| Joy for humans lies in human actions. Human actions: Kindness to others, contempt for the senses, the interrogation of appearances, observations of nature and events in nature. ~ Marcus Aurelius |
To the ancient stoics (like Marcus above), joy is something that you do. It’s a process. By contempt and interrogation, he means not being distracted by false pleasures and passions – not making the mistake of thinking that joy is success or money or something else. No, joy is doing good for others. It’s a walk along a river, seeing the small fish darting in the shallows. It’s watching a horse be brushed down, or the stalks of grain bend under their own weight. Joy is being with your children or reading a well-written book.
- This week’s artist is – Adam Hall – whose work I stumbled across at least a year ago, with his rain-jacketed figures looking into the landscapes (like the one above). His work intrigues me – and I’m more impressed when I found out that he’s self-taught. Be sure to check out his website and instagram for even more!
- Here are 9 tips for figure drawing. My favorite is the last one – it means I’ll always have something to work on as an artist!
- The Durango Library has re-opened! They’re open Tues-Sat from 10-1. Curbside will be available from 2-5. For more info, check out their website.
- I’m not positive, but it looks like the Downtown Balloon Glow will still be happening this Friday (though it’ll be a drive-thru event this year). So swing by the 500 block of Main to check it out.
- If that’s not enough hot air balloons for you, then the Animas Valley Balloon Rally’s Mass Ascension is still scheduled for Saturday and Sunday mornings at 8am. Head up to Hermosa Meadows for the event!
- Just a heads-up, the Art Supply House‘s last customer appreciation day of 2020 is on Halloween! Bring in your tote bag for discounts, and we’ll have a printing demo going that you may get to participate in!
- I thought this comic strip about a starving artist was pretty good.
- Here are some tips for mixing colors (this guide specifically discusses mixing oils, but the concepts are pretty universal).
- Not currently interested in color mixing? Here are 4 skills that all artists need to learn.
- Critiquing art can be hard. Here’s one artist’s viewpoint on how to objectively critique work.
- Want to make your own colored paper? You can use tea!
- There are quite a few live music options coming up this week. Check out What’s Happening Durango to see the different shows.
- This week’s featured products are our new EMOTT fineliners. Need some vibrant colors in your detail pens? Check these out!
The above is a simpler definition of joy, of course, but that is also good. It means you can make it and have it any time you like. Including today. including on the times you’re stuck in traffic or on an interminable hold with customer service.
In contrast to joy being something that we do, Marcus Aurelius once wrote, “Today, I escaped my anxiety, or rather, I discarded it, for it is within me.” Your anxiety is within you, eating at and harming you. It does not make your life better – it comes at the expense of life. Which is why we must let it go, as best we can. Not let it control us nor let it take from us the things we can never get back.
Joy lies in human actions. Actions you can take right now. You can view a piece of art, or make one. You can take your art supplies and sit by the river (or in the trees, or looking at the sky) and simply take joy in the scenery around you. You need to make art, but you need to have your well filled in order to pour out your creativity. Be joyful!
Cheers!
Matthew & the Art Supply House crew
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