21 July, 2012

The Barn Studio Project




The idea to use the barn for a studio has been going around in my head for some time.  I was warned about the downsides, and there are many.  But, the space is big, and well ventilated for when I want to try my hand at large oils.  We'll see how things turn out as I use this for a temporary oil painting studio, at least while the weather is good!

19 comments:

Art Matters said...

That is a magnificent space - hope it works out well.

SamArtDog said...

What a beautiful space! Hard to keep your nose to the canvas instead of ruminating on those rafters.

Casey Klahn said...

Why does an artist need so much overhead space? I don't know the (non-sarcastic) answer, but I know I love it alot.

Thanks, Carol & Sam. I will be ruminating on what to repair next in the big building.

Debora L Stewart said...

Don't fall through the floor Casey! Oil painting definitely needs a lot of space and you certainly have it here. Your work would be wonderful as large oils.

Casey Klahn said...

"Pitfalls" abound! Good to have some danger in the studio!

Thanks for the vote of confidence, Debora!

Celeste Bergin said...

oh my...I do think that space looks conducive for thinking and creating..can't wait to see what you do from that spot!

Casey Klahn said...

I will post some things, soon. Thanks for commenting, Celeste!

Ken Elliott said...

Sky is the limit !
Go Casey!!!!!

jimserrettstudio said...

That is exciting, you have got to do it.
Even if it becomes your fair weather studio
"Indoor plein air"
What a great work space.

Jeanette Jobson said...

I think its a great idea Casey. Volumes of space around seem to help with inspiration and work well on practical levels for large pieces.

You have space to step back and analyse and just step back and dream.

I've got a barn too, not so 'ventilated' ;) but I'm banned from there. Seems its the husband's territory and he's guarding it fiercely. I'll wear him down eventually...

Casey Klahn said...

It is fascinating the big responses I get from things I kind of don't want to post. The barn is big, but very humble. I'm embarrassed that I never fixed that one wall, and by now every swinging door is hanging. I think the doors will get repaired, but the rest is a challenge.

Glad for the responses - Ken, Jim and Jeanette. Ken, you're the knucklehead that got me going on oils. Jim, you got the right sense of it - thanks. Jeanette, tell your hubby the barn is for art, and the horses and cows can just deal with it. Funny how the environment in there on a hot day is just right, but in my regular studio it is mornings only because of the swelter.

I hope to show some oils soon.

Toodleart said...

Oh my GAWD, you've had that barn all this time! I am so envious - it is amazing! Great for summer but a little drywall (and maybe a contractor) and you'l be set for life.
Looking forward to seeing some of your oils - its always good to return to our painting roots. When I'm painting I miss pastels and vice versa. Paint away Casey!

Casey Klahn said...

Very wise, Vicky! I went to the small studio and did 2 resolves of pastels today, and then to the barn studio and pushed forward the one and started a new oil. I am very happy with the first oil, but we'll see how it goes.

How did you know I sketched out the drywall plan today? Half walls with a knockdown, so as to preserve the huge space, and a canvas overhead for the heater months. I was warned by an experienced (northern Cali) artist that barn studios are mouse "attractors," so I'll leave the flat files in my other studio!

Ruth Andre said...

Casey, I love this beautiful barn space. Good luck getting it ready for larger paintings. It is so lovely to have room to have more than one canvas up at a time. Such a lovely space.

Casey Klahn said...

Thanks, Ruth, and I will keep you posted.

Brenda Boylan said...

OILS? Are your pastels getting jealous or are you just flirting with the dark side? LOL!
Casey, how exciting. Now you have set our expectations high and now you have us waiting with baited breath to see what creations await!

Casey Klahn said...

Cue the evil laugh...

I just posted the first proto-oil, Brenda.

SippicanCottage said...

A scissor-truss cathedral with a slat-wall chancel.

Holy sh*t!

Casey Klahn said...

Hi, Gregory!

My plan is to drywall-in a large footprint, and have an awning type overhead. Mostly down, so as to have that opulent overhead view. Then, the tarp will enclose in cold weather. Also, the walls will be knock-down at the half way point, or something like that. The idea is the breeze is heavenly when it is hot outside.

Gambrels are nice when you need lots of head space. Used to be for hay, now I'm making it.

BTW, I was told to stabilize the barn with plywood, and also with anchors and a come-along. Stay tuned.

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