The scariest moment is always just before you start.
~ Stephen King
Dropped my daughter off at forest school yesterday. It was the first day back and she was a bundle of nerves. She was excited but nervous but once we arrived and she settled in, her smile was back.
Funny how quickly fears can vanish, isn’t it? It reminded me of sitting in front of a blank canvas. That daunting first stroke with your brush, or the first sketch line—intimidating but thrilling.
It’s similar for any creative soul looking at a fresh project. Whether it’s painting, writing, or crafting—the start is the hardest part. But oh, how rewarding it is once you begin! The joy of creation overtakes the fear. And suddenly, you’re in the groove.
- This week’s artist is – Naomi Brown – whose work I read about in International Artist Magazine. For even more, check out her website!
- Mimi Parent would have been 100 on Sunday!
- I very much resonate with this idea of drawing as seeing.
- Here’s a look at how one artist paints a life-size portrait.
- A look into the delightfully saturated history of color charts.
- What people can do with a can of spray paint will never cease to amaze me!
- Producers used pyrotechnics to fire 70,000 litres of paint over this Glasgow estate. It’s better than fireworks! Watch the video here.
- Here’s a video on the brushstrokes of the early masters.
- These are winning images of the 2024 BigPicture natural world photography competition.
- Have you heard the joke about paper? It’s Tearable.
Fun Fact: Some art historians believe that Vermeer used a camera obscura to achieve his incredible level of detail, but the true method remains a mystery.- Sun Sapphires recently opened an art gallery within their space, in case you weren’t already aware.
- Head to the Durango library this evening from 4:30-6 for the Great Garden Series: Our Amazing Mushroom Friends. Mushrooms, those colorful, often cute, sometimes feared fruits dotting our lawns and forest floors are a mystery to most people. This session will introduce you to the key tools of mushroom identification. Using a variety of local mushrooms you’ll discover the signature differences in each mushroom’s cap, stem, gills, color, even odor. You’ll learn about the amazing “wood wide web” and why certain mushrooms are found near certain trees. Tips and etiquette on foraging, best apps to use, and what to do with your collection will be covered. You’ll also make your own spore print bookmark.
- Also today at the Durango Library, starting at 6, is the Word Honey Poetry Workshop – a free poetry workshop.
- Tomorrow at the Center for Innovation (2nd floor of the Main Mall) from 8:30-4 is a 3D printing open house. Whether you’re a seasoned maker, curious about 3D technology, or simply looking to explore new artistic avenues, this event has something for everyone. Come see how 3D printing is revolutionizing the arts and learn how you can bring your ideas to life with this cutting-edge technology. There will be hands-on demos, interactive sessions, and creative inspiration.
- The Colorado Health Initiative wants to hear what navigating medical care is like for you. Head to the Durango library Thursday from 5:30-8 to share. Your story matters and can make a difference! Join us to share your thoughts and concerns about healthcare in our community. Learn about resources (including financial assistance) available to help you with medical care and bills. Food provided and $30 Visa gift card for first 25 attendees.
- It’s the first Friday of the month, so it’s time to celebrate Durango’s creative side (from 4-7) with the 1st Friday Art Walk! Businesses, galleries, and the spaces in between host local artists of all kinds! Find live music, original performances, featured artist showcases, and artisan pop-up markets all across town. Learn more about events happening this month at local-first.org/first-friday
- Durango Natural Foods’ 50th Annual Fest is SAturday from 3-8 at Rotary Park in Durango. It’s DNF’s annual member and community celebration where they bring together farmers, vendors, great food, live music, and games! They expect it to be an unforgettable party in the park, with music from multiple bands brought to you by iAMMusic, games, food from DNF, libations, and more! Free entry.
- It’s the time of year when there are lots of live music events, open mics, live jam sessions, etc, scattered about the area throughout the week. There are too many to list here, so if you’re looking for such things, head over to WhatsHappeningDurango.com.
- There are classes/workshops/projects available at the 4 Corners Gem and Mineral Club, the Bayfield Library, Create Art and Tea, the Dancing Spirit Center for the Arts, Durango Sustainable Goods, Let’s Letter Together, the MakerLab, Picasso & Vino, the Scrapbook Nook, Seed Studio, and the Durango Arts Center. 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.
- We’ve sung the praises of Daniel Smith watercolors many times over the years – and now we’re going to gush again! We’re so thrilled to have a new rack with 117 colors. We also moved to the smaller 5ml tubes, so they’re better priced. In short, we’re excited and you should come in and see them for yourself!
We understand the fear of the blank page very well. We’re not just sellers of art supplies and frames; we’re artists too. We use what we sell. This isn’t about pushing products—it’s about pushing passion. And making art accessible to every hesitant heart out there.
If you ever feel that fear of a blank page or canvas staring back, think of my daughter. She pushed past her nerves and ended up having a fantastic day. So grab that brush, dip into some paint, and start. The world needs your art!
Matthew & the Art Supply House crew
P.S. – We’re launching an online store with a curated selection (separate from our in-person store.) Want to be the first to know? Sign up for the waiting list.