| A lot of people think we are creatures of habit but we’re not. We are creatures of environment.~ Roger Hamilton |
These aren’t my words, but the sentiment is perfect and I just had to share!
I’ve always painted for myself. Using art as a reason to get out into the world and fully experience it through painting. Not to mention, treating all art-making as a kind of sport. A kind of constant challenge to myself to get better, to improve my skills. It’s an incredibly rewarding past time, seeing yourself get better. I don’t play an instrument, but I expect it’s something like that for people who go from clumsy scales, to being able to actually enjoy listening to themselves play.
I’ve been spending more and more time in the art studio these last two years, living with my walls filled with my own landscapes. I’ve realized they really do change my mood for the better. I really do feel something when I can look into one of these magic windows and send my mind on a little flight of fancy.
I don’t think this is only because I painted them myself. I think anyone could have this experience of living with art, and finding it liberating – freeing us a bit from our daily worries.
- This week’s artist is – Helen Burgess – who works under the moniker nosey mungo. I just stumbled across these creatures recently and had to share. Not only do we all need more whimsy in our lives, but I appreciated that the ceramicist skims encyclopedias to find lesser-known animals to sculpt, sometimes focusing on endangered species in order to raise awareness. Be sure to check out her website and instagram for even more!
- Want to see/hear/experience live music? The Secret Garden at the Rochester Hotel has live music tonight from 5-7! Swing by to hear the alternative country sounds of Caitlin Cannon! The $10 cover charge supports 10 local nonprofits through the Community Foundation. Food and drinks available to purchase (Cash only).
- If tonight doesn’t work, head out to FoxFire Farms on Friday from 6-9 where Terry Richard will be playing a wide variety of music genres – and Back Porch B.B.Q. will be catering.
- Perhaps Saturday evening doesn’t work – head out to FoxFire Farms on Saturday from 4-7 to hear Reeder and Spencer, a Mandolin & guitar duo featuring classic tunes for everyone. Bring your own picnic lunch (and purchase wine from the winery). Pets on leashes and children are welcome. No cover charge or reservation required!t along this fall
- Watching Zhu Caifeng make a teapot may be the most soothing 2 minutes of your entire day. So satisfying!
- Here’s a short, fun video featuring a play on materials – a stick as a match with leaves as flames.
- Feeling intimidated about making art? Don’t be. If this raccoon can paint, so can you!
- Here’s a video tutorial on painting trees.
- This tutorial shows how to paint rural landscapes (I might know where some of those are) in both video and written formats.
- Really want to avoid others? Try painting in the moonlight.
- Compared to hummingbirds, we’re colorblind.
- This is from April, but I wonder how our art teachers and students are going to get along this fall and will help however we can.
- This week’s book is Color and Light: A Guide for the Realist Painter by James Gurney. I haven’t read this book, but everything I’ve ever seen of James’ work and writing make me confident it will be an amazing resource. I’ve featured Mr. Gurney’s works before and was first introduced to them when I read his Dinotopia books (which still have a place on my bookshelves). Get your paper copy today.
The opening paragraphs are from artist Marc Taro Holmes. I think they perfectly explain using your art to explore the world. More importantly, I love the concept that the art you surround yourself with affects your mood. Whether it is your art, from a friend, or a stranger’s – you can create your environment and the impact it has on your daily life! If you share your art with others, you can impact theirs! You need your art. The world needs your art!
Cheers!
Matthew & the Art Supply House crew
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