Getting Paints Organized In The Art Studio
- Denise Cerro
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
I think we all know...being un-organized in the art studio and having to search for supplies takes away from creating and adds to more frustration when working on a piece of art (or any project for that matter). For me...it also steers me towards making bad decisions! I'll use what's right in front of me, rather than trying to locate papers and paint that are more in line to what I need for my projects!
Last week I was looking for a particular tube of black paint...after one thing leading to another...before I knew it, I had almost every tube of paint pulled out on my table! I had no idea I had this much paint...no wonder I can never find the color I'm looking for!
Creating a dedicated space for my art supplies transforms my creative process. When I'm organized, I'm much more productive, which actually inspires new ideas, and helps keep me in the moment when creating. Don't get me wrong...there are plenty of times my studio is a mess, usually when I'm in the middle of a project...but knowing where everything is at any given moment is so helpful in my process.
So, back to the many tubes of paint on my table. I had an idea...and found the perfect 4' x 2' wall space in my studio to solve my paint issue. I jumped onto Amazon and ordered a set of 4) 12"x16" metal peg boards with hooks & brackets (they came the next day), got out my trusty drill and got to work. It took me about 2 hours to get it up and stocked with my paint...in the future, this will save me hours of looking for the right color!
Below is a link to the peg board I got on Amazon...you can visit my Amazon Affilate Shop and get the kit there...just know, I receive a small commission if you do purchase there, at no cost to you... and it helps support the arts in my studio!😉
The pegboard, hooks and paint went up pretty quick, mostly because I had presorted all my paints by color, so when it came time to hang the paint...it went fast. I also eliminated all paints that were almost empty or that I had many duplicate tubes of. The new paint storage space not only feels so much lighter...but I can also see what colors I need to fill in when they're missing.
Before and after...it's not a huge space, but perfect for the paints I need to hang, with a flat surface in front to stack jars and bottles of paint...keeping it all colorized and in order. This makes it so easy when I go to pull a specific color pallette...it's all right there.
There are a few more details... though rather than type them all out...hit the big red button below and head over to my YouTube for a short video on what I did...along with a few peeks at my home studio.
Organizing Your Studio for Efficiency and Creativity
Like I said...once you have your space and materials organized, your studio is sure to be more productive. A clutter-free environment reduces stress and helps you focus on your art.
Organizational strategies that I use in my studio:
Categorize materials by type and frequency of use.
Use transparent containers so you can see contents at a glance.
Rolling carts with drawers for all my papers.
Label everything clearly to avoid searching for items.
Keep a cleaning station with wipes, rags, and trash bins nearby.
Create a workflow zone where you can move from sketching to painting to drying without interruption...I have to be honest...I'm still working on this one!
I also have a small cart on wheels to move supplies easily around your studio. This flexibility is especially useful when I'm working on large or multiple projects.
Personalizing Your Art Studio
I feel like my studio reflects my personality and it really does inspire me daily. When I'm not working on a project, I can put a large painting on my shelf/easel to cover up the new paint storage area. Out of sight is sometimes good when you really need to take a break!
Ideas for personalization:
Display your favorite artworks or inspirational quotes...luckily I enjoy looking at my art!
Use colors that energize or calm you...my wall color is Lunar Stone.
Incorporate plants for a touch of nature, I have orchids and studio bird BOB!
Include a cozy corner for breaks and reflection...my favorite coffee corner.
Remember, your studio is your creative sanctuary...
make it a place where you look forward to spending time.
Such a wonderfully personal space! Sometimes my studio gets away from me and doesn't feel organized and curated. I love the hanging paint tubes and trays of jars hiding behind art!!
I prefer Golden fluid acrylics and I found a storage container where 4oz bottles fit perfectly. I have four of these, each holding 21 bottles ( yes, I have too many colors). I bought these on Amazon. They are Safurney paint storage tray. They are $22.37 with coupon right now. I stack two of them on their side.They really help me organize.
Yeah! Great job. How did you hang tubes that have no hole at the bottom?