“I chose Cadmium Red Light as our company color, after reading Kandinsky’s “Concerning the Spiritual in Art”, which declares that yellow advances, blue recedes, green is at rest, and red vibrates in place. I saw Cadmium Red Light as vibrating with tremendous potential, which is what I hope our colors do for artists – to give them the potential to be their best with high energy.”
~ Robert Gamblin
From last year’s extreme winter to this has been a 180-degree change! I’m getting lots of exercise and quality time with my snow-shovel (though I’m starting to think that we’re getting a little sick of each other). However, I’m also getting some quality time with my paints since I’m more likely to be hiding inside and watching the snow through the window.
- This week’s artist is a local – Maureen May – you can see her work at Studio & – As a lover of trees, I am always entranced by her drawings and etchings of them (like Bristlecone Pine, above). Not only is she a visual artist, but she has performed in a variety of productions. See more of her work on her website, or catch her at Studio &.
- The Scrapbook Nook has a variety of classes this week: On Thursday at 1 they will be making a layered, free standing exploding box photo album that is sure to be Bee-utiful! Saturday’s art journaling session at 10 will be the perfect chance to play with some brand new materials from Ranger. Monday is their first Make & Take! Stop by and make a card and pick up some new Dew Drop Ink Pads from Momento. If you’re looking to beat the winter blues, Tuesday’s card class will be sure to cheer you up! Their card drive is still going through the end of February – it’s in honor of Jerri’s mother-in-law, who loved to make cards and donate to charity. If you want to make and drop off some cards they’ll be given to Soldiers’ Angels in March (please, no glitter, as it’s dangerous for soldiers in comabt.)
- Local creative Business spotlight – Durango Arts Center – We have a few businesses in Durango that focus on supporting local creatives. The Durango Arts Center is “a multi-faceted hub for community arts that hosts and promotes contemporary visual and performing arts, arts education, dynamic exhibits, an active Docent program and the annual Durango Autumn Arts Festival.” From classes for all ages and abilities, a theatre for youth and adults, an art library, to a gallery and so much more – they have a lot to offer the community! Not only are they a wealth of inspiration and knowledge but they always seem to have classes and events going on. If you’re looking for some inspiration or education, swing by the DAC at 802 E 2nd Avenue.
- Apparently the secret to a good life is a good pencil. (AKA: pencil trash-talk.)
- Studio & is the place to be this Friday evening as they host the opening reception from 5-9 for the show – PLACE. “There’s a place. A very specific place, I know it well and can envision it as if I am standing there now, almost like it’s a part of me. I’m suspecting that you have a place like this too.” I also hear that Compact Coffee will be there to provide a special coffee experience. (If you can’t make it, the exhibit will be up through March 2.)
- Studio & also has an Artist Call for their upcoming juried show – “TRUTH”. Here are details if you might be interested.
- KDUR’s Furniture as Art Auction is quickly approaching on February 28th. You can get more details here but if you’re looking for either art for your home or some awesome furniture, they’ll have it available! (My favorite piece isn’t listed on their site yet…)
- Patrice DeLorenzo has a workshop coming up March 30th – The Color of Spring. There’s a vibrancy of color and light that plays with our senses as Spring blooms into season. These dynamic and subtle color relationships that make us feel alive and ready for something fresh will be our focus in The Color of Spring Painting Workshop for beginning and intermediate painters. You can find out more on her website.
- We’re still accepting entries for the art contest, but only for a couple more days! Show us something you love! (And then stay tuned for next month’s contest…)
- Did you know they make watercolor canvas? I have to admit that I wasn’t aware until just a few weeks ago. But for now we have some at the store and it’s a delight to paint on. The upper piece in the photo below is a blank piece – and it’s pretty much exactly what you’d expect; a finely woven canvas that is primed with watercolor ground. The lower little strip is the view of Hogsback from the store – I really threw some water on there and the canvas handled it admirably, with only a touch of buckling that would be easy to smooth out.
As a rule of thumb, the Art Supply House will be closed on the same days as the 9-R schools. We closed Tuesday and are watching for future announcements from them. Just a heads-up about our schedule! If it’s looking like an upcoming snow day for the students, be sure to swing by and grab your supplies for at-home-art day.
Cheers!
Matthew & the Art Supply House crew
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