Ronie,
We could maybe give more suggestions if we knew whether your garage is attached or detached. I know out East attached garages are somewhat less common than here in the Midwest. If it's attached (or very closeby), I agree with those who've suggested either adding an interior entrance or a covered walkway. But when I think about some houses I've seen where the garage is located off an alley at the back of the lot, I can't help but laugh at the picture of this weird rectangular box running through the middle of your back yard to try and connect the house & garage/studio. I've seen it done a few times at this Colonial-inspired neighborhood with detached garages near where I grew up; it looks completely ridiculous ... not to mention the fact that it practically makes the home unsaleable.