| Don’t forget to stand still every now and then to admire the view. ~ Loesje |
I recently read an article about the stillness provided by Roman Baths. The restorative waters of the heated pool, white noise of the fountains and waterfalls as they burbled, the instant consciousness that came from moving from the hot pool into the cold pool. The baths were a part of daily life where busy folks could escape from the dusty, noisy outside world. They were a safe place. That’s still true today. It’s also true in our creative practices.
- This week’s artist is – Jon Foreman – whose work I know I’ve seen before but recently stumbled across once again. So often I get focused on how to make art last, so I greatly appreciate seeing work that is intentionally transitory. Check out his website and instagram for more!
- I stumbled across a few different mentions of sketchbook practices recently and thought I should share. How to make a sketchbook journal. The line that jumped out at me as most important from the article is, “there’s no set definition for a sketchbook journal … it’s a personal thing, so it can be whatever you want it to be!”
- A brief bit of sketchbook use history, and one artist’s suggestions.
- This newsletter has a short paragraph on “capturing gesture from life” in the Artist Tips section which is an excellent use for sketchbooks.
- 40 artists, 40 months, 1 collaborative animation project.
- Ever think you need more time? Maybe switch over to Martian time and gain an extra 39.5 minutes.
- LaPlata Youth Services is currently looking for Youth Artists for the upcoming Unchain My HeART youth exhibition. They’re accepting art until Feb 11th. Use this form to enter.
- I had far more fun playing with this art generator than I expected – it’s an AI-based art generator that works from a prompt you provide.
- I was recently sharing musings with my wife about how what’s old is new again – specifically in regard to amurigumi (crocheted toys). I inherited some crocheted animals that my grandmother made for my mom back in the day. Now the process is popular once more.
- Also in the what’s old is new again category, water bottles as personal warming devices.
- Franz Marc would have been 131 on Sunday.
- Since winter finally seems to be visiting, here’s an art joke: What does a painter do when they are cold? They apply another coat!
- Art persists – here’s a 2,000 year old bowl that’s still like new.
- The Scrapbook Nook has a week full of classes and projects, if you’re looking for something creative to do. Call them to reserve your spot.
- Join Annie Brooks at Studio & for her pop-up tomorrow (Thurs) from 4-8pm. She is debuting two new series of paintings, as well as a brand new line of stickers and cards. There are plenty of valentines in the mix, just in time!
- Create Art and Tea has a Valentine’s Pop-up shop this weekend, on both Saturday and Sunday from 12-6, if you’re looking for any unique gifts.
- The Butterfly Artist Collective is meeting on Sunday the 13th at 3PM in the Smiley Building. The guest speaker is Bekah Kolbe, whose topic will be: A how to for beginning artists seeking representation. Additionally, the art contest will be judged with a blind vote during the meeting – all mediums welcomed, anyone can submit a piece (free of charge!). The theme is “Love and Connection in Durango”.
- We recently got in these fun leather journal kits and thought they paired wonderfully with the Angelus leather paints. The journals can be assembled, used as is, tooled, and/or painted. We still say that Angelus undersells their paints. The paint is wonderful and works great on all sorts of materials, including leather, canvas, wood, and denim. The paint comes in a wide range of colors, not just the small range shown below. Come in and check them out!
The act of making can provide a safe, still place. A shelter from the dusty, noisy outside world. I recently spent some quality time with a new sketch book. During those sketching sessions, the outside world receded. I focused on my subject, enjoyed my time more fully as I sketched. No finished pieces were created. No ART was even considered. But part of my soul was restored through those short escapes. The world needs the best version of you. The best version of you needs to spend some creative time, if only a few moments here and there. The world needs your art!
Cheers!
Matthew & the Art Supply House crew