Every artist has their rituals—those small, sacred steps that mark the end of a painting session and the beginning of reflection. For me, the moment I put down my brush doesn’t mean the work is over. In fact, what follows is just as important as the creative process itself. Whether you’re a fellow painter, an art collector, or someone curious about the behind-the-scenes of studio life, here’s a glimpse into my post-painting routine—mess, magic, and all.
🌬️ Clearing the Air: A Breath of Freshness
Oil painting is a joy, but it comes with its own set of responsibilities—especially when it comes to studio safety. The first thing I do after finishing a session is open the window wide. It’s not just for ambiance; it’s essential. The air can carry lingering fumes from solvents and mediums, and I want to make sure those toxic elements don’t hang around longer than they should.
I also make a point to seal my white spirit container tightly. It’s a small gesture, but it prevents evaporation and keeps the air from becoming saturated with chemicals. These steps are part of my commitment to maintaining a healthy, breathable space where creativity can thrive.
🖼️ The Luxury of a Dedicated Studio
I count myself incredibly lucky to have a room solely dedicated to painting. It means I don’t have to pack up my materials or clear the dining table every time inspiration strikes. My easel stays put, my palette remains accessible, and my brushes have their own little corner. This continuity allows me to stay in the flow and return to my work without the friction of setup and teardown.
❄️ Freezing My Colours: The Oil Painter’s Secret Weapon
Here’s a little-known trick that I swear by: I freeze my oil colours. Yes, you read that right. After each session, my palette goes straight into the freezer. One of the beautiful quirks of oil paint is its ability to withstand low temperatures without losing its integrity. Freezing the colours keeps them fresh, prevents waste, and saves me from remixing the same hues over and over again.
It’s one of those small hacks that makes a big difference. Not only does it preserve the vibrancy of the pigments, but it also saves time and money—two things every artist values deeply.
🧼 Brush Care: A Non-Negotiable Ritual
No matter how tired I am, my brushes always get the attention they deserve. Some of them are quite expensive, and I’m not about to replace them because of neglect. The cleaning process is methodical: first, a rinse in white spirit to remove the bulk of the paint, followed by a gentle wash in warm water with soap. Then, I dry them and hang them upside down to preserve their shape and prevent water from seeping into the ferrule.
I’ve written more about brush care inthis article—feel free to check it out if you want a deeper dive into my cleaning techniques.
👩🎨 Apron Off, Chaos Contained (Sort Of)
I’m a messy painter. There’s no sugar-coating it. Paint finds its way onto my hands, my clothes, the floor, and sometimes even the cat (don’t worry, she’s fine). My apron doesn’t catch everything, but it helps. Removing it at the end of a session feels symbolic—like shedding the skin of the creative beast I become when I’m in the zone.
And speaking of mess, this is usually the moment I remember to pop my palette into the freezer. It’s funny how the chaos of painting is balanced by these little rituals of order.
🖌️ Final Thoughts: What’s Your Studio Ritual?
Art isn’t just about the final piece—it’s about the process, the environment, and the care we put into our tools and spaces. My routine might seem quirky, but it’s what keeps me grounded and ready for the next burst of inspiration.
So I’m curious—whether you’re an artist or an art lover, what’s your end-of-day ritual? Do you have a studio habit that brings you peace or helps you reset?
Let’s share our stories and celebrate the beautiful mess that is creativity.
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