A View From the Easel in Los Angeles
“The LA sunsets are always amazing colors that I love seeing next to my paintings.”
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Aaron Rose, Los Angeles, California
How long have you been working in this space?
Three years.
Describe an average day in your studio.
I usually begin work around 8:30am because the morning light is so beautiful at that time. My studio is in an enclosed porch that’s attached to my house in Hollywood. I share it with two rabbits who lie at my feet while I paint. There’s lots of windows that let in the sun. I usually work in two- or three-hour shifts, tackling other projects in between sessions. Since I use enamel paint, I almost always have multiple pieces going at the same time because the drying time is so long. Plus, I find that each piece informs the other, so there’s a nice interplay. I almost always listen to KXLU, a local Los Angeles college radio station, but sometimes I listen to podcasts or playlists. It just depends on my mood.
How does the space affect your work?
It’s a relatively small space, so it’s taught me to work within a scale that fits the environment. In some ways it is limiting, but I’ve found that the guardrails can sometimes be very helpful to my creativity.
How do you interact with the environment outside your studio?
I live in a very old neighborhood that was built in the 1920s for Hollywood stars. There are a lot of actors and directors, but not many painters. Sometimes I feel like a bit of a novelty, but I think people enjoy having me around.
What do you love about your studio?
It’s very unconventional as far as artists’ studios go. I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to work in a concrete box again.
What do you wish were different?
The lighting is terrible once the sun goes down. It seriously limits my working hours. Also, even though I’m happy with what I make here, I’d really love some more space.
What is your favorite local museum?
Craft Contemporary. The Petersen Automotive Museum is pretty fantastic, as well.
What is your favorite art material to work with?
One Shot Sign Painters Enamel.
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