| The fool, with all his other faults, has this also—he is always getting ready to live. ~ Seneca, quoting Epicurus |
I recently read the quote above – it made me pause and think about my 2020 action planning. It’s common to hear some version of the words: “Some day, I’ll…” “When I’m older I hope to…” “I’m not ready right now but…” “If I ever finish this, then I’ll…” What makes us think we have that luxury? That we’ll have the time? Life is already happening, right now. Working, playing, bill paying, art making – they have to happen now.
- This week’s artist is – Bethany Vere – an equestrian colored pencil artist. I recently heard her interviewed on a podcast and had to check out her work. Her instagram lets us see works in progression – the hedgehog might be my favorite!
- I’ve been mentioning that December 11th is/was the last day to get a custom order placed for Christmas delivery – keep in mind that we can still get your work framed in time, but your material choices will be limited. But don’t delay, time is short!
- In conjunction with the idea of time – a few thoughts on the importance of persistence for artists. Especially #1.
- Studio &‘s Bizarre Bazaar will be here this weekend! December 13, 5-9pm, December 14, 10a-6pm, December 15, 10a-3pm
- If you’ve ever been curious about how watercolors are made – here you go.
- There will be a reception for the new art at Eno this Friday, from 5-7.
- On drawing the moon.
- Want to get to painting? The DAC‘s Paint and Gogh event is this Friday, from 6-9. More details (and tickets) available here.
- The reception for Patrice DeLorenzo‘s new show, Soft Spoken, is Saturday from 4-6 at Olio in Mancos (114 West Grande Ave). If you can’t make it out this weekend, the show will be up until February 8th.
- The Looking Glass Collective’s Winter Art Show is on display at the Smiley Cafe. More info available here. All paintings are for sale with 30% of sales going to Durango’s Local First’s efforts to establish a Creative District in Durango.
- Frosty’s Craft Fair, at the Bayfield High School, is this Saturday from 9-3.
- The Durango Arts Centers’ Winter Solstice Invitational Artisans’ Market is running until December 23, 2019. Stop by Monday-Saturdays, from 10am-5pm.
- To be considered a drawing, it has to come out of your body.
- Speaking of drawing, the DAC‘s next figure drawing open studio is Tuesday, from 6:30-8:30. Here’s more info if you’re interested.
- Project Merry Christmas is offering gift wrapping in the Durango Mall until Christmas.
- BID and the Strater Hotel are offering a free gift wrapping station from 12-3 each on the following Saturdays and Sundays: Dec 14-15, Dec 21-22. Head to the Strater Hotel lobby and enjoy cookies and cocoa while guests are waiting. Wrapping is old fashioned style, with brown paper and string, then they stamp each package with the Christmas Town stamp, using red ink.
- Yarns, Threads, and More has Night Shift on Tuesdays from 4-6, if you want to go and join the fun!
- If you’re an oil painter, here are 4 clever tricks to keep in mind.
- Pine Needle Dry Goods first annual Maker’s Market will be the 19th from 4-7. They’re currently looking for vendors.
- The final art contest of the year is still running for a couple more days, until December 13th (that’s Friday!) Can’t wait to see what you share with us!
- This week’s featured products are the ready-made kits we’ve put together! Know someone who wants to get started with a new type of materials – or who wants to get you something but doesn’t know what to choose? We’ve designed kits to make it easy! From oil paints to calligraphy and everything in between, there are a lot of options. Check them out next time you stop by the store!
We don’t have a guarantee of any future time, so we would be wise to make the most of what we do have, now. It’s easy to forget that in daily life. I don’t know about you, but I have a list of “future art projects” to work on… eventually. Of course, I won’t magically find the time. I’m pretty sure there isn’t any spare time hiding in my couch cushions. I need to intentionally set some aside to pursue those life goals – to make the time. What about you – do you have a list of future art projects that need to be worked on?
Cheers!
Matthew & the Art Supply House crew
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