Craig Elliott’s studio
Art order The American artist tells us about his well-organised working setup and explains why he prefers a room with a view
Most workdays are spent at the computer or the easel. I look at the garden through the window next to my computer and enjoy a bit of nature while stuck inside working.
I’ve tried computer setups with two or three monitors, but have found that one
very large display – an Apple 30-inch – serves me best. I can look at my art as large as possible, and see flaws more easily.
I have three places to draw: my convertible table and two antique portable drafting tables. These have heavy cast-iron tripod legs, so they don’t move or wobble when I’m drawing. One has a rotating top,
and the other has a shelf that stays level no matter what angle I tilt it at.
I usually use the one with the shelf to put my oil palette on. It’s the exact same model that Norman Rockwell used for a palette stand when he painted.
I have a lot of supplies and references, and keep them very organised. I would never be able to find anything if things were in heaps everywhere. My plastic bins have labels naming their contents and are mostly kept near the area of the studio in which they’re used.
One side of the studio has a sort of allpurpose table, built by my grandfather, with drawers full of small tools and supplies. I draw and paint portraits between this desk and the easel, because there’s no space for someone to sit with the easel against the wall.
To keep me entertained during long days of work, I have stereo speakers hooked to an amp that my computer can run. They’re great for music, podcasts or Netflix. I also have two flat-panel TVs mounted on adjustable arms so they can be seen from any spot in the studio. Illustrator, visual development and fine artist Craig lives in Los Angeles, California. He’s worked on films for Walt Disney Animation and DreamWorks. You can see more of his art at www.craigelliottgallery.com.