| Your life is not supposed to be a replica; it’s an original. ~ Jason Zook |
To be completely honest, I’m basically winging my life. Sure, I have a few over-arching goals that I want to achieve and there are certainly projects that I want to complete. There are recurring tasks (daily, weekly, etc) that I have to knock out by given deadlines. I do sit down and consider the future, have discussions of goals and aspirations for the future with my wife, and they help to guide me and ensure that I’m moving in a positive direction. Ultimately, I’m glad this is the case. If I had sat down 15, 10, or 5 years ago and come up with a plan – I wouldn’t be where I am now. I wouldn’t have the experiences and memories that I do. Maybe that means I don’t have a good enough imagination, but at least in my case – reality is better than fiction.
- This week’s artist is – Patrick Onyekwere – whose work I just ran across a couple of days ago. I just had to share these ballpoint pen drawings! Be sure to check out his instagram and youtube for more.
- A few thoughts on solitude and being who you are.
- For a bit of eye candy: Dürer’s self-portrait and studies of pillows. He made those drawings when he was the ripe old age of twenty-two.
- On painting – here are 4 tips about clean color and value crispness.
- This article on improving your paintings may be specific to painting but it’s advice is true for all mediums. Especially the first point.
- Want to look out someone else’s window (somewhere in the world)? Here’s your chance.
- Here’s a video on painting tree trunks and foliage.
- Want to explore but can’t get away right now? Tag along with the Mars Rover to really explore somewhere new!
- Too many things going on? Here is some advice on how to get things done when you’re busy, specifically for artists.
- 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.
- This week’s book is Strathmore’s Learn to Draw Cartoons by Christopher Hart. The Learn to Draw series is a great combination of step-by-step instructions along with quality drawing paper in the same pad. Get your copy today! (Yes, we have a couple of these currently on-hand in the store.)
Sometimes our plans don’t work out as we expect (so there’s something to be said for not having strictly made them in the first place). Sometimes life just throws us a curve ball.
The Stoics would shake their heads: “We don’t control what happens, we only control how we respond,” they would say. They knew that the formula for greatness was the ability to turn obstacles into fuel, to see everything as an opportunity to do something. Life seems to be that way right now. No one is saying this isn’t a catastrophe, or that it’s fair. But it’s what we have, and what we have to deal with. Who knows how long this will go on. Unless we want to give up, we have to keep on keeping on – not just in short bursts, but with sustainable energy and perseverance. With Churchill’s commitment to keep buggering on to the end.
Personally, making time to make art helps to center and feed me. It keeps me balanced and provides energy to keep on with whatever life happens to throw my way (whether a worldwide pandemic, a last-minute project, or a fussy baby who doesn’t want to take naps). Making art helps to keep me sane and allows me to be the best version of myself. I suspect you may be the same way. You need your art, and the world needs you!
Cheers!
Matthew & the Art Supply House crew
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