For the past two months, I’ve been renting a cosy space at the Open Art Studios in The Painswick Centre
Renting a studio is a new experience for me. Here are some of its pros and cons. Perhaps, it could be useful for artists considering studio rental but still uncertain about taking the leap.
Pros:
1. Endless Inspiration:
Having a studio in Painswick is a source of inspiration by itself. The town is one of the finest and best-preserved settlements in the Cotswolds. No wonder it is known as ‘The Queen of the Cotswolds’.
2. Continuous exposure:
The open-door policy of the studio invites visitors to wander in at any time. Unlike my home studio, my new workspace is also a mini-gallery with daily foot traffic, new conversations and connections.
3. Princess Anne:
Situated in the heart of affluent Painswick, the Art Studios attract potential art buyers who are willing to spend money on art. A rumour goes around that Princess Anne was seen in Painswick several times. Do you think it could be true that Princess Anne may visit the studio one day?
4. Boosted productivity:
I must admit that the monthly rent is a great motivator. I suddenly don’t feel like procrastinating as much as before. However, I fear my neighbour artists Ange Mullen-Bryan, Nicholas Ozanne, Kate Newson, Sara Hewer and Isabella Hughes may think I’m an antisocial weirdo as I do not always accept, so I kindly offered a cup of tea to save time on going to the loo a bit too often.
5. Community Engagement:
Participating in local events provides additional exposure, attracts visitors and makes me feel part of the community. Just yesterday, I submitted an application for Autumn Arts Trail and very much looking forward to Autumn Arts Trail this year.
Cons:
- Financial risk:
I fear spending more on studio rent than I earn from selling my art. So far, I have sold just enough to cover the rent. But nothing ventured, nothing gained. I believe there’s no progress without taking risks. It will be interesting to look back at the year being here: will I be broke or have a breakthrough? If you want to help me stay afloat, you can purchase my art here.
- Creative Interruptions:
The open-door policy disrupts the creative process. Picture this: you are in your creative zone, fully immersed in your work, when suddenly, someone walks in. Instantly, you're forced to switch gears, breaking your creative flow. You put on your friendly face and engage in small talk.
- Space Constraints:
The studio is very… cosy. So cosy, I am afraid to swing my brush too much.
When I paint, I sometimes feel a bit like a hurricane: pouring and splashing paint, transferring energy onto the canvas. It feels so natural to work on large-scale canvases. My monumental art background manifests itself. Ideally, I dream of a vast studio space where I can paint big without constraints.
Despite these challenges, the benefits of renting a space at Open Art Studios in Painswick far outweigh the drawbacks. I am glad that I took a leap to rent a studio. It gives me strength, confidence, and belief in my ability to grow my creative career.
Who else dances on the edge of studio rent affordability?