| Being an artist is not just about what happens when you are in the studio. The way you live, the people you choose to love and the way you love them, the way you vote, the words that come out of your mouth… will also become the raw material for the art you make. ~ Teresita Fernández |
The best part of being involved with the Art Supply House are the people, without a doubt. It’s fun to hear about the art projects that are in the works, to see the finished pieces that have been made or collected, and to share enthusiasm with others who are passionate about art. All of that points back to getting to know you, sharing in your journey and hearing about your previous adventures.
- In honor of World Watercolor Month, this week’s artist is Liu Yunsheng. Though he earned a degree in painting in 1963 he put his love of art aside to serve in the Chinese military, which meant that he was prohibited from pursuing his art. After retiring at age 61 he took up painting again. This portrait series features Tibetan people whom he visited and photographed (it was too cold to paint during all of his 24 visits). Check out the rest of this series here.
- Classes at the Scrapbook Nook are moving right along, even with their remodel under way! Join the girls in making a Lost in Paradise album on Thursday at 1. Try out some Prima Watercolors at 10 on Saturday. And don’t miss the chance to make some Happy Camper cards on Tuesday at 1!
- You have permission to pursue your creativity.
- Artists portraying the moon throughout the ages – art as commentary on societies.
- Optical illusions show how we see.
- If you’re looking for some artspiration – here are 10 historic landscape painters to check out.
- Perhaps landscapes aren’t your thing – maybe some portrait advice?
- Even if you never summit a 14er, there are interesting views in the foothills.
- The Zia Chicks will be performing in the Rochester’s Secret Garden for their summer concert series. Swing by on Wednesday evening from 5-7 for some live music (that’s tonight!) There’s a $10 cover charge that benefits a variety of non-profits.
- If you’re still looking for live music, swing by Buckley Park on Thursday evening for M.C. Curry Organ Trio for the Concert Hall @ The Park from 5:30-7:30.
- The Durango Photography Club invites you to join Waldemar Winkler from 7-9 at TBK Bank with an introduction to storytelling through 21st-century photo slideshow techniques. (More info on their website).
- Want to learn lettering? Heather Martinez will be partnering with Maria’s Bookshop and Studio & for a book signing and hands-on experiential lettering session. Martinez will sign books and give a lettering demo based on styles found in her book and in her online classes at www.LetsLetterTogether.com. Thursday from 4-6 at Studio &. (More details here).
- If you enjoy learning from Heather, or can’t make it on Thursday, head to the DAC on Saturday from 10-3 (reserve your spot here) for a Brush Lettering workshop. By the end of the class you will have a small portfolio of practice pages and exemplars, final pieces you can frame or give as gifts, and small pieces to mail.
- 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.
- Our new art contest is live! Since the summer finally arrived, get out there and create a piece that features a local landmark or landscape. Head over to our website for more the details…
- In honor of July being World Watercolor Month, this week’s featured product are the variety of waterbrushes we keep on hand – perfect for on-the-go artists. Choose how much water you want to fit in the reservoir (handle), which tip you want, and you’re ready to paint!
Within the store, it’s also all about the people. There’s nothing like being part of a great team, and I’m blessed to have an amazing group of people at the store. They’re talented artists, knowledgeable and skilled in their individual crafts, also blessed with great personalities and senses of humor. As a co-worker and now the owner, they’re the highlights of my day. I’m fortunate and grateful to call them friends and for the opportunity to work along-side them. Swing on by and say hi – my two favorite groups of people spending time together!
Cheers!
Matthew & the Art Supply House crew
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