It’s impossible to capture the beauty of nature, but it’s inspiring to try.
~ Mindy Flexer
Nature always captures my attention. Whether sitting on a cliff and watching the river flow below, hiking along a trail or driving up through the mountains I am stunned by the beauty around me and inspired to make art. Sometimes that means I snap a quick photo for future reference and others I pause and look for a great image. When I have time the watercolors come out for a sketch. No matter what, I will always have more inspiration than time and skill…
- This week’s artist is Taiwanese watercolorist – Hsieh Ming Chang – whose work I just ran across this week. Wow! While I love playing with watercolors, his work is just inspirational. I really want to share all his work, but if you like the one above and those below you’ll have to go and check it out yourself.
- The Scrapbook Nook has a few classes to look forward to: tomorrow at 1 you can make 2 layouts with papers showing all things camping and nature exploring. Saturday they’ll be closed. Tuesday at 1 join them as they celebrate freedom with their card projects. Then Thursday at 1 you can make Julie Nutting paper dolls.
- What a great concept – landscape paintings are a kind of magic teleporter.
- Some thoughts on how to get good publicity for your art.
- Very intricate cut paper art.
- Want some advice on color-mixing? Here is some great advice.
- Art changes what you see.
- Cameras are everywhere, but not quite like this. (My favorite is the firewood.)
- Want to build a book – Saturday’s your chance, from 1-3 at the Joyful Nook! This two hour workshop is the perfect introduction to creating your own journal or book. Professional quality materials are supplied in the $25 fee. Instruction is provided by Matt Barnes, a local, professional book binder (whose work is stunning!) Space is limited to 4, so hurry to make your reservation! Call or email to sign up or for more information: 970-764-4764 joyfulscribbles@gmail.com
- Ready for a movie? Louisa’s Electronics and the Durango Film Festival have paired up and you can catch a free viewing of Spiderman Into the Spider-verse this Friday on the Rec Center lawn, between the building and the amphitheater – just follow the signs! No dogs allowed, bring blankets and chairs. Seating begins at 8:30 and the movie runs from 9-11. (Check BID’s FaceBook page in case of bad weather.)
- Ever been curious about botanical printing? Tricia is teaching a workshop in Telluride over the first weekend in August! Learn more and reserve your spot here.
- We’re in the middle of our art contest. The theme is colors of the rainbow. Don’t over-think it! Use the colors found in the rainbow to make some art (no mixing) and send us a picture of your finished piece! More details are available here. There are only a couple of weeks left to enter.
- This week’s featured item are some custom hand-made frames by Nate, a local fire fighter. In the slow period over the winter (yay!) he put some of his time into building these gorgeous frames from scratch, starting with rough planks of wood. They’re birdseye maple with bloodwood splines.
The weather is nice, the flowers are in bloom and plants are lush and green. Whether you prefer a hike up in the mountains or a stroll along the river trail, set some time aside this week to get out in nature and see where your art wanders!
Cheers!
Matthew & the Art Supply House crew
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