Cleaning the Studio, Clearing the Mind: My Week of Finishing, Focus, and Forward Momentum

Written By Chelsea .

Hitting Reset in Paint and Pixels

There’s something about a messy studio that mirrors a cluttered mind. This week, I decided it was time to clean both. I’ve been working hard on my art—on painting, making, and building this website—and while that’s rewarding, it also comes with its own challenges. It’s easy to get stuck in the half-finished stage, to keep starting but not quite finishing. Sound familiar?

For those of us deep in the journey—whether you’re a fellow artist, a creative in transition, or part of the Milan Art Institute program—you’ll get it. This week I made a conscious shift: I set goals, finished what I started, and gave myself permission to re-center.

The Challenge of Finishing

I’ll be honest: finishing paintings has been tough. I think we all carry a few that sit there on the easel a little too long, quietly judging us. This week, I finally completed four pieces that have been lingering in my studio: both Bellas and both Brooks. These portraits are among my favorites—contemplative, quiet, and full of emotion.

There’s something in the stillness of a finished portrait that reflects the stillness I’ve been trying to create internally. The subjects in these works feel like they’re caught mid-thought, like they’re pausing for something. Maybe that’s what I’ve been doing, too—pausing, waiting to make space.

Studio Reset: Making Space to Create

The physical act of cleaning my studio became a kind of ritual this week. I reorganized supplies, cleared surfaces, moved canvases, and even found sketches I’d forgotten I made. The dust in the corners felt symbolic—remnants of old projects, mental clutter, and creative blocks.

In a way, I think the physical clean-up helped spark the digital one. My website’s been a work in progress—like most of us are—and it’s easy to let that become overwhelming. But just like in the studio, I’m approaching it one section at a time. Reorganizing. Simplifying. Making space to breathe.

Setting Goals, Staying Accountable

This week I told myself: “Just finish the four paintings. Just clean the space. Just show up.” That was enough.

It wasn’t a huge overhaul, but it felt like a turning point. By setting small, achievable goals, I created momentum. And that momentum is everything when you’re trying to get unstuck.

If you’re in the Milan Art Institute program, or even just working on your own art path, you probably know what that’s like. You set intentions, you get behind, you beat yourself up. But maybe we need to shift our mindset: celebrate the small wins. Recognize when we actually follow through.

What I Love About These Paintings

The Bellas and Brooks portraits taught me something about stillness, subtlety, and pacing. The sources I used were—as always—beautiful and inspiring. There’s something incredibly meditative about working from a reference that resonates. These pieces made me slow down and observe deeply, to find meaning in small gestures and quiet expressions.

I’m genuinely excited to continue with more portraiture in the coming weeks. These works reminded me why I paint—to connect, to reflect, to say what words often can’t.

Looking Ahead: Next Steps in My Art Practice

Now that the studio is clean and the digital space is getting there, I feel clearer about where I’m going. I plan to:

  • Continue refining the website (stay tuned for updates!)

  • Work on new portrait projects with deeper emotional resonance

  • Set weekly goals and keep them realistic

  • Document the process more, not just the product

Creating art isn’t just about making things—it’s about creating space for those things to exist.

For Fellow Artists and Creatives: Let’s Talk

If you’re feeling stuck, here’s what worked for me:

  • Tidy your space. Even 15 minutes of cleanup helps.

  • Pick one unfinished piece and just finish it. Don’t aim for perfect—aim for done.

  • Set three simple goals. Small wins build confidence.

  • Celebrate your progress. Post it, share it, reflect on it.

Art is a process, not a race.

Final Thoughts

This week reminded me that progress often looks like quiet, steady work—cleaning a brush, finishing a piece, tidying a desk. It’s not glamorous, but it’s essential.

Whether you’re part of MAI, an emerging artist, or just exploring your own creative voice, I hope this post encourages you to take a breath, clear your space, and make something you’re proud of.

Want to Follow Along?

Check back here for updates on new pieces, behind-the-scenes studio life, and thoughts from the creative process. You can also follow me on Instagram @vonsasscreation or share your own stories—I’d love to connect.

#ArtStudioLife #ArtistJourney #ContemporaryPortraiture #MilanArtInstitute #EmergingArtist #ArtBlog #StudioReset #PaintingProgress #CreativeRoutine #FinishedNotPerfect

Chelsea .