I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.
~ Thomas Edison
I’ve often heard (and shared) the advice to make more art. So often, it seems that the secret to quality lies in quantity. Here’s a different way of thinking about this, in case it lands differently.
Someone wanted to learn photography. Their friend told them to “do it stupid.” Take a million photos. Don’t think about why they aren’t good. Enjoy the process of taking photos.
Then pick out the ones you like the most and figure out why you like them. Is it because the subject is centered? Is it because you caught them doing something cool? Is it because the light made cool shadows?
Do it stupid. If you try to do it smart, you’ll get stuck. If you think too much you’ll never get to doing. Do it stupid.
- This week’s artist is – Shawn Ahkeah – a Diné (Navajo) artist based out of Cortez & Shiprock. You can see some of his work on his facebook and instagram!
- Douglas Huebler would have been 100 on Monday!
- Fall’s here. This article talks about using warmer colors to show the cooler temperatures in your art. This one shows capturing autumn atmosphere in a plein air session.
- Here’s an article about natural earth pigments (why and how they’re becoming synthetic.)
- This is a fall salon online exhibition of realism art – available through Dec 15.
- Here’s one artist’s hardware store must-haves for making art.
- Resurrection of Notre Dame.
- I like Eyck.
- The first section of the Euclid space telescope’s 3D map of the universe revealed.
- Winners and runners-up of the best panoramic photos of 2024.
- I scrolled through the entire list of photo remakes of famous art (all 7 pages).
- “Miniature Mountain Magic: A Tilt-Shift Journey through Four Seasons in the Alps” is part of Daiber’s ongoing Little Big Worldproject, which specializes in transforming remarkable places on Earth into endearing model-like sets. Combining camera and post-production techniques with drone cinematography, Daiber creates playful yet intimate views of the world, from rural Slovenia to Melbourne to Oman.
- Hiné Mizushima felts whimsical sea creatures adorned with beads and crocheted detail.
- The finalists of the 2024 Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards competition have been announced, so if you need a laugh, here you go.
- The beholder’s share.
- What do pirates do in their free time? They make Arrrrrrrrrrrrrrt.
Fun Fact: Georgia O’Keeffe had a Ford Model A modified so that the driver’s seat could swivel around, allowing her to sit comfortably inside the car while painting.- There was an Artist Paint-Off Event to create 100 artworks that will be available on Friday in exchange for a donation to benefit the people of the Asheville River Art District in rebuilding their community. Head to the ArtRoom at the Smiley (Studio 14) Friday from 4-6.
- Sunday from 12-3 you can head to the Humane Society Thrift Store for their first annual Thrift or Treat event, where there are no tricks, just treats! Bring your kids or dogs to get candy and dog treats to kick off the week of Halloween.
- 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, Picasso & Vino, 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.
- We finally found a washi tape that we like both the price and quality of – and it’s here! If you haven’t used it, Washi tapes are great for adding a design element to all sorts of projects. Swing on by and see which pattern(s) call your name!
When discussing mixing colors in paint, I often share that I’ve noticed that one “secret” of great painters is just being comfortable physically mixing. They don’t have to think so carefully about the “recipe” to make the particular color they’re looking for. They’ve mixed so many colors that it’s almost muscle memory.
If you take a million photographs, mix a thousand color charts, sketch a thousand figures, draw 100 heads or practice portraits for 30 days – you will help discover and solidify the building blocks of your craft. Maybe not mastery – but certainly comfort with those skills!
Another variation of the concept – two pottery classes were given tasks. One was tasked with making the best possible pot. The other was tasked with making as many pots as possible. The class who focused on quantity ended up producing not only the most pots, but also the best. The “quality” class got stuck trying to work smart. The “quantity” class worked stupid but the sheer volume helped them find the route to quality.
If you’re stuck – grab your supplies. Work stupid. Make stuff… the steps will lead to the path. Wherever you are in the journey, the world needs your art!
Matthew & the Art Supply House crew
P.S. – We want everyone to make art. So we’re putting together a kit of supplies and guides on how to use them – enabling everyone to make art, no matter where they are, no matter how much time they have available. Want to be the first to know and see behind the scenes? Sign up for the waiting list.