New Directions + Ideas: How A New Art Studio Space Can Open You Up
Hello You!
I'm writing to you from my new studio and I have to say, I LOVE IT! I spent plenty of time preparing this space to include all my creative passions and it does not disappoint.
Watch the video below of the last painting I started at my Liberty Station studio. I titled it 'to be continued...' and my challenge was not to finish it while I was in the last month of my lease. I met that challenge head-on and turned it into a fun experience. Each day I was in the studio I would do one thing on it. I wasn't to let myself consider what was already there - imagining it as a blank canvas each time. I wrote a list of each day's addition (or subtraction!) and kept that as a "things to try!" list of prompts. I’ve included a downloadable link below just for you.
I took a photo of the painting at the end of each day and while it rotated and changed, the things I had in the studio (paintings, supplies, furniture, etc.) gradually left the space. On my last day, the painting sat against the back wall, empty wires hanging above, bare concrete below, lights out.
And now it finds its place back on the easel at STUDIO ZOL, my new studio space. I really like this painting now that I'm seeing it as a whole. I want to add and subtract a little bit more to get the composition, colors, values and story where I want them. I feel like I gave this painting the gift of time and the power of layering. When it's complete, I'll share it with you first, here in my Studio Notebook.
As a way to honor my new studio and a 'turning of the page' in this chapter of my creative life, I also redesigned my website! After you've finished reading this, stick around and wander over to the other pages and see what's new. I took the lesson of time and layers from my last painting and took my time designing my website. Let me know what you think, I'd love to hear from you.
To everyone who visited with me at my booth at ArtWalk Carlsbad in September, thank you so much! Your smiling faces and warm greetings always cheer me and I love hearing firsthand about your newest inspirations and ideas!
Joy Fills the Open Soul 
The Rhythm of the Tide Carries Us 
The Wild Heart Finds Its Peace
Three of my newest paintings on my website.
Now, it’s nearing the end of the year, which means it’s time to announce one of my favorite annual traditions: a new collection of small works!
Right now, I'm in the quiet but exciting stages of incubation and inspiration, watching a lovely new idea take shape for this collection. I want to bring you something new, something you haven't seen before, something you'll want to get two of so you can gift one and keep one!
Looking back on the year, I'm always deeply thankful for you, my friends, community, and collectors. You are always cheering me on from the sidelines and your encouragement keeps me creating. As a thank you, I'll be offering this new collection to you at an exclusive price. I’ll also be opening up my studio doors digitally, sharing my process and the evolution of the collection here in my blog and on social media. Consider this your official invitation to stay tuned and watch for more updates as this collection comes to life. I'm sure you'll find these new pieces to be truly irresistible!
With my heart, head and hands now going in the same direction, it's time to get into my studio to dream and create!
With gratitude,
Susie
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