Slim stands outside of his Modern-Shed art studio in San Rafael.
Slim stands outside of his Modern-Shed art studio in San Rafael.

SAN RAFAEL — Nine months after Slim and Penelope first put up their Modern-Shed art studio, the couple is still pleased and amazed with how much their Modern-Shed has changed their life.

“It’s exceeded our expectations,” said Slim, an abstract painter whose work used to clutter the couple’s living room. “We’ve been able to take all of our art supplies and easels from out of the house, creating more space in the house right away.”

The couple painted their walls white to allow their art work to exist in a neutral space.
The couple painted their walls white to allow their art work to exist in a neutral space.

Slim and Penelope share their 14’ by 24’ Modern-Shed art studio, which Penelope, also an abstract painter, initially thought might be too large.

“Now we realize we’re able to both be there comfortably with all of our art supplies,” Slim said. “We also have three grandbabies around 2 and 3 years old, and we’ve set up a table with small chairs where they can try their hand dabbling in paint.”

The couple also changed the colors of their walls to white, allowing the colors in their work to come out neutrally, and added an air conditioner that sits quietly on

Slim and his wife Penelope often work for up to four hours in their Modern-Shed.
Slim and his wife Penelope often work for up to four hours in their Modern-Shed.

the wall.

Both artists visit the Modern-Shed every day for at least one hour, sometimes up to three or four hours.

“This has really motivated us,” Slim said. “We both feel that the quality of our work has been enhanced simply because the environment is so expansive and so well-lit that the inspiration for painting is there. We’re inspired to do more and better work.”

Slim and Penelope also chose to add about two feet to the height of their ceiling, which they don’t regret, and installed a Trex deck that is welcoming and inviting for everyone who visits the shed.

“Everybody who comes is amazed by how beautiful it is, because shed is a wrong description for it,” Slim said. “Everyone thinks we put up a shed instead of an art studio, they don’t expect it to be as gorgeous as it turned out to be.”

Modern-Shed was the most flexible of the companies that the couple encountered, Slim added.

Modern-Shed art studio“It was a joy to work with Mike and Jerry and the crew,” he said. “As Penelope was telling me yesterday … it’s the best thing we’ve done since buying the house. It’s food for the soul.”

Slim and Penelope's 14 by 24 art studio has room enough for both of them and their art supplies.
Slim and Penelope’s 14 by 24 art studio has room enough for both of them and their art supplies.