the house this year is completed and R has written about her new place.
Mrs. T suggested I might want to write a rebuttal to her story. I don't really know why; she accurately presented what I said, although her tone is a bit sardonic and she did not present the reasons for my statements. But I have no desire to open that can of worms (or perhaps snakes as you will see in the photos). So I have just added a couple of comments.
In any case, R has a painting studio/shed/shack about 500 feet from the house and barely visible when the trees and underbrush are in foliage. It is really quite cozy and comfy. She can go there and be quite alone and private with only the sounds of the birds and bugs. All the conveniences are there; I expect she will add a microwave. I am thinking I should have a similar place – in the opposite direction of course.
When we moved to the new house I had planned to paint out on the patio. But Dan said "NO!! YOU CAN'T PAINT OUT THERE!" (A communications breakdown?! - dt)
So after some whining and complaining I said "well I guess I could paint on the front porch."
Dan said "NO!! YOU CAN'T PAINT OUT THERE, EITHER!" (The bugs would have eaten her up there. – dt)
At this point I was more than a little upset and asked "WELL WHERE, EXACTLY DO YOU EXPECT ME TO PAINT?!!"
Dan explained that I should start painting en plein air that is to say outside.
Well that dog didn't hunt.
Next Dan suggested I could paint in the garage. I wasn't having any of that either.
(Mrs. T forgot to mention that I suggested she paint in her room/office. Her answer was: "NO!" – dt)
Finally I grumpily agreed that we could have a small studio built and I would paint in it. However I stipulated the studio must have water and electricity.
Why, you might ask, is Dan telling Rebecca where she can or can't paint? This question has never been answered to my satisfaction. But moving to the country was for my benefit so I was slightly more flexible than usual. At any rate the studio is more or less completed and here it is with pictures.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/9151458@N07/sets/72157621697799289/
To get to the studio you have to venture out
You will know you are almost there when you see the friendly blue watch snake the Pythoness. NB The original python was the earth dragon god who was consulted by Delphic oracle the pythoness.
Did I mention that the studio was to be small? Some of our guests have queried nervously, "What is that outhouse doing out there? I thought you had indoor plumbing. I thought you were supposed to paint a moon on the door anyway."
People are such fussbudgets. Do you suppose this is the origin of the phrase mooning someone? Just a thought.
One of the local handymen built the studio and did a vey good job. Then I did the finishing on the inside. Of course after I painted the inside blue (with paint left over from our house; aren't I frugal) I spray painted a few trees here and there. I enjoyed doing that; perhaps I should be a graffiti artist and paint bridges! I carpeted the floor with pieces left over from the house. About the carpeting: I have to say that it was a lot of work. I never appreciated how hard it was. Of course carpeting people usually start with one big piece and don't have to cut 6 small pieces so that they fit together, but I digress
The studio is quite small. But I must be a Time Lord (see Dr. Who –dt) or something because the inside is bigger than the outside. Inside I have my easel and chair; I am now working on a fish picture. Note the refrigerator in the background to keep my drinks cool. I have a built in couch for lounging. The shelf over the couch stores my painting supplies. Behind my chair I have a fan which not only cools me but also dries the painting. And of course a few hooks for hanging my clothes. Along the other wall are a tiny desk and a light. .
Outside the front door, the only door really, I hung a tree hugger sign my son gave me. And about the neighbors, no studio should be without a birds' nest, alas unoccupied at this time. All in all, I like it.
We have put in a few extra pictures of a baby raccoon and the sunflower plot our neighbor planted. We have a diversity of things to enjoy.
We also send best wishes to RK and Saint D; we pray you are well soon.
Hope everyone in enjoying a nice summer wherever you reside. And we would be happy to have you visit.
Dan and Rebecca
www.casa-de-terrible.blogspot.com
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