a work in progress

I’m so glad that I finished the drywall work tonight.  This picture was taken yesterday before the taping and mudding, now it is all sanded and ready to paint. While it dries, I will be working on making some inserts for the spaces above the header on which I will glue mirrors.I can also figure out the floor material, paint or stain the ceiling, oil the back door and the header, and caulk, and install the gable vents. I’m itching to finish this project, get set up, and get to work..

If you think you’re sick of this new studio project and how it has eclipsed my life as a painter, you can imagine how grateful I am to see some days of big progress. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel! For starters, thanks to my friend, Martin, the ceiling is up! I have also sealed the floor, sanded and stained the back door, and cut, primed, and installed the exterior panel I will eventually paint.  I framed an extra support into the wall where I’d like to put the porthole style window I am making and then  continued on with the drywall that I was fortunate to have more of Martin’s help with. He is incredibly fast and skillful and I am a quick study, but hanging the drywall on my own really drove home that there is no substitute for experience. I made a few mistakes and today I am hopeful that my ability with the mud will compensate for last night’s errors.

I slowly eased back into working on the studio and I’m enjoying the results of several very productive days. After the rough in inspection, Robin was very determined in getting the 18″ trench dug, through very rocky soil, of course, so I could connect the subpanel to the main. I worked by torchlight the night she finished and got the cable all the way hooked up to the main, reached for the new breaker and realized I had bought the wrong type!  My good side kept me from breaking into the electrical supply, so after a quick morning trip for a new breaker , I was thrilled to have power and very proud to see the result of all my learning and planning. The multiple outlets are fantastic and I’m  pleased with my decision to put in 6 recessed lights and one track fixture on three different switches. It will work well for me as I paint, sketch, or display work to others.

My friend, Martin, brought over his small air conditioner and it keeps the room quite comfortable now that it is insulated. I even enjoyed sitting out there with friends last night to play Boggle. I’ll need to get a window unit of my own this week. I’ll post more pictures soon. Martin has almost single handedly installed the ceiling. I am constantly amazed by his agility and patience. I’m learning a lot from watching and trying to be helpful, but I doubt I will ever have the control of a saw or drill that he has.

Today it was raining and the drywall was delayed.  I did some raking up after the storm, Martin came and checked out my work and we discussed flooring options and a fun porthole style window we are trying to make from a large pvc tube. Martin is really fun to brainstorm with, and a sailor to boot, so this project will not only give me a view up the sidewalk, but it is a fun diversion. I spent a little time with my godson and some more friends came by and visited and we found ourselves again drawn to sitting in the studio. Unfortunately, I made no progress in the room, but it was a good day of visiting and resting and I’m ready for tomorrow when I will get back to work on the little details like caulking and priming the panel on the front wall that I will eventually do a painting on.

I’ve been away from this project for quite some time because of too much pain in the hands, arms and neck. There is still a lot to be done and I am so grateful for the help of good friends. I have yet to complete the wiring, but now that the new door is in place and the building inspector has answered my questions, the only obstacle I face is the deadness and pain in the hands. I’ll work in short spurts today and hope to be ready for my rough-in inspection soon. I’m super pleased with the new door. It was quite a challenge to make the mismatched doors fit together, but it also made the project fun and exciting. My friend is a great problem solver and gets a little twinkle in his eye when unexpected things pop up, so he is quite fun to work with. He also enjoys brainstorming fantastic ideas and keeps me from getting too extreme with the actual work we are doing. Nice combination. We have decided that instead of siding the gap to the left of the door, I will paint a plywood panel to be fitted in there. I wonder what I will do for this outdoor painting.