| When you fall in love with the process rather than the product, you don’t have to wait to give yourself permission to be happy. You can be satisfied anytime your system is running. ~ James Clear |
It’s that time of year… when many people think about goals and habits and changes they want to undertake as our calendars say the earth is starting another orbit around the sun. Having reflection points built into our lives is a valuable thing. We can be reminded to look back at our year and see progress made, challenges overcome, things to be grateful for, and places to tweak.
- This week’s artist is Amy Grogan of – Wize Owl Handprints – who’s a local artist. I discovered her work when she brought some in to the shop for framing. It’s always exciting to discover new-to-us works! Check out her website and instagram for even more!
- Paul Klee would have been 143 on Sunday.
- I shared the Vertex Gallery last week. But since it’s a virtual art gallery that shows 34 new art pieces every day, I thought it worth reminding you to check it out again.
- As a reader, this bookend approach to reading really appeals to me.
- Here’s a video demo-ing how to paint Santa.
- This method for applying gesso to canvas results in a really smooth surface – which some people really prefer.
- Stumbling across this art of imperfection article was perfect timing – I received an early Christmas gift the day before: a book on wabi-sabi.
- Since it’s that time of year, Santa is out and about. If you know anyone who wants photos with him, he’ll be at TBK Bank today (Wednesday) from 3-5 – with crafts, caroling, cookies & cocoa, and more. Then on Saturday from 10-1 he’ll be at Durango Harley-Davidson.
- If you’re thinking of setting an Iron-Horse goal for next year, tomorrow (Thursday) from 5-8:30 is the local registration night at the Fort Lewis College Center for Southwest Studies. Get registered and check out the Iron Horse/Durango cycling exhibit. Online registration opens on Friday, Dec. 16.
- There are classes/workshops/projects available at Create Art and Tea, the Durango Arts Center, Let’s Letter Together, the 4 Corners Gem and Mineral Club, 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.
- I continue to learn and be surprised by the different add-in’s available for acrylic paints. This article about painting on glass with GAC-200 reminded me of an experiment I want to try – painting individual components on different pieces of glass and “stacking” them to create a painting with physical depth. There are so many different mediums, varnishes, gels, and more for acrylic paint – you can make it behave in any way you want. There’s probably something you haven’t tried yet…
While a goal can be a great thing to aim for, building a system that ensures we’ll get there might be the best way to actually reach it. In the “bookend approach to reading” article, the writer shares advice about setting reading goals – create a process rather than a number. ie: read for “x” minutes every day will likely result in more reading being done than a goal of read “x” books next year. Fortunately, the same concept will work wonderfully for creating. Setting a goal to create for “x” minutes every day will likely results in more work being created than a goal of creating “x” finished pieces. However you approach the making process, the world needs your art!
Cheers!
Matthew & the Art Supply House crew