Spring Cleaning Your Art Practice

Evan Marshall
Apr 2
2 min read

Freshen up your creative routines for the season ahead...

Spring’s here—finally! There’s something about the air this time of year—everything starts to feel lighter. I always get the urge to open the windows, shake things up, and reset. That doesn’t just go for the house—it goes for the studio too.

For me, spring cleaning as an artist isn’t just about dusting shelves or organizing supplies (though there’s usually some of that). It’s about taking a good look at how I’m working, what’s piling up—physically and mentally—and giving myself permission to clear space.

Here’s what that looks like in my world.

Studio First

This is usually where I start. I go through old paint tubes, toss the dried-up ones, and clean brushes I forgot I had. I move things around. Reclaim some table space. The goal isn’t perfection—just making the space feel more usable. More inviting.

Unfinished Business

I’ve always got a few pieces sitting around in limbo. Spring’s a good time to face them. Sometimes I finish them. Sometimes I gesso right over and start again. No guilt either way. Not everything needs to be saved.

Check In on Goals

I ask myself: What do I actually want from the next few months? Maybe it’s starting a new series. Maybe it’s applying to a show. Maybe it’s just painting more often without overthinking it. Whatever it is, I write it down. Gives me some direction.

Clean Up the Digital Side

This one sneaks up on me. I’ll take an hour to go through images of recent work, update my website, or clean up a messy desktop. It’s like mental spring cleaning—feels good to get rid of digital clutter too.

Let Go of What’s Not Working

This might be the hardest part. But it’s also the most helpful. If there’s a routine, a technique, or even a project that’s been dragging me down, I give myself permission to move on. No need to drag winter energy into spring.