| A multitude of small delights constitute happiness. ~ Charles Baudelaire |
I recently went to the pool at the Rec Center with my daughter. We’re there at the pool, walking from one swim feature to another, and she stopped to splash in a little puddle. I caught myself thinking “it’s just a puddle, the pool is only five feet that way.” But I also caught on to her delight at getting to splash in a puddle, to stomp and make a splash.
- This week’s artist is – Marya Lehman – who’s another of those local artists whose work I can’t believe I haven’t shared before! She runs the Art Hawk Studio up in Silverton, if you want to see her work in person. Check out one of her instagram accounts for more!
- The 17th Annual Durango Independent Film Festival starts today! (Which includes a free film tonight.)
- If you read this in time, the Powerhouse has free admission this morning, from 9-11.
- Here’s an interesting question (that delves even deeper in the comments). What are you looking at?
- Here’s some advice on balancing life and making art.
- This is one artist’s exercise that helps him feel a bit less anxious.
- The exercise above makes me think of the chronodex.
- Piet Mondrian would have been 150 on Monday.
- If you like botany illustrations, you’ll love this 10 lb book of Renaissance botany. (Is book the right word? At nearly 900 pages, maybe it should be called a tome.)
- There’s live music scattered about town all week. See what’s available here.
- The 6th annual #1Week100people drawing marathon is next week, the 7-11th. Here’s more info and, just for even more fun, their sketching scavenger hunt list.
- Random art joke – What did the wall say to the painting? How’s it hanging?!
- Join The Hive and In The Weeds in supporting local families with financial assistance through the winter! In partnership with Lola’s Cafe and The Soup Pallete, there will be a local Guest Chef cook up fresh soup to sell for a $10 minimum donation per quart. Come warm your hearts with delicious soup at 725 E 2nd Ave Thursday from 5-6:30!
- Create Art and Tea’s First Friday Art Show is Friday, from 5-7pm. This month’s artists are Chris Vicari, Rogelio Becerril and Jim Lutomski, in support of the Women’s Resource Center with musical guest, Matt Rupnow.
- Speaking of art for a cause, the Powder Hounds Art Auction kickoff event is Saturday from 4-6 at Ska Brewing. 18 snowboards, 18 artists, coming together to raise money for the animals at the La Plata County Humane Society. Live music from Rob Webster and you can meet the snowboard artists in person. The auction is live for a week, and you can bid online or through text until March 12th. See the boards here.
- The Scrapbook Nook has a week full of classes and projects, if you’re looking for something creative to do. Call them to reserve your spot.
- I really enjoy working with watercolor pencils. Here are some tips.
- Kristen brought in a set of these gray-scale Microns to test out and I had to get one for myself. I’ve had a blast playing with the shades of gray and have really enjoyed the addition of the brush pen to my travel sketching kit. We brought in more for the store, so that you can have fun with them, too!
It’s easy to get caught up in our daily lives. For us to strive for something more, or bigger, or better. Along the way, it’s easy to overlook the small wonders in our lives right now. Listen to the birds chirping, the wind in the trees, the glint of the snow in the peaks, or the sound of the water flowing in the stream. Personally, sketching helps me to pause and notice the things around me. Stopping and looking with a sketchbook in my hand is a great reminder to appreciate the world around me (no matter how poorly the sketch may turn out). Whatever it takes for you, don’t forget to splash in the puddles! The world needs you, and your art!
Cheers!
Matthew & the Art Supply House crew