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Artspiration

Capturing Time

It’s hard to remember that this day will never come again. That the time is now and the place is here and that there are no second chances at a single moment.

~ Jeanette Winterson

Capturing Time

I recently saw the quote above and it seemed a poignant reminder about how easy it is to overlook the unique beauty each moment offers. Jeanette underscores the preciousness of now, the fleeting beauty of a moment that, once passed, will never return in the same form. She offers a call to pause, to immerse ourselves in the present, and to treasure the tapestry of experiences unfolding before us.

  • This week’s artist is – Brad Polt-Jones– a local photographer. You may have seen some of Brad’s work around town, or heard of his company – Future Light Digital. I had seen both names a few times before one of his photos came in to be framed. Then I was intrigued and had to learn more. You can find more at his website!
  • Henry Ossawa Tanner would have been 164 today!
  • Here’s a quick guide to choosing a pastel paper.
  • Once you’re having fun with pastels, here are 11 tools to use that you probably already have around the house.
  • Golden is now offering a newly formulated Gloss Waterborne Varnish as a replacement for their discontinued Polymer Varnish. Waterborne Varnish provides protection from dirt and UV light without the need for mineral spirits – water is used for dilution and clean up. They shared a video on YouTube about how to apply and remove this varnish from acrylic paintings.
  • I really enjoyed reading the examples of artistic series experiments this author shares.
  • This is a short guide on how to blend alcohol markers.
  • Want to learn about Red? Here’s an addition to the color chronicles – about Red!
  • Prefer to learn about more than just one color? Here’s an article about color temperatures.
  • This is a great example of three different ways to mix watercolors.
  • Need mo’ Monet? Here’s a breakdown of the painting techniques behind his The Rocks at Belle-Île
  • We all have (or had) a friend like this.
  • Tonight’s a community Summer Solstice Barbecue at Buckley Park! Food and games, including a Kids’ Bounce House, will be provided! Be sure to bring a blanket or chair for seating. They’re inviting the community to enjoy an evening of food, fun and connection. Swing by from 6-8pm.
  • Tomorrow (Thursday) the Durango Chamber of Commerce is honoring Blue Rain Gallery with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 5pm, welcoming Blue Rain Gallery to their historic and vibrant downtown district. Blue Rain is located at 934 Main Avenue #B.
  • Hear live music on Friday night’s at Fox Fire Farms! Music, food and wine. Free admission, seating on spacious lawn. Bring rain gear if there is a chance of rain. This week head out from 6-9 to hear Leah Orlikowski.
  • Drop by Guild House Games on Monday from 6:30-9 for the free, weekly Chess Club.
  • If you’re a beginner/intermediate acoustic music player looking to play more – head to the General Palmer on Tuesday from 5:30-7:30 for the Slow Bluegrass Jam. This weekly jam is welcoming to all players, with a focus on slower tempo improvisation solos and chord changes. If you can play the I, IV and V chords in G, D and A then you know enough to play at this jam!
  • There are classes/workshops/projects available at the Dancing Spirit Community Arts Center, Let’s Letter Together, the Scrapbook Nook, Create Art and Tea, the 4 Corners Gem and Mineral Club, Seed Studio, and the Durango Arts Center. There are a lot more things happening that I don’t include – so if you’re ever looking for something to do, start at WhatsHappeningDurango.com.
  • After a few months of research and testing, we brought in a new brand – Beam Paints! Basically, they’re all-natural, eco-friendly, non-toxic artist-grade paints. They focus on high quality pigment content to create sublime artist materials, with plastic free packaging.  We are currently offering a few different watercolor and gouache sets, plus some great watercolor paint-by-numbers! You can learn more on their website and by coming in to see them in person!

As artists and creatives, we are uniquely able to notice and capture these transient moments through our work. By pausing to appreciate where we are, we allow ourselves the chance to truly see the world around us. And when we immortalize these observations in our art, we not only honor the present moment, but also share its unique beauty with others.

So here’s a reminder to slow down, appreciate the now, and to capture the essence of our experiences in our creative pursuits. Remember, each day is a gift and we can share those gifts with others through our art. As always, the world needs your art!

Matthew & the Art Supply House crew