SMART STORAGE SOLUTIONS FOR PAINTERS
SMART STORAGE SOLUTIONS FOR PAINTERS [T-H-I-N-K]
As a painter, your studio is likely filled with creativity—and lots of canvases, paints, and supplies. But without a thoughtful storage system, clutter can take over, making it harder to focus on your work and even damaging your pieces over time. Here’s a practical guide to storing your paintings, works-in-progress, and materials so you can keep your studio organized, your art safe, and your inspiration flowing.
Storing Finished Paintings
Vertical Storage Racks: These are a must-have for storing finished (or drying) paintings. Whether you use a ready-made rack or DIY one from wood slats, vertical racks keep your paintings upright and separated, preventing them from sticking together or warping.
Tip: Add cardboard, foam core, felt or foam spacers between each piece to prevent scratches. You can also put each painting in a plastic storage bag to protect from dirt.
Solutions for Small Spaces*
Flat 3mil Poly Bags
Handling Works-in-Progress
Drying Racks: Invest in a tiered drying rack that can hold multiple wet canvases. These racks save space and help keep paintings safe from accidental smudges.
Horizontal Shelves: Some artists use rolling baker’s racks or horizontal shelving with adjustable heights to stack smaller works-in-progress on paper, panels, or small canvases.
Unstretched Canvases
Roll and Tube Method: Carefully roll unstretched canvases (with the finished painting to the outside) with a protective layer of glassine or acid-free paper to prevent sticking or cracking. Store these rolls in sturdy tubes or PVC pipes—label each tube with the painting’s title and date for easy retrieval. These can be hung high up on the wall using hooks to keep them out of the way.
Hanging Solutions for Canvas Tubes*
Small Works and Paper Pieces
Flat Files or Portfolios: Invest in a flat file cabinet or large artist portfolios to keep works on paper flat, organized, and protected from dust.
Paints, Brushes, and Supplies
Clear Bins & Labels: Store paints and supplies in clear bins so you can see what’s inside. Label each bin by medium or color family for quick access.
Pegboards and Hooks: Hang brushes, palette knives, and even small tools on a pegboard—this keeps them visible and off your work surfaces.
General Studio Organization Tips
Climate Control: Keep your studio dry and avoid storing art in direct sunlight or damp areas.
Rotate Inventory: Periodically review and rotate stored works to avoid permanent pressure marks or dust build-up.
Label Work: using tape on the outside of each storage option so you don’t have to go digging through things to find what you need.
A well-organized studio isn’t just about neatness—it’s about protecting your work and creating a space where creativity can thrive. With these smart storage solutions, you’ll spend less time hunting for supplies and more time doing what you love.
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HAVE YOU TAKEN ANY RISKS LATELY? [k-n-o-w]
People love the idea of taking risks but always think they’ll do it tomorrow. Then they wake up 7000+ tomorrows later and realize they never did.
Ways to start taking risks:
Try using a bigger brush
Paint on a larger canvas than you normally do
Try a color you dislike
Set a time for 20 minutes and see how far you get on a new painting
Join a local artist group to connect with other artists in your area
Submit your work to that gallery or show you’ve been dreaming of. [There’s no time like the present.]
Your art deserves to grow—and sometimes, that means getting a little uncomfortable.
[g-r-o-w]
“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you into something else is the greatest accomplishment.” ~Ralph Waldo Emerson