Life isn’t as long as you think it is. You have a choice: You can go and try to live a playful life, or you can go and live a life which excludes playfulness. And it doesn’t get you anywhere. Playfulness gets you somewhere.
~ Hans Zimmer
It’s been one of those weeks – just busy and heavy. So here’s a reminder to play – do something just for the fun of it. (This reminder is as much for me as I’m writing as for anyone.) Don’t think that everything has to be serious, perfect, toward some larger goal, or “worth it.”
- This week’s artist is – Gregory Mortenson – a figurative artist whose work recently popped up on the ole radar. See even more on his website and instagram!
- Nicolas-Sébastien Adam would have been 320 on Saturday!
- “Get off your phone and touch an instrument instead.” That’s advice from musician Sasami. (Or your creative tool of choice.)
- This addresses direct marketing for artists and becoming a full-time artist.
- Here’s an article on How to Start Drawing.
- The story of why a van Gogh portrait ended up in a chicken coop.
- Here are the winning images from the close-up photographer of the year, from the 2025 World Photography Open, and from the Big Picture 2024 winners.
- A story behind a painting – Painting the Soul of Dogs: A Metaphorical Masterpiece.
- One artist’s tips for painting from live figures on a budget.
- Just for fun, today is “National Let’s Laugh Day” – Some people believe that laughter truly is the best medicine! And the purpose of National Let’s Laugh Day is simply to bring out the best in everyone by reminding them to laugh together. This day acts as a siren call to encourage everyone to bring out their giggles, chuckles, howls, roars and guffaws because taking things too seriously just can’t be tolerated on such a day.
Fun Fact: Vasari’s “Lives of the Artists,” published in 1550, was the first major art history book, and many of our stories about Renaissance artists like Michelangelo and Leonardo come from it.- In case you haven’t heard, there’s a new ceramic shop in town! Jill opened Nook Ceramics over in Bodo Park and has classes and workshops available. Check out her website to find out more.
- The Durango Creative District announced the DCD’s Portrait Lotto; an artist-based, community-oriented portrait show highlighting the faces of the artistic community here in Durango and the surrounding regions. The exhibit will be on view from July 18th – September 10th at Stillwater Music. Here’s the prospectus and here’s the registration form. April 1st is the last day to register.
- Head to the Durango Library from 6-7:30 for the Word Honey Poetry Workshop.
- Saturday is a Yarn Meetup at the Durango Library from 1-3. They’re calling knitters, crocheters, and fiber artists of all ages and levels! Go work on your current project in an informal group setting!
- 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’re thrilled to get a few of these watercolor paint-along books. There’s a mini course (with a link to a video guide) on how to paint at the beginning, and then a sample image with color swatches next to the sketch for you to paint your own version. They won’t last long, so if you want to see them, swing on by!
Play (and creative pursuits) aren’t things we need to survive, but they’re need to thrive. Our bodies will keep living without play – but our spirits will wither. Play isn’t a waste of time; it’s an essential part of a complete life. So here’s a (playful) reminder – don’t forget to add a little play and creativity into your life. As Hans reminds us – playfulness gets you somewhere. And the world needs to see your playful creative expressions!
Matthew & the Art Supply House crew
PS. – March has 5 Saturdays, so we’re having a customer appreciation day on the 29th. Do you know where your bag is?