| Margin is the space between our load and our limits. … Margin is the gap between rest and exhaustion, the space between breathing freely and suffocating. ~ Richard A. Swenson |
I haven’t mentioned the importance of down-time recently. After stumbling across this quote I had to revisit the idea:
The mind must be given relaxation, it will rise improved and sharper after a good break. Just as rich fields must not be forced…so constant work on the anvil will fracture the force of the mind. ~ Seneca
- This week’s artist is – Ben Young – whose work I recently stumbled across. Be sure to check out his website and instagram for even more!
- On Friday, head out to FoxFire Farms from 6-9 where You Knew Me When will be playing a fusion of folk and Indie rock, rich with pulsing and stirring beats – and Back Porch B.B.Q. will be catering.
- Want to check out a local art show? Head over to Animas Chocolate Company to see the Get Real! show. It’s showing from now until the 27th.
- Here’s a brief tutorial on starting a portrait drawing.
- This tutorial shows how to simplify the subject for a painting. If the finished image isn’t detailed enough for you, feel free to use this as the underpainting/block-in stage and keep on adding details to it.
- The Durango Drive In has movies playing from Thursday through Sunday evenings! You can get tickets and more information at their website.
- Heart And Soul Craft Fairs is having a real live craft fair this Saturday at La Plata County Fairgrounds from 9-3! This is a benefit for Manna Soup Kitchen so bring your pantry goods and get ready to do some shopping! Over 30 local vendors/artists plus a brand new food truck the Crazy Coop! This is a great opportunity to show some love and support our local businesses!
- Also on Saturday, from 11-4, artist Deborah Sussex will be sharing her work Create Art & Tea (in the DAC) and her work will be available at their sidewalk sale!
- The Durango Arts Center’s Autumn Arts Festival is coming up in a couple of weekends! Be sure to set some time aside on September 19-20 to check it out.
- This composition tutorial discusses adding visual paths of interest to your artworks.
- Here’s one artist’s approach to creating a collage.
- This video shows how to paint a rural mountain scene.
- Just for fun – the rise and fall of the pineapple as a status symbol.
- Thoughts from John Ruskin, influential art critic.
- If you haven’t been in the Art Supply House in the last couple of weeks, we’ve expanded and shuffled some things around. The clay section has moved and now includes glazes, Tombow markers are available individually, and we have embroidery floss and yarn and the notions that go with them!
All muscles need rest. The brain is no exception. Fields must be alternated. Computers must occasionally be shut down or rebooted. To not do this is to risk injury, poor yields, or damage. Whether you use art as a break or need to take a short break from your art making, don’t feel bad about down-time. If your well isn’t given time to refill, you will drain it dry. You need margin in your life so that you can keep being the best version of yourself – and the world needs you!
Cheers!
Matthew & the Art Supply House crew
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