Creativity is the instinct to produce
~ Seth Godin
A friend is in the beginning stages of moving – winnowing down and packing up and such. They recently realized that the table comprising their art studio was covered and hadn’t been used in at least a week. The general feeling of being out of sorts was growing. After clearing the workspace and spending a bit of time creating – everything felt aligned once again.
- This week’s artist, – Angela Manno – lived in Bayfield a few years ago, but now calls New York home. A neighbor shared her work (she’s in town, visiting mutual friends). Check out her website and instagram for even more!
- Amedeo Modigliani would have been 139 today!
- Strength through abstraction in your artworks – how one painter figured out what, and what not, to paint.
- A portrait painter in the late 18th century followed the same career advice we’d receive today.
- All about watercolor drybrush technique (and a mini tutorial).
- All about ochre, earth pigments.
- Here’s a guide to painting fireworks – I think you could do something similar with watercolor and some gouache.
- When a pencil isn’t “just a pencil.”
- I enjoyed reading these cart names.
- Lindsey recently shared a tour of her current studio space. It’s gorgeous. As she says toward the end of the tour – it’s nice to have but just that – nice, not necessary. The making is the important part (here’s where I recently painted) and while the space can make it easier, don’t let that hold you back!
- Music in the Mountains runs until the 30th. There are a lot of events, some free and some paid, and you can see the schedule here.
- Today’s Great Garden Series talk at the Durango Library is about Bonsai in the Southern Rockies. Head over at 4:30 to learn about the history, use of native tree and shrub species, some basic Bonsai facts and myths, horticultural and stylistic information and some tips for successful cultivation in the Durango vicinity.
- Head to The Hive from 6-7:30 this evening for the free Word Honey Poetry Workshop
- Lively (a boutique) has Free Friday Yoga sessions from 8:30-9:30. Bring a mat and join in. They have a rotation of local yoga instructors who teach to all skill levels. Limited spots available, so register on their website to reserve yours.
- Tuesday there is also free Sunset Yoga from 6-7pm at the Powerhouse Science Center. Head down by the river on the Carver Family Plaza for yoga lead by Coach Soleil, DJ’s and Mocktail bar. All levels welcome. This free community event will be held 3rd Tuesdays of each month.
- Saturday is National “I Love Horses” Day, but the Pine River Library is celebrating a day early. Head over from 11-12 on Friday to hang out with a horse and learn more about them!
- Hear live music on Friday night’s at Fox Fire Farms! Music, food and wine. Free admission, seating on spacious lawn. Bring rain gear if there is a chance of rain. This week head out from 6-9 to hear Black Velvet.
- The Friends of the Library Book Sale is this weekend at the Durango Library. Friday and Saturday, from 9:30-4pm.
- Free community concert at the Three Springs Plaza, from 6-8 on Tuesdays. This Tuesday will be featuring the Ben Gibson Band. BYO blanket or lawn chair.
- There’s a lot of live music around town. Check out WhatsHappeningDurango.com to find who, when, and where.
- Drop by Guild House Games on Monday from 6:30-9 for the free, weekly Chess Club.
- If you’re a beginner/intermediate acoustic music player looking to play more – head to the General Palmer on Tuesday from 5:30-7:30 for the Slow Bluegrass Jam. This weekly jam is welcoming to all players, with a focus on slower tempo improvisation solos and chord changes. If you can play the I, IV and V chords in G, D and A then you know enough to play at this jam!
- There are classes/workshops/projects available at the Dancing Spirit Community Arts Center, Let’s Letter Together, the Scrapbook Nook, Create Art and Tea, the 4 Corners Gem and Mineral Club, 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.
- Even though we don’t have a book section, we do have quite a selection of books. They’re scattered throughout the store, tucked next to the materials they’re focused on. Want to crochet small stuffed animals (Amigurumi) we have some books with tips and patterns, right next to the yarn and crochet hooks. Likewise with watercolor landscapes, drawing, design, and more! The exact selection changes regularly, but seeing what is here kind of feels like a mini treasure hunt. What will you find tucked in the shelves?
As people who can’t not create – we have to create. It is so obvious, but also so easy to lose sight of. So here’s reminder about the importance of making time for a creative outlet of some sort. To be your best self (or at least not your worst self) you need to create. And the world needs you! The world needs you to create!
Matthew & the Art Supply House crew