| There is no end to education. It is not that you read a book, pass an examination, and finish with education. The whole of life, from the moment you are born to the moment you die, is a process of learning. ~ Jiddu Krishnamurti |
Sometimes I get frustrated when working on learning something new. My fumbling attempts as I stumble through something new can be infuriating – I can see the result I want in my mind but can’t get my hands to create it. The comfortably familiar can be a safe haven, where I know what results I will achieve.
Sometimes I love how much more there is to learn. I get bored repeating the same thing and look forward to the challenge of undertaking something new. Diving in to the unknown is exciting and exhilarating.
- This week’s artist is – Ans Debije – whose work I serendipitously stumbled across this weekend. A combination of subjects, materials, and techniques combined to have her work really catch my eye. Check out her website and instagram for more!
- Aubrey Beardsley would have been 150 on Sunday.
- Here’s a history of the smile through art, culture, and etiquette.
- This tutorial shows how to draw a portrait using mid-toned paper.
- Here’s a video about behind-the-scenes on Hollywood backdrops.
- Apparently it’s photo award time – here’s TTL Nature’s winners and Space Photography.
- In this video an artist recommends art books.
- Here’s a timeline of architecture and design.
- Studio &‘s community art exhibit, Color, opens on Friday. Reception is from 5-9.
- Friday is a Book and Bake sale by the Friends of the Durango Library and Durango Botanic Gardens between 9:30-4, at the library.
- Friday evening is the next Movie in the Park, showing Cruella at the Rec Center Lawn.
- Sunday is open mic night – Spoken word, comedy, music, and creative experiences in a classic coffee house setting. Sign-up at 5:30, 6/8pm, every other Sunday at Mountain Monk Coffee.
- Every Monday, from 6:30-9, head over to Guild House Games for Chess club. Free, drop in’s welcome. Upstairs at the Main Mall.
- There are classes/workshops/projects available at Create Art and Tea, the Durango Arts Center, and the Scrapbook Nook. There are a lot more things happening that I don’t include – so if you’re ever looking for something to do, start at WhatsHappeningDurango.com
- There’s live music scattered about town all week. Like tomorrow’s concert in the Three Springs Plaza, and Friday at Fox Fire Farms. See what else is available here.
- We brought in some new oil-painting goodies, expanding what we already had on hand (some of which hasn’t been available in some time). From ground to paint to varnish and accessories like brush cleaners and paper palettes… we try to have something for everyone!
While watching the art exhibit at the county fair last week I watched a still life oil painting tutorial. I was thrilled to learn new-to-me information on varnishing paintings. During a watching break, I looked at different artist demos and discovered Ans still life works (the artist featured above), whose palette knife work captivated me. After years of not using a knife I suddenly became intrigued.
I love to “play with art supplies.” Sometimes it’s love at first sight, with a new material jumping out at me. Other times I enjoy the comfort of familiar techniques and tools. No matter what mood I might be in, the opportunity is there. I can continue mastering what I already know or delve into something new. Art is a big world – with room enough for all. There is no one answer, no right or wrong way to approach making your art. Which is fabulous. After all, the world needs your art!
Cheers!
Matthew & the Art Supply House crew