I was once asked to describe my studio. I had to laugh as my “studio” is my dining room table. Today I thought I would show you where I draw when I am not out and about being an “Urban Sketcher”.

I draw everyday in a Moleskine Watercolour sketchbook, sometimes on location and the other times at home. There are days when one dominates another depending on social events, projects, the weather etc.

My “ studio” is my dining table in my living/lounge room. When I moved to Melbourne just over a year ago I was determined that the main use of my big silky oak dining room table would be my art. I decided that the books, objects and information I needed for art would be in reach and I would be surrounded by things to inspire me. The bookshelves behind me have books  about art.

I have a small breakfast table in my kitchen where I eat some of the time, Sometimes I eat at the dining table.

Let me take you on a tour of my table.

1 The Derwent Box (which you can barely see, as the wood colour is almost the same as the table) contains a double layer of pencils – an amazing gift from a good friend many years ago. Now I use Faber Castell pencils and this box contains the pencil colours that I don’t use regularly, spares, and various weights of graphite pencils. I am not sure why it is here, as I do not use it regularly and it potentially could go in a cupboard. But it is beautiful and makes me feel good.

2 These are stacks of papers related to upcoming art projects . They include– snail mail stationery, a exhibition project and my UK holiday.

3 Pens/pencil in mugs – these are some pens and pencils that I use frequently. They include white gel pens, inktense pencils, ink markers and a few ordinary coloured pencils. The containers they are in have significance to me.

4 Pencil sharpener CARL CP -80 – sharpens to a very fine point if needed!

5 Light – an OTT LIGHT craft light. It is a daylight lamp to help me see details clearly and colors accurately.

6 Laptop – This gets moved off the desk frequently. I do this to stop me from constantly checking email, etsy, flickr, WordPress, feedly (for blogs) , facebook AND to give me some clear desk space.

7 My current project – drawing eggs

8 Watercolour pencils in a pencil wrap. I use the same colours on projects at home that I use everyday. I just roll this up and put it in my bag. If you would like read more about my watercolour pencils and my sketchbook see my earlier blogpost

9 Moleskine Watercolour sketchbook 13 x 19 cm

10 Water bowl – a gift from a friend. Too beautiful not to use, although slightly impractical. At home I have three brushes – a fine, medium and large. I use the fine one the most. When I am out I use a waterbrush.

I hope you have enjoyed this tour !

Where do you draw- from a studio or dining room table or wherever you can ?