A collection makes a statement about the collector’s taste, the world they want to create around themselves.
~ Maira Kalman
I recently ran across a quote saying, “I have come to the conclusion that buying craft supplies and actually using them are two separate hobbies.” How true!
Curating a collection takes more work than one might initially think. I consider this when choosing the 4 images to show from a given artist’s body of work in each week’s email. If I choose from a single series, you might think that is the only thing that artist creates. If I choose from a broad range, who knows what impression you might come away with. Ultimately, my selection is judged by what catches my eye and what I think you might be interested in seeing. It’s definitely a glimpse into what interests me.
- This week’s artist is – Rick Schaefer – whose work I ran across through an interview in Artist Magazine. As a fitting continuation of today’s chat about collections – I always come back to graphite, charcoal, and linework. So I love seeing Rick’s work. For even more, check out his website and instagram!
- Yves Klein would have been 96 on Sunday!
- Flesh tones vs skin tones in figurative painting.
- Here’s an alla prima portrait demo.
- And here’s an article about drawing with expression, not expectation.
- It’s neat to look “into” a painting and see the steps that lead to the painting.
- As a fan of Calvin & Hobbes (I believe I have every collection book published), I enjoyed this look into why Calvin & Hobbes is still one of the most beloved and influential comic strips.
- 2,000 years ago, Pompeiians dined amid the splendor of these newly excavated frescoes.
- As optical illusions go, this is pretty good.
- From Factory Monster (great name), a video of how candles are made in a South Korean candle factory.
- Mount Etna blows an unprecedented frequency of rare volcanic smoke rings (video).
- I’ve been working through a course recently and part of the practice is physically hand writing materials – cursive is especially recommended. I pulled out a nice notebook and fountain pen to help me focus and take it seriously. So this article seemed especially timely: how the ballpoint pen killed cursive.
- Having fun thinking with a paper dictionary.
Fun Fact: The largest collection of Leonardo da Vinci’s personal manuscripts, the Codex Leicester, is owned by Bill Gates. He bought it at auction in 1994 for $30.8 million.- It’s the time of year when there are lots of live music events, open mics, live jam sessions, etc, scattered about the area throughout the week. There are too many to list here, so if you’re looking for such things, head over to WhatsHappeningDurango.com.
- There are classes/workshops/projects available at the 4 Corners Gem and Mineral Club, the Bayfield Library, Create Art and Tea, the Dancing Spirit Center for the Arts, Durango Sustainable Goods, Let’s Letter Together, the MakerLab, the Scrapbook Nook, 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.
- Kristen’s been drooling over these watercolor bookmark pads and was thrilled to have them finally arrive. In a wonderful bit of timing, I recently stumbled across this handpainted bookmarks project guide. Not only are these a wonderful, approachable size – they’re functional as well!
Curating a collection – of art for a show, of materials to keep/collect, or of tools to display – is in itself a creative act. I have spoken to customers who are getting a new product, material in a certain color, or a particular tool – just because they don’t have it yet. They’re pursuing a creative act. They’re creating their world.
No matter what you do with your supplies, the world needs your creativity!
Matthew & the Art Supply House crew
P.S. – Our Spring Clean Art Supply Drive is this month. Almost everyone has a bin of unwanted art supplies gathering dust in their basement. Whether it be from a project you’ve finished, a ridiculous amount of expensive supplies from college or a sewing kit from a loved one, you’re not alone. Free your burden of creativity past and bring them to the store this month and we’ll pass them on to a nonprofit that will put them to good use, changing people’s lives.