| The place to improve the world is first in one’s own heart and head and hands, and then work outward from there. ~ Robert Pirsig |
As artists, we all know the mental benefits of creating art, but did you know that simply viewing art can be beneficial? Your brain likes it when you look at art.
The next time you feel overwhelmed, stressed, or anxious, try taking a step back and looking at a piece of art. It can be a piece you have in your home, in a book, or even one that you pull up on your phone or computer. Take five minutes and really look at the piece, considering the colors, the perspective, the setting, the subject, and anything else you notice, and really think about it. Chances are, at the end of your five minutes, you’ll feel better than you did before.
- This week’s artist is – Chris Saper – whose book I’m currently reading. She’s been a portrait painter since 1991 and I’ve definitely picked up some tips. Be sure to check out her website for even more!
- On Friday, head out to FoxFire Farms from 6-9 where Robby Overfield will be playing blue eyed soul – and Back Porch B.B.Q. will be catering.
- Then, on Saturday, you can return for their winery picnic concert. Bring a picnic meal (you can pick up wine there) and grab a spot on the lawn while listening to Sunny & The Whiskey Machine play Americana, soul grass and country from 4-7.
- Want to check out a local art show? Head over to Animas Chocolate Company to see the Get Real! show – including a piece from our very own Lexis! It’s showing from now until the 27th. (Not that I ever need an excuse to get into a chocolate shoppe.)
- Merely Players Studio Series presents FREE SHAKESPHERE IN THE PARK, a socially distanced, abbreviated, giddy version of William Shakesphere’s Much Ado About Nothing. See merelyplayers.us for times (Thurs-Sun), and information about how the seating will work.
- Just for fun – here’s a short video of a cat olympics event.
- Markets in everything – discontinued camera film.
- Here are 7 tips for varnishing your paintings.
- There are quite a few live music options coming up this week. Check out What’s Happening Durango to see the different shows.
- Our selection changes daily, but we managed to get some more acrylics in. They’ve been hard to find this year – so we’ve been advising everyone to get some extra if you think you might need it (especially whites and blacks!) And since we could get them, we temporarily have small tubes of acrylic available.
We think that art makes the world a better place, whether viewing or creating it. A University of London study showed that when a person looks at a piece of art that they see as beautiful, there is an instantaneous release of dopamine into the brain, a chemical that is linked to feelings of love. By looking at art from a different time, you’re transported to the time and place that the artist has depicted & that helps your brain make you feel as if you’re doing a little bit of escaping. You can change your mood by looking at, or making, art. Your art makes the world a better place, while you’re making it, as you and others are viewing it. The world needs your art!
Cheers!
Matthew & the Art Supply House crew
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