From Shed to Studio

Four months ago I bought a 10' x 14'  Weatherking Garden shed.  It was delivered to our backyard and that began our learn as you go construction adventure.

Its off the truck.

and put in place

lots of bare wood inside

There were days when I thought we would never finish. I kept reminding my husband that it is a work room and if the dry wall isn't perfectly smooth it will be ok. No need for a third coat of mud and sanding. Sanding drywall in the Florida summer heat is a nasty, dirty bit of business.

So here we are after four long months of work.

I absolutely love my new space. And I'm looking forward to spending hours and hours in there creating new work.

Take a look at the short video (under two minutes) below to watch our step by step progress.

                                       

We spent a couple of painting sessions in the Garden District of DeLand. It's an area that experienced blight due to poverty, drugs, crime and a mass exodus of law abiding residents. Recently there has been a major effort to revitalize this area. Thanks to the vision of Michael E. Arth this area is making a come back with quaint homes, gardens, lots of white picket fences and even fountains enhancing the landscape.

 Three artists came out to paint  this day. Here are my progress photos.

At this point it was getting really hot, so I decided to finish up in the studio. Here is my final piece.

Garden Cottage 1 - oil - 11" x 14" - Leah Wiedemer

The following week we returned to the same spot, but turned our attention to the opposite side of the street.

We arrived at around 7:30 AM and were painting by 8AM. This time I chose a smaller canvas.

After a few studio tweaks, this is what I have.

Garden Cottage 2 - oil - 8"x 10" - Leah Wiedemer

Tomorrow we go to the St. John's river. Should be fun!