New Studio Tour: Why Gel Plate Artists Need More Space Than Sanity

What is your perfect art studio layout? What would you change in mine?

I moved last week and spent today unpacking my art room—my first 'studio' ever.

I grew up as the daughter of artist Avonelle Kelsey (1931–2009), surrounded by creativity, colors, and glorious messes. Still, I spent my lifetime obsessed with zoology and travel. Despite enjoying great art and continually being immersed in Mom’s work, studios, and galleries, I gave the layout of her supplies very little thought. After all, supplies were everywhere. Was there a method to her seeming madness?

Now, here I am, pushing 60 and immersing myself in Gelli plate art like a ravenous Great Dane left unattended near a pizza. It has only been a few months since this unfathomable addiction began. Nonetheless, I have a few theories about the why and what of a great studio for gel artists.

1. Everything you need should be within arm’s reach.

2. Everything you need cannot be within arm’s reach.

3. Keep paints, papers, and brayers close. Put everything else somewhere you can at least see it in order to leap on it like a startled cat when inspiration strikes.

4. In humid climates, plates dry slowly—oh, so slowly. You may have several drying at once, so keep lots of counter space open. No random storage piles on your working surfaces—ask me how I know.

5. Don’t hide the good junk.
Old books, magazines, odd widgets—keep them visible. Sudden inspiration often comes from the weirdest things. In other words, there is no bad junk,

So those are my theories. What are yours?

I still haven’t hung anything on the walls for drying papers. That feels like a commitment. If I’m going to change anything… now is the time.

Those are my theories. What are yours? 

I still have not hung gadgets on the walls for drying papers. That is a commitment. So if I am going to change anything, now is the time. 

See all my inside the studio photos on the Gel Inspirations Facebook page. for 11/30/2025 and share your thoughts on layout or your own studio photographs.

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See all my inside the studio photos on the Gel Inspirations Facebook Group. Share your art room photographs and layout idea to inspire other.

Cheers & love from Nola Lee Kelsey