| First we make a choice. Then our choices make us. ~ Andy Andrews |
There’s been a lot of talk about resolutions and new year’s goals and plans and such. Even new decade goals and plans! Maybe you didn’t get around to making any such schemes… That’s ok. You can start a new habit any time. You don’t have to wait for a particular date on the calendar. If you want to start a daily painting/drawing/calligraphy habit – just start. The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago, the next best time is today. Habits are the same. I’d love to have started a daily drawing habit 20 years ago… but I can pick up a sketchbook and start today.
- This week’s artist is a local – Shay M. Lopez – He has been a member of Studio &. Learn more about Shay and see more paintings and sculptures on his website.
- The Scrapbook Nook has a full schedule of upcoming classes! Stop by tomorrow at 1 to make 2 2-page layouts featuring all things winter. Saturday at 10 is an Art Journaling session, with new materials available! Tuesday at 1 you can make four cards using new papers and dies.
- The 2020 Powder Hounds Art Auction‘s opening event is this Friday, from 5-7pm at Animas Chocolate & Coffee Co. You can place your bid here (and see the boards) – 100% of the proceeds will be donated to LPCHS.
- Here’s a “recipe” for a “Day in the Life” sketchbook layout and advice for adding color to it. I might have to create one of these for December 23rd to commemorate my girl’s birth.
- If you haven’t yet made it out to see Patrice DeLorenzo‘s new show, Soft Spoken – it will be up until February 8th at Olio in Mancos (114 West Grande Ave).
- Lexis Loeb‘s show, The Importance of Remembering, is on display at the Recess Gallery in Studio & during the month of January. The opening reception will be tomorrow, Thursday, January 9 from 5-7.
- And, suddenly, there are even more works available in the public domain.
- Tired of hearing excuses? Here’s a blind skateboarder…
- The Looking Glass Art Show is still up at the Smiley Cafe Gallery until January 30th, if you haven’t stopped by to see it yet. All paintings are for sale with 30% of sales going to support Durango’s Creative District.
- The Pine River Library (in Bayfield) has just started the Crafting for a Cause program on the 2nd Thursday of each month (that’s tomorrow!) at 1-3pm. They will provide materials for you to make crafts to brighten the day of those in need of cheer in our local community.
- It’s beautiful weather out there – take advantage and head out for a walk.
- Here’s one artist’s method for packing a painting for shipping. Video 1 and video 2 of his process.
- Need a quick project? Make a short zine out of your last decade.
- Yarns, Threads, and More has an Open Knitting and Crochet Group that meets on Wednesdays from 5-7, if you want to go and join the fun! (As a bonus, participants get 20% off yarn purchases.)
- This week’s featured product is the Uni Frame! When you want a clean, simple look that protects your art, the Uni Frame can provide that. It securely holds the artwork between glass and a backing board. We’re happy to assemble one for you, but you can do it yourself if you so desire!
Especially in recent weeks, as I’ve been talking about goals, the examples have been “a daily drawing” or other phrases that make it seem like a completed piece of art each day. Just as you can start a new habit any day of the year, you don’t have to complete a piece of art in a single sitting. Maybe you work on one piece all year long, but make a little bit of process every single day. In that case the habit is of making daily progress. Kind of like eating an elephant, one bite at a time! No matter how you approach your creative practice – don’t forget that you and the world need your art!
Cheers!
Matthew & the Art Supply House crew
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