Talent is a pursued interest. Anything that you’re willing to practice, you can do.
~ Bob Ross
I was recently listening to a podcast about the importance of putting in the work to really learn a new skill. (This is the concept of “brush miles”.) The message was basically that it’s unreasonable to be good at something without having learned it. When you first start something new, of course you’re not good at it! People complain about not being good at something, but they haven’t done enough work to actually be any good. One question stood out to me – it was given as a way to determine where you’re at on your journey, “Is it reasonable, based on the amount of time that I’ve put in, for me to be any good at this skill?”
- This week’s artist is – Mariusz Kedzierski – whose work was recently shared with me. It seemed fitting to share his art today as we talk about making sure you put in the “Brush miles” to get good at your chosen creative pursuits. Mariusz describes himself as an “artist and motivational speaker born without arms.” To see even more, check out his website and instagram!
- Marie Tussaud would have been 262 on Friday!
- Here’s some of the best art advice people have been given.
- This article explains how and why to wet sand acrylics.
- Here’s information on the differences in oil and acrylic (it’s an oil 101 article.)
- Following up on today’s intro/closing paragraphs, I love this concept of “a long obedience in the same direction.”
- The largest-ever Roman mosaic found in Anatolia is revealed to be even more expansive
- Here’s a hand-felted stop motion video game. And information on a video game based on the art and life of Claude Monet.
- Have you heard of the Vesuvius Challenge? Researches have deciphered the first word written inside an ancient scroll charred by Mt. Vesuvius.
- If you’ve ever wondered what the inside of a snail’s mouth looks like – here you go.
Fun Fact: Sir Isaac Newton developed the first circular diagram of colors in 1666.- Friday is Noel Night. All kinds of business (including us) have fun, festive offerings today (mostly this evening.)
- It’s also the first Friday of the month, with all that the First Friday entails.
- And since we’re in the season, there’s the Festival of Trees & Wreaths at the D&NGR Train Museum and the SJMA’s ‘Christmas Trees for Conservation‘ Tree Lot at the DSNGRR Parking Lot (all week).
- Plus, the 48th Annual Arts & Crafts Festival will be at the fairgrounds from 1-5 (and Saturday and Sunday)
- Saturday there are at least a couple of different arts and crafts bazaars and art markets happening around town this weekend.
- EsoTerra’s Holiday Market is Saturday and Sunday with a different set of vendors will be showcasing their delights daily!
- If you’re a beginner/intermediate acoustic music player looking to play more – head to the General Palmer on Tuesday from 5:30-7:30 for the Slow Bluegrass Jam. This weekly jam is welcoming to all players, with a focus on slower tempo improvisation solos and chord changes. If you can play the I, IV and V chords in G, D and A then you know enough to play at this jam!
- There are classes/workshops/projects available at the Dancing Spirit Center for the Arts, Let’s Letter Together, the Scrapbook Nook, Create Art and Tea, Durango Sustainable Goods the 4 Corners Gem and Mineral Club, 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’ve been working on designing, updating, and assembling our kit selection. If you came in and asked what we’d recommend to get started (or upgrade) a particular medium, these kits are our answer. They’re a wonderful starting place in an easy grab-and-go package. Plus, these new sketch kits by Strathmore are also a lot of fun! Whether you’re looking for yourself or as a gift for someone else, be sure to check these out!
“Give the amount of time I’ve dedicated, is it realistic for me to be any good at this skill?” If you practice for 1 hour every day for a year, you’ll have spent 15 days and 4 hours practicing. Is that enough to be good at something? To be great, or world-class? No matter what the skill is, you will be really bad at first (that’s the rough draft phase). Eventually, after you’ve done something enough times that it’s unreasonable for you to be bad – at that point you’ll be good.
I’m not saying you have to be good at something. If your goal is to get really good and not just have fun with the process – it’s worth keeping in mind. Whether you’re pursuing perfection or pleasure along the journey – the world needs your art!
Matthew & the Art Supply House crew
P.S. – For Noel Night (that’s Friday night) we’re going to have a “meet the artists” of the Art Supply House. Some of us will have things we’ve made for sale in front of the store. Need to stock up on some goodies? We’ll have some specials going on inside the store as well! Stop on by as you head up to Main Street!