We were recently lucky enough to visit the shepherd’s hut art studio of Elizabeth Shields near Bruton in Somerset. Elizabeth specialises in family portraits and is busy in her studio as she prepares for a solo show. Stepping into her hut felt very special, with beautiful artwork everywhere you look. In this blog we hear from Elizabeth as she shares her experience designing the studio of her dreams…
What first inspired you to buy a shepherd’s hut? Had you always wanted one?
I bought a painting some years ago; a red shepherd’s hut, with a green door and wisps of smoke rising from the chimney. Afterwards I found myself looking into shepherd’s huts, and discovered the RHS Chelsea Flower Show burgundy hut by Plankbridge. It had exactly the same quiet confidence. Some things look as though they have always belonged where they are.
How did you first come across Plankbridge, and what drew you to our huts in particular?
I wanted to work with a local company. Living in Somerset, it mattered that Plankbridge was just over the border in Dorset. Their huts look entirely at home among old gardens, fields and changing weather – almost grown out of the West Country landscape.
Can you tell us about the experience of working with our team and your hut journey from initial drawings to delivery?
I enjoyed the collaborative process. Visiting the workshop made all the difference because I could see the craftsmanship for myself.
Designing the drying rack together was one of my favourite parts of the process. Details such as my desk that can fold away and has a pencil trough are elements I continue to appreciate. This studio will support my work for years and move and develop with me.
Where have you positioned your hut? Can you describe the setting?
It’s in the garden, though in time I hope the garden will appear to have grown around it. My plan is to continue planting around it so that the landscape gradually gathers itself towards the hut, making it the natural focal point.
The colour is The Botanist, by Paint and Paper Library, which I absolutely love. It has an extraordinary vitality. Against the changing seasons and greens of the garden it somehow manages both to stand out and to belong.
Does your shepherd’s hut work well as an artist’s studio?
Exceptionally well. It’s exactly the right size. There is generous wall space for paintings, and I love the panelling because it makes hanging work so easy. One whole end is windowed, looking out onto the veranda, so the studio is filled with natural light throughout the day.
Can you tell us a little about your work?
Colour has always been at the centre of what I do. I paint almost entirely in oil; I am never bored of oil and how it moves on board or panel.
Much of my work is figurative. In particular I paint children a great deal. I draw inspiration from artists such as Chantel Joffe and Paula Modersohn-Becker. I am similarly creating from a female-centred perspective and interested in the role of caretaking.
I am working towards a solo show at the moment, which will collate my oil sketches. Many of them are images of the studio itself.
Can you describe how it feels to work in your studio?
It is a calming place and it smells amazing. As soon as you walk in it smells like you are ready to work – inviting and comfortable, I really enjoy it, walking up the garden to get there. I always find I have to watch my timekeeping there because I forget what I am meant to be doing elsewhere. The outside world recedes almost immediately. Now that I have Hilde (the Border Terrier puppy) it is just me and her in the countryside seclusion.
Would you recommend a Plankbridge shepherd’s hut to a fellow artist looking for a studio space?
Absolutely.
A good studio removes many outside distractions. The hut is comfortable, beautiful without being precious, and entirely suited to making things.
I also like the fact that it wears its history well. A splash of paint on the floor feels less like damage than evidence that the room is doing its job.
- Looking to design your very own artist’s studio shepherd’s hut? Explore our standard Studio design or get in touch to discuss your bespoke ideas enquiries@plankbridge.com
- Watch our short video tour of Elizabeth’s shepherd’s hut on Instagram
