What to do with all those brushes?!
The only problem with having all the tools one needs to create art is… where to keep them all? How does one – OK, how do *I* – organize them in a way that makes it easy to quickly grab exactly what I’m looking for, yet keeps them contained so I don’t get visually overwhelmed?
I acquired a bunch of new brushes on sale this past Tuesday at Jerry’s Artarama here in Austin. And they are mainly large brushes since I am starting a couple paintings that are much bigger than I normally work.
Every vessel I already had brushes in was simply overwhelmed by these new size 14-24s. Several containers that I tried simply fell over immediately from the weight of the brushes against the sides. Then inspiration struck!
I purchased a couple storage containers called Button Banks (by June Tailor) a few months ago, but they really didn’t work for the beads I had planned to store in them. However, they are perfect for my brushes! As you can see, they are divided into eight compartments that neatly sort my brushes by size and hold them upright.
A small thing in the overall scheme of my ongoing studio reorganization, but a thing that pleases me nevertheless.
Aug 26, 2010 @ 16:03:49
I really like to use vases and other stoneware containers made by local artists that I meet at shows. I want to support these folks, but I only need so many mugs, bowls, platters and such.
So, buying wares for studio utility seems to be the best answer.
I can always take the brushes out and use them in a still life ;-D
Aug 26, 2010 @ 16:07:58
Excellent idea, Matthew. Before I relocated to New Mexico in 2000 (3 relocations ago!) I had many such vessels. Some had to be left behind and some were broken in subsequent moves.
I wonder why I haven’t started collecting them again? Thanks for the inspiration!
Oh, I just looked up your website. Nice work!! I love the way you use light in your pastels. Songer Studios.
Aug 26, 2010 @ 16:32:09
I use an old coffee can – its the 2 pound size. The only problem is some of the smaller brushes get lost in there, so am thinking of separating them all….
Aug 26, 2010 @ 17:14:50
Thanks for the compliment.
I have got to get back to work on my site. Paint or code?
Always a difficult choice.
Aug 26, 2010 @ 17:47:12
Oh, not really, Matthew!
Aug 26, 2010 @ 17:47:50
Yes, I think it makes it much easier to have them separated, even though it takes more shelf space than having them in one container.