Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist.
~ Pablo Picasso
I stumbled across the artist below through an interview. Two things that he said really jumped out at me. One is “I learned early that the structure of scientific principles liberates creative thinking. Once they’re learned and become second nature, we’re free to manipulate the variables however we choose.” That resonates with Picasso’s quote, above.
- This week’s artist is – Alphonso Dunn – a pen and ink artist. He loves to teach and shares all he knows on youtube and via books. Check out his facebook and youtube channel for more!
- Romare Bearden‘s eleventy-first birthday would have been on Friday.
- Labor and Wait can apply to making all sorts of art, not just writing.
- This is a thought-provoking piece on art authenticity (fitting since it features Andy Warhol’s work, or does it?)
- What magnificent mud architecture!
- Ever want to build a pen plotter? This might be the easiest/quickest/cheapest version.
- This iconographic encyclopedia is worth perusing (if only for its art).
- I was once asked me how much I knew about art. I couldn’t answer, because I know just enough to know how much I don’t know. As an example, I’d never heard of ex-votos until this week.
- Here’s a fun optical illusion and why it works the way it does.
- A couple of upcoming events – September 17-18 is the Autumn Arts Festival and this year is the Art Supply House’s 20th anniversary! We’ll be celebrating during the last Saturday of October (which is also a customer appreciation day). Do you have your bag ready?
- This evening is the Animas City Night Bazaar from 5-8 in the North Main district. The theme is “Weird Science.”
- Tonight is Word Honey: Open Mic Night. Join at 81301 Coffee (part of the Animas City Night Bazaar from 6-7:30. Theme is “Weird Science.” Write something ahead of time or create something in a workshop.
- Tomorrow is Books, Brats, and Brews at the Durango Library. Join from 4-6 to help kick off Library Card Sign Up Month with a party on the back patio! There will be live music by Brettlynn, local brews from Ska Brewing, books offered by the Friends of the Library, sizzling brats and hot dogs, and fun for the whole family! Event is free for library card holders – and signing up for a library card is also free!
- Know a teen who likes to make art? The Banned Books art contest will be accepting entries from Sept 1-15. More info available here, and we have fliers/entry forms to be picked up at the Art Supply House.
- Friday is the first one of the month, which means there is a Pop up at Buck’s Parlor from 12-5 and an Art Show at Create Art and Tea from 5-7.
- Three local artists are teaming up for the show “A Symphony of Color”. Join Patrice DeLorenzo, Fran Mayfield, and Kathy Myrick for the opening reception Friday from 5-7 at the San Juan College Henderson Fine Arts Center Art Gallery in Farmington. The Gallery is open Mon-Fri from 10-5.
- Sunday is Open Mic night at Mountain Monk Coffee. Spoken word, comedy, music, and creative experiences in a classic coffee house setting. 5:30 sign-up, 6/8pm.
- Every Monday, from 6:30-9, head over to Guild House Games for Chess club. Free, drop in’s welcome. Upstairs at the Main Mall.
- There are classes/workshops/projects available at Create Art and Tea, the Durango Arts Center, and the Scrapbook Nook. 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
- There’s live music scattered about town all week. Like tomorrow at James Ranch Grill, Friday at Fox Fire Farms, and Sunday’s Rockin’ on the River. See what else is available here.
- Cooler weather seems to be trying to sneak its way in – which means that crochet and knitting should be picking up soon. Apparently when we’re cold we naturally start making warm things. 😀 We keep a selection of yarns, with a variety of fibers available. Swing by today to see what’s on-hand!
The second thing that I noted from Alphonso’s interview was his thoughts on the freedom of working with pen-an-ink. ” I often tell my students that, ironically, the the thing that makes pen-and-ink intimidating – the fact that it’s indelible – is the very thing that also makes it one of the most liberating forms of expression.” While it’s true that the marks of a pen are permanent, Dunn argues that by shifting our perspective a bit, we begin to understand that this is exactly the quality that can free us from the fear of making mistakes. “With graphite, you’re always tempted to erase because you can. Using ink removes that option, so you have no choice but to move on. Once you’ve embraced this, you’re set on a new path of confidence.“
I’ve heard it said that the more restricted the design constraints are, the resulting design will be more elegant to work within those parameters, if the designer is up to the task. While that comment isn’t aimed at artists, that makes it no less fitting for us. Limit your tools for a particular project and you might be surprised at what you can make within those limits. Practice color theory exercises to ensure that when you don’t have exactly the right color, you can make it. Narrow down the scope of your subject to help you focus on something specific. You don’t have to live within those restrictions, but you can expand your creative abilities by working within them on occasion. As always, the world needs your art!
Cheers!
Matthew & the Art Supply House crew