| People who have art in their life are never bored … This spring, often in isolation, folks all over the world created art, shared art, learned about art and just plain looked upon art with awe. ~ Tina Manzer |
I recently read this article about the importance of exploring. The author is also an artist. He focused on cartoons and landscapes for a few decades, but in recent months he’s been exploring figurative art. Working through courses on figure drawing and human anatomy have provided a challenge for him.
- This week’s artist is – Lena Danya – who I’ve featured before. Her work portrays the essence she sees in water, impermanence, purification, beauty, and life. I stumbled across the oil painting demo shown below and thought it only made sense to share more of her work with you. Be sure to check out her website and instagram for more!
- Here’s an oil painting demo by Lena – both in video and written step-by-step form.
- Events and out-and-about activities are starting to pick back up. Here are a few for this weekend, starting with the Animas City Night Bazaar’s Neighborhood Stroll tonight from 5-8.
- Tomorrow (Thursday) there’s the Concert Hall in your Park in your Backyard from 5:30-7:30.
- And if you want live music, head out to FoxFire Farms on Friday from 6-9 where Leah Orlikowsk will be playing classic rock, folk, blues and original compositions and Back Porch B.B.Q. will be catering.
- Then on Saturday, the Durango Book Rescue will be giving away free books! Swing by Downtown Security Storage at 923 Narrow Gauge Ave from 11-3 to see what they have.
- Looking for something to do? Here are 5 paper-based games (that aren’t tic-tac-toe).
- Want to vanish your mixed-media works? Here’s some advice.
- In a creative rut? Here are a few ways to get out of it.
- A friend of a friend has a kiln for sale. If you’re looking for one (or know someone who is), call or stop by the store for more info.
You may not know that I worked as a portrait artist for about a year. Though I love drawing and painting portraits, I really didn’t like doing it as a job. That process turned something I enjoy into drudgery. Using art as a way to explore the world around me, to further discover the area where I live, and learn more about the people I already know and care about – that keeps me excited. You don’t have to paint portraits or draw landscapes, but you need to pursue your art. It helps you be the best version of yourself. And the world needs you!
Cheers!
Matthew & the Art Supply House crew
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