The artist’s studio  – that place where all the magic of art creation happens. Or that place that looks like a color bomb exploded. Not all of us get a chance to pull back the curtain and watch an artist at work. I’ve been working with Laura for four years now, but I’ve never had the opportunity to see her studio, to see where she creates.

Because of my recent move to Florida, Laura and I now live relatively close to one another. So she invited me out to teach her ladies Bible study on the topic of friendship. I loved meeting the ladies and talking about what the Bible has to say about friendship. I think we all left very encouraged. At least I know I did.

To be honest, I was most excited to get a chance to step inside her studio! In my mind’s eye, I have always had this “idea” of what her studio looks like, but I’d never had the opportunity to visit it.

studio 1

My initial impression upon stepping inside the door of Laura’s studio was the beautiful assault of color. Like many homes, Laura’s house has neutral wall colors, and neutral carpet colors. And in her studio, that neutral background enables the vibrant colors of the paints, pastels, and  the artwork to shine unimpeded. As Laura has begun to venture out from beyond her “usual” medium of pastels, she has filled her studio with a wide and varied array of paints in addition to the pastels. As a non-painter, I couldn’t even begin to tell you all the supplies. But I was fascinated.

studio 2

She had color charts, wheels, swatches, How fun to see even a paper plate where she was clearly experimenting with various color combinations. Where I might look at a canvas and see “blue”, Laura has undoubtedly mixed blues, whites, greens, and who know what else to make a fantastic background for an as yet to be created abstract.

studio 3

One of the things about her studio that fascinates me is the multiple projects that are all ongoing. I know she has mentioned before that she always works on more than one painting at a time, but I was still amazed to see all that she is doing at the same time!

studio 4

I’m someone who has difficulty reading more than one book at a time; I cannot imagine having three, four, or even five (or more) works of art all in various stages of completion. I have always had a deep admiration for creators of visual art, and seeing Laura’s studio only heightened my wonderment at her creative process.

My visit also gave me the opportunity to meet the man behind the studio – Ken (or as Laura usually calls him when talking to me…Kenny). He is a tremendously gracious man – giving his talented wife the time and space to create such beautiful works of art, allowing two dozen women to invade his home on a weekly basis, and even going out and picking up lunch for all of us to enjoy some time together after the study was over. Plus, he and Laura are the cutest couple!

studio 5

After visiting Laura’s studio, I feel like I have a new respect for the artwork that she creates. Getting a peek into all the work that you don’t see when you see her finished works makes them all the more beautiful and meaningful. I also loved that fact that Laura has decorated her home with her artwork.

studio 6

In almost every room, she has her artwork lovingly placed. Her art is an extension of who she is, a reflection of how she’s wired. So it is only natural that her studio should overflow into her home. I’m so thankful for the opportunity to be closer and to visit!

If you’re ever in the Tampa area, please do contact us. I know Laura would welcome the chance to show you her studio as well. And you might just find yourself coming home with some more artwork for your own home!

 

Categories: Potpourri

4 Comments

Catherine Clark · October 19, 2017 at 11:32 pm

A beautiful story on a very loving couple and a very talented artist.
Michelle, it was also very nice to meet you and hear your topic of Friendship.
God Bless you on your journey in a new community.

    Michelle · October 20, 2017 at 6:34 am

    Thank you so much! It was great meet you too! I’m hoping to be back sometime.

Debbie Dayton · October 20, 2017 at 4:35 pm

It was truly a pleasure meeting you in person, Michelle. I felt as if we had always known on another!
Your teaching on cherishing our friendships with our sisters in Christ just cemented what we already knew in our hearts and have been walking out. We have been truly blessed, and we seek to share what we have with those who don’t know the joys of being part of the family of God.

We hope you will get the chance to visit us again. Yesterday we had the largest group yet, but, there’s always room for one more!

Love you!

    Michelle · October 20, 2017 at 9:23 pm

    Thank you! I so enjoyed coming out and meeting everyone. I do hope to return 🙂

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