I like the ceiling black, floor can be black as well because the ceilings are high and it will definitely make the space seem wider. (color theory). Well, again if it were me, I would get the plastic yard chairs. The rolling ones will probably take up too much room. Will move all over. MO

Re: lighting, I really don't think you will get enough bright light for creating their masterpieces. You need flourescent white lighting, I think. A lighting expert can better give you some ideas. Tube lighting is too dim and mainly for ambiance. I have them on my patio, Yellow light and not bright, unless there are other types out there.

I think you might be able to have 48 " square tables, 4 people to a table. Could that work at all? How many students?

Card tables are fairly inexpensive, Most come with a vinyl top. You can cover them with butcher block paper, or plastic by the yard.

These chairs are $12.99
http://www.target.com/p/folding-chair-red/-/A-14582865#prodSlot=medium_1_53&term=card+t+ables

Not really, the room is only 9' wide. The back wall you see in the photo will have a door in the middle of it (has to have two exits). I planned to have two long 20" tables built along the outer walls so I can hopefully get at least 8 people on each wall. It doesn't work to have easels back to back on tables, they tilt, and you need a lot of room for them so nobody gets bumped. The studio spot I'm using now has tables where I seat 3 per table, and they're bumping easels. I never thought of plastic lawn chairs. It's already super cold here (Wisconsin)..I don't know if I can find any now:)

Card tables aren't stable enough for painting..one bump..it's all over:)

Oh, ok, trying to brainstorm here. I've painted on one before.

Sounds like rolling hyrdraulic stools would work best?

How many students to accommodate?

They're expensive. Does$$ work for you?

16 if possible, so 8 on each side. I've measured it out and they'll fit perfectly. It's just the decor I'm stumped on. It doesn't have to look like an art studio, and I'd really like to wow them when they come in.

A thought, Would hydraulic stools work? Beauty equipment. There are beauty supply lliquidators for used equipment.

I've been looking into rolling chairs with wide seats. Some of my students are overweight, some are elderly, they need to be comfortable for 2 - 3 hours. Ikea has some for $30 each, not too bad if they're decent quality.

Well, I think the mirrors mixed with some of your artwork on bright (raspberry!) wall would be a waker-upper. Do you have a large piece for the back wall that could be highlighted?

I think you can wow them with the tables in the center, Honestly. You will get more ambiance and wow factor with the decorating. Square tables with 4 people is only two sets. Am I thinking wrong? What else is being used all the time besides the paint. They can each have a low drawer roll about that can go against the walls?

That's a great price for the chairs. Sounds like a go! Just wondering are they safe for elderly artists if they roll?

Raspberry paint on the back wall (studio) and seaglass blue green on the others.

Or a framed hologram at the back. - that'll get 'em :)

LOL- deal!!

In order of have 4 people at a square table, the table would have to be a min of 48" in diameter. This is so that the easels aren't bumping into each other. The tables would also have to be very very heavy so that one bump doesn't ruin everyone elses painting.
But even still, that would only leave two and a half feet on the sides of the tables, because the room is only 9' wide. Not nearly enough room.

Wouldn't you know...
http://www.ehow.com/how_7782341_make-hologram-projector.html

Would it be too cheap if you bought some salvage yard windows, same size if possible or plan it out to balance the design plan. Then get some silver reflective tin or heavy duty aluminum foil and put behind the windows? You could even crunch the foil a bit to give it the artsy vibe and adds texture.

My carpenter is building two wall hung tables on each side, and that will leave plenty of room for everyone to walk through and roll around to talk to each other.

I could do that, I like the thought of tin instead of mirror.

I think three tables larger with only 3 at a table, tables not quite centered to the space. would that work at all? Just thinking .......... I'm trying to envision and come up with somthing that doesn't look like a classroom.

Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't know the carpenter was already working on them. So sorry : )

I think if you add geometric drapes, tin framed faux windows, raspberry back wall, seaglass side walls, black floor to ground the space and feel wider, chandelier and wall lighting, artwork, they will be impressed. Homey

Another thought. You could add some black decals on the seaglass walls near the top of the walls. There are tons of designs on line and in stores. Or, if you have time, hand paint something cool.

Will you please post a pic when you are done? We want to see what you come up with.

Do you have any other ideas to throw out at us?

Yes, I'm interested to see this,too!

I would center the tables on the wall on each side and put two or three faux windows (depending on size) close together, so they will feel like they are sitting at a window.

I'm going to draw a rendition, for me too, as it gives me drawing practice, It won't be perfect but will give you a visual. I'm excited about this, being an artist of sorts too. It's also called OCD.

Maybe you can use the drapes at the entrance of the space on each side of the entry? Kinda feel like a bit of luxury.

This is my vision, but with an added chandelier and wall lights. I should have used your photo.... the back wall is wider than my drawing perspective. Sorry.

I actually picture a wine cellar type look, like you mention, but with creative touches. Black ceiling (painted) (Benjamin Moore's black bean soup is a great rich black shade), mocha or muddy maroon walls, reclaimed wood, funky chairs (maybe in a bright pop color), colorful paintings on the walls. Let the paint splashes add to the room's ambiance. Just thoughts... Have fun!

Also, a creative saying or artist's quote in a modern font, in vinyl stick-on lettering could be a nice touch.

Had a few more ideas. flourescent lighting and mounting in the center of each table above mirrors or ? Paint the housing a bright teal on the seaglass blue green walls. Could maybe be a short shop fixture (like in a garage )
Or... Ikea strip http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/40163844/
Not sure of the amount of light output?

Lighting ? at each center above table mounted to the wall

Maybe 8 wardrobe mirrors. Use tin panels between each mirror on the walls for each student
Ikea wardrobe mirror,
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/S69811709/
Target and Walmart have them, I think for less $$

For Curtains, use DVD discs with very small silver chain found at hardware stores by the yard.

Mirror $29.99
http://www.target.com/p/threshold-full-length-wall-mirror/-/A-14138067#prodSlot=large_1_1&term=full+length+mirror

You're going to need five or six of these:

Then stock up on these: http://www.1000bulbs.com/product/54441/FC42-MS50.html

42 W compact fluorescents, 5000K, 82 CRI

Depending on how serious you are as painters, I would make the room white for more reflectivity. Any chance you can put a glass door in the back? Consider a gallery hanging system for decoration. Use the space under the floating tables for supplies.

That is fantastic. They are not serious painters. They're people that come in for two hours of fun. I sit them down in front of a large pre-drawn canvas and show them how to paint something (like a flower) for two hours while they sip wine. They leave with a completed acrylic painting.

Would you mind emailing this image to me? painting205@gmail.com

Maybe they don't need something too elaborate, was just going on you wanting a homey Wow space that you mentioned. After wine sipping they may not be aware of the surroundings anyway LOL

:)

I love your ideas though...

Thanks feyleah, I appreciate that very much! : ))

Just a note: (reread your comment from before) the mirrors I suggested were only to make the room seem larger and for students to see their friend's reflections. They probably wouldn't have to turn around to talk to them. I'm sure it will be great since your're an Artist! Whatever the budget and works best for you.