Mariana Peirano Royuela

Genuine Sheds is founded on the principles of creating spaces for individuals and families to expand and grow. We are committed to crafting quality studios and sheds, and this has led us to meeting extraordinary people! We work with people who are utilizing the space as a music or art studio, writing corner, launching their business etc, we are always amazed at all that then gets done in the cozy spaces we build together. We are pleased to bring some of these small businesses and creators to light! 

We had the honor of capturing Mariana’s studio and could not be more excited to share it with you all.

What part of your story, what moment in time, led you to where you are today? Is there a particular part of your unique story you want to share? Do you remember some of your first experiences with painting and drawing? What did they look and feel like? Where were you working out of before? What made you want to expand your space? 

I was born and raised in the coastal city of Mar del Plata, Argentina. My mother tells me that even at two years old, I was drawing and in grade school, I became the class artist. My family moved to the US in time for me to start middle school. I dedicated the earlier part of my life to education, in particular English Learners. I was an elementary school teacher for most of my life. Back then, my art was relegated to elaborate bulletin boards for my classroom and superhero drawings for my sons.

I decided to start painting again as a form of release and self-reflection in 2013. I used pastels and acrylics for a while but once I started using oils, I didn’t stop. I also wrote poems to go along with my paintings to help me express that which I couldn’t. For a few years, I had a studio at the H Gallery in midtown Ventura. There I shared studios with 11 other artists. It was a new exciting, experience for me and I finally felt like a real artist. While I was there, I showed around southern California and even Canada. I also joined the international women artist group, Rootless, and through that group, we started showing  in Germany.

In 2017 I moved to Ojai and fell in love with nature. I joined the Ojai Studio Artists group which gave me the opportunity to take part in the Ojai Studio artist’s annual tour as well. That meant I needed a studio to show my work so my husband and I turned an old chicken coup into my art work place. That worked for a couple of years but we were renters and so when we finally bought our house in Oak View, I found my self without a studio once again. And this time my husband was too busy at work to build me one. That’s when I turned to Genuine Sheds to get my studio built. And I’m so glad I did, I love my new studio.

What does a day in the studio look like? Can you paint a picture with words that lets us into this process? 

My studio shed is in the perfect spot, under a huge oak, so it stays cool in the summer and spring which allows me to work with my doors open. I love that because I can work with natural light. In the winter, I use a space heater to stay warm.

I usually start the day by getting the studio ready. I prep the materials I will be using. I clean up the palette from the previous day and pour new paint if, I’m working with oils. If working with pastels I select the colors I’ll be using and other tools.

Hot tea and snacks are also necessary to sustain a long day at the easel and of course my dogs are always by my side. Emma, the youngest and smallest, stays inside with me, laying on her bed. Norman, the gentle giant, doesn’t really fit comfortably inside, so he prefers to stay outside the studio doors guarding. I usually get lost in there until they remind me it’s time to get dinner ready.

What is your most beloved part of creating your drawings and paintings? 

The beginning, the drawing and layout and the first stages of the painting.

As you grow and continue as a business what are things you want to do more of, and what are things you would like to transition away from? 

I’d like to move away from doing theme and group shows for a while and focus on a more personal body of work. My new  focus is on climate change and the urgent need for the collective action in safeguarding our precious natural world. Through my art, I want to inspire a dialogue that resonates with indigenous wisdom and an understanding of our interconnectedness, fostering a renewed commitment to protecting the environment for the sake of future generations.

How has your studio/shed helped in the expansion of your business? 

It is crucial to have an inviting studio when you are part of the Ojai Studio Artists. Every year people come through to visit your place for the Annual Art Tour. I’ve had nothing but compliments during the visits and I believe it has helped expand my business. I have used the studio shed many times in my social media posts because it has become part of my art business brand in a way.

What are you learning to love that you didn’t know you could love as you move into the next phases of business and discovery? 

As I put more emphasis on the environment in my work, I find myself incorporating more animals and landscape backgrounds into my paintings. I didn’t know I could enjoy painting those as much as I enjoy drawing and painting portraits.