Live a balanced life – learn some and think some and draw and paint and sing and dance and play and work every day some.
~ Robert Fulgham
I recently stumbled across the ideas of artistic obsession and balance (what a combo that is!) and thought I’d share. Whenever I run into a concept multiple times closely together, I try to pay attention and assume there is a reason. In this case, I read a blog post about being obsessed that made me think of this article about balancing creative and financial sides of life. I know artists who can’t imagine not drawing, oil painting, or some other specific creative act. I’m not one of them. I must be creating in some fashion, but that can be building a chicken coop, turning wrenches on my motorcycle, designing something to be 3-d printed, taking photographs, or wielding a paintbrush.
- This week’s artist – Rosso Emerald Crimson – specializes in portraits, generally of people she has a relationship with or someone who’s caught her eye. One of her quotes really resonates with me, “I am enchanted by the diversity of human beings which is what truly makes us beautiful.” Be sure to check out her website and instagram for more!
- Do you make your art for yourself or others?
- These are fun “family” portraits – including the animals. My favorite is probably the one where the duck is wearing a Santa hat.
- Speaking of ducks, here’s a map of what Donald’s nephews are called elsewhere.
- Join Lynda Barry (retroactively) in a 2-hour drawing session.
- Interested in adding to your knowledge base? Skillshare (an online learning community) has their annual membership available at 40% off from now until the end of the month.
- One of the art coaches that I follow is Alyson Stanfield. She has a Creative Content Camp online workshop that will help you figure out what to put where online as you’re sharing your artwork.
- Want to dive into a history of knitting, or find some classic patterns? You’ll enjoy perusing this collection.
- This is an interesting example of how available technology is used by artists.
- Should we create our own art holiday?
- These are some neat photos – I like the cross-country skier.
- If you prefer analog photography, here are some more photos to check out.
- In addition to the new notebooks and coloring books, we also recently received some book books. While some of them are added to the “book section” in the first aisle, most are tucked around the store, next to the materials that they discuss. It’s sort of like an in-store treasure-hunt!
I love the balanced approach (which you can probably tell, since I make art for fun without requiring my art to support me financially) – partially because I worked as a portrait artist for over a year and discovered that I hated it. Whether you’re one who cannot not be drawing/painting/writing/something, or an artistic wanderer like myself, the creative act is a vital part of our lives. We can fit our art into our lives (who needs to watch more NetFlix) and let our art make us the best versions of ourselves. After all, the world needs our art!
Cheers!
Matthew & the Art Supply House crew
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