WHAT'S HAPPENING?

It's been my goal to eventually "cover" the rent at Karen's Studio #125. The rent currently is $530 a month with heat, light included. My other expenses include insurance, transportation, advertising (Vistaprint postcards and business cards) supplies and groceries (snacks/tea, etc.). The students pay $5 per hour. If I have 10 students for an hour, this means I have $50. I have added more hours to help bring the total up to $100 for one afternoon of work 2-6:45 p.m. I've opted to allow some of the "old timers" to come in for free, because they contribute through donating their time to help out with the Essex Studios Art Walks, bring in refreshments and help to teach the "newbies" what they know - they are my "assistant" teachers.

All of my students are making progress! I've been uploading pictures of their work on Facebook and on my Meetup "Art, Music, Theater" site. Starting out with stick figures, ink scribbles and lessons from John Gnagy's Drawing Course (eBay purchase), the students move to watercolor postcards or trading cards, perspective drawings and then to painting on canvas. They come into the studio - pick up their own folder with their work in it and move to a place in the studio where they can set up their work area. The supplies are available on the table or supply table and shelves. I continue to provide most of the materials. Some work at a table easel, standing easel or portable drawing board.

Some of us go over to the "snack area" for soup, instant coffee, tea or chilled water from the water cooler. The fridge offers some snacks, too and is there for keeping food chilled.  A microwave oven is available, too.


The "Art Library" is an area where students can find instruction books. There is a large selection of vintage Walter Foster books and many books about art and famous artists. Nearby are two couches and comfortable chairs available for a relaxing retreat into the "Art World".

Easy music is supplied from WGUC's Classical Music Station or from my  own "painting music collection". The air conditioner works well. Three overhead fans and two floor fans move the air throughout the studio. Wide, tall windows let in plenty of daylight.

I "interview" each student to help me find out what they want to do or accomplish. Each student seems to find their own "niche" - choosing the media that they like best.  Some like to work in watercolor, others like doing colored pencil work, others work in pastels. There are those who are painting with acrylics and still others are working in oil - "each to their own" - unique and personalized.

Now, all I need are more hours and more students to break even! Onward!