| When choosing a new habit many people seem to ask themselves, “What can I do on my best days?” The trick is to ask, “What can I stick to even on my worst days?” Start small. Master the art of showing up. Scale up when you have the time, energy, and interest. ~ James Clear |
There’s a portrait painting I started in June that still isn’t done. June of 2020. I finished the background, half of the figures, none of the faces… It’s been shuffled around ever since then. I recently scheduled a time to work on it again. I expect to finish it. Mainly because I’ll have it sitting out, basically in my way, with my paints all ready to go. That easy proximity will make it easier to work on it, to pick up the brushes. Right now, I have to dig the canvas out from one place, the palette and paints from a second, and an easel from a third. That’s too much friction to overcome!
- This week’s artist is – Quinn Black – a local tattoo artist. She comes to the Art Supply House regularly, getting various supplies (oil paints, copics, charcoal, and so much more). Her instagram primarily features her tattoo work but I’ve been able to see other work. Just know that she’s an amazing artist in all sorts of mediums! Be sure to check out her instagram for even more!
- Are you an artist or art lover? Tired of being stuck at home? Check out the meet-and-greet on August 8 from 3-4:30 at Create Art and Tea. If you’re interested, RSVP (they’re capping it at 30 people) to butterflyranchartist@gmail.com
- Are you an architecture fan? Here are 100 terms to help you describe buildings better.
- Here are amateur photographs from mid-century São Paulo.
- Have you earned silver hair? These ladies have, and they’re honoring it in photos.
- Here’s one solution to the riddle of Duchamp’s final artwork.
- The Animas City Bazaar is tonight! This month’s theme is Mystical Night and features a poetry slam and the Fearless Peasants at 81301 Coffee, DJ Codestar at A Smile By Design, Leah Orlikowski at Homeslice Pizza, the Secret Circus Society at Four Corners Stoves and Spas, and Alpine Ariel Acrobatics at Birds. There are also fun activities in the Animas Alley, located between 29th adSaturday will be a Customer Appreciation day! Kristen has been working hard on some new surprises in the store, so you won’t want to miss out. Don’t forget to bring your Art Supply House bag!
- If you haven’t visited Create Art and Tea in it’s new location, they’ve moved to 1015 Main Ave. Check out their beautiful new building and all the new artist works. They have an event calendar so you can see what’s upcoming. They’re still looking for artists, if you know someone who’s interested.
- Have you seen our new speaker? Currently, it’s a blank canvas, literally. Spoke Sound is a Durango start-up who is turning canvases into great sounding speakers. You can get blank canvases to paint yourself or have your photos printed. Swing by to check it out!
- There’s a free creative writing and performing workshop tonight at 81301 Coffee from 6-7.
- Purg’s Carve Wars are this weekend.
- How do you think you compare, to the average person?
- Unison Fest is coming up soon. They’re looking for artists to share their work. If you’re interested, here’s more info.
- 31st Streets on the west side of Main Ave. Head up to North main from 5-8. Click here to learn more.
- Have you visited the Art Market at 11th Street Station? Swing by Sundays from 10-2 to see a variety of local artists selling their work (including our newest team-member at the store, Julia!)
- There is also a lot of live music scattered around town. See who’s playing where here.
- Don’t want to come in to town? Head out to Fox Fire Farms from 6-9 on Friday for live music. Pack your own picnic meal – purchase wine at the winery.
- Looking for a hands-on activity? Check out the DAC’s Ceramic Saturdays.
- We recently received some more carving materials – various knives, kits, woods, and linoleum.
I once read about someone who wanted to learn guitar, but didn’t make themselves practice. Eventually, they literally put the guitar on a stand in the middle of the living room floor. They had to walk around it each time they crossed the room. Lo and behold, they started practicing at least once each day. It might have only been for 5 minutes, but those short bursts of time really added up and they found themselves quickly getting better. Since it was so easy to pick up the guitar and strum, they also realized they would play guitar instead of watching TV or otherwise wasting time unproductively.
Is there a way that you can take advantage of proximity to pursue your creativity? Keep your sketchbook and a pen out on the coffee table. Set up your easel so that you’re ready to paint. Get a sta-wet palette so that your paints are ready to go. Block off a recurring time in your calendar so that you have the time scheduled to create. Creativity is important for each of us. Without making time, art often doesn’t get made. The world needs your art!
Cheers!
Matthew & the Art Supply House crew