New Year’s Resolution: Reorganizing the Studio for a Creative 2025

As the year winds down, I decided to take some time to reorganise my studio space. It’s something I’d been putting off for a while, but it felt like the right moment to reset and prepare for what’s ahead.

The goal was simple: to create a more comfortable, functional environment that supports my workflow and encourages me to make even more art in 2025. I cleared out unused materials, rearranged some furniture, and tried to open up the space both physically and mentally.

There’s still plenty to improve, especially when it comes to my digital art station. My current table and chair setup is... let’s just say "less than ergonomic." That’s going to be the next big upgrade. 

Still, even with a few pieces of the puzzle left to finish, the space already feels different. Hopefully, this fresh start will help fuel new ideas.

#ArtStudio #NewYearsResolution #CreativeWorkspace #StudioReorganization #DigitalArtSetup #SimonLocheArt #ArtistLife

Quick Photoshop Tip – Rule of Thirds Grid Made Easy

 If you’ve ever wanted a fast, built-in way to apply the Rule of Thirds in your Photoshop compositions, without manually overlaying a reference image, this quick tip is for you.

It takes just a few seconds to set up and works every time you toggle your grid. Here’s how:

How to Set Up a Rule of Thirds Grid in Photoshop:

1. Go to Preferences > Guides, Grids & Slices.

2. Set Gridline Every to 100%.

3. Set Subdivisions to 3.

4. To display the grid, go to View > Show > Grid or use the shortcut Ctrl+` (PC) or Cmd+` (Mac).

That’s it. Now, each time you toggle the grid, you’ll get a clean, non-invasive Rule of Thirds overlay, perfect for checking your focal points, composition balance, and visual flow.

This setup works especially well for quick layout adjustments, thumbnails, or even more polished pieces where you want to double-check your compositional anchors.

Let me know if this was useful, or if you’d like more Photoshop workflow tips like this. Always happy to share!

Infinite Painter - Sketch from Photo Reference

 

Infinite Painter - Sketch from Photo Reference

19th-Century Inspiration: The Spanish Artists Who Shaped My Creativity

I’ve always been fascinated by 19th-century artists, especially those working in the latter half of the century, during a time of dramatic societal, cultural, and artistic change. This was the period that bridged the traditional with the modern, and many of the ideas, techniques, and movements born then still echo in the work we do today.

As a French artist, I’ve always felt a deep connection to the French artistic landscape of that era. France was the epicenter of innovation, from academic painting to the birth of Impressionism and beyond. It was a time of experimentation, rebellion, and redefining beauty.

But after living in Spain for over 15 years, I’ve come to appreciate another side of that history: the powerful, distinct contributions of Spanish artists from the same era. Their approach to light, portraiture, and everyday life carries an expressive honesty that resonates with me deeply.

It’s difficult to choose which artists have influenced me the most, but if I had to name three who have had a lasting impact on my work and artistic perspective, it would be:

• Joaquín Sorolla — for his extraordinary handling of light and movement, especially in outdoor scenes.

• Ramon Casas — for his expressive linework, elegance, and understanding of character.

• Aureliano de Beruete — for his ability to capture landscapes with emotional depth and subtle atmosphere.

These artists have reminded me to look beyond the surface, to embrace immediacy and gesture, and to ground technical skill in lived experience and light.

What about you? Which artists, from the 19th century or beyond, have left a mark on your creative path?

#ArtHistory #19thCenturyArt #Sorolla #RamonCasas #AurelianoDeBeruete #ArtistInspiration #SimonLocheArt

Sketching Moments That Matter

 

Every now and then, I do a sketch that reminds me exactly why I love drawing. It’s not about the polish or precision, it’s about capturing something real with just a few lines.

This one is a quick black and white sketch made in Adobe Fresco. Simple, fast, but focused on what matters most: body language and the quiet confidence that comes from feeling at ease. It’s the kind of pose that doesn’t shout, but tells you everything through subtle gestures.

Sketches like this are a reminder that sometimes, the strongest storytelling comes from restraint. A few lines, the right posture, and just enough suggestion to let the viewer fill in the rest.

More studies like this to come.