The only person you should try to be better than is the person you were yesterday.
~ Anonymous
I’m in the middle of testing and comparing different brands and lines of oil paints. For each one I’m painting a color chart and a fast portrait. A friend recently watched me finish one of those portraits. I stepped back and thought that there was so much more progress to be made if I spent additional time – I could make it so much better! At the same time my friend was mad that they couldn’t do it – not as well in such a short time. We determined that they’ve completed 9 portraits, ever. I probably finished that many in 6th grade – and have been practicing ever since.
- This week’s artist is – Birgitte Lutfy – a local artist. It continues to surprise me how many amazing artists there are in the area. I think that I’ve seen work from everyone and then I stumble across a new-to-me artist. Recently this happened with some of Birgitte’s glass fusion. Be sure to check out her website and instagram for even more!
- Egon Schiele would have been 133 on Monday!
- Here’s info on how to make your own watercolor paints.
- And a bunch more info about watercolor.
- There’s probably no such thing as the perfect watercolor palette, but here’s a guide to putting together YOUR palette.
- Not interested in watercolor, here are 6 tips on painting with gouache.
- It’s really fun to see Sean Thornhill’s process as he creates these paper relief collages.
- This is a good introduction to the slow learning project.
- Advice I recently heard is to find others who are having fun and then join in.
- Here’s a background about the race to create a working, practical personal jetpack.
- Here’s a website randomizer.
- Someone is working on mapping the sea floor.
- The “Architecture of the Durango Area” art show will be on display at Create Art and Tea through the end of the month. There are some really great works entered. Swing by to see many artists renditions of Durango area architecture.
- Tonight there’s a free yoga session at the Durango library from 5-6, lead by Brooke Ledderer of Mountain Brooke Wellness! This will be an offering of Vinyasa (flow) yoga connecting breath to movement through sun salutations, various asanas, and pranayama (breathwork) to explore energy centers and increase awareness in the body, mind, and spirit. This session is for adults (ages 17+). Bring your own yoga mat/ equipment if you have it, some equipment will be provided. Baggy/ stretchy/ comfortable clothes recommended.
- Fox Fire Farms live music on Friday evenings is back! Music, food and wine. Free admission, seating on spacious lawn. Bring rain gear if there is a chance of rain. This week head out from 6-9 to hear Tim Sullivan.
- Drop by Guild House Games on Monday from 6:30-9 for the free, weekly Chess Club.
- If you’re a beginner/intermediate acoustic music player looking to play more – head to the General Palmer on Monday 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 Community Arts Center, Let’s Letter Together, the Scrapbook Nook, Create Art and Tea, 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.
- Montana Black spray paints are a premier choice for artists seeking high-quality, reliable paints. Known for its high-pressure delivery system, Montana Black allows for rapid, precise application, making it a favorite among muralists. It’s known for its quick-drying, non-drip formula that provides full coverage and a matte finish, ideal for both large-scale work and intricated details. Montana Black features over 187 colors – and we’ve got a great selection in the store. There’s a lot to be said for artist-grade spray paints! Come by and see what colors your next project might need!
Art is a journey of continuous learning, practice, and growth. It’s important to understand that each artist’s journey is unique, and comparing oneself with others can often lead to unnecessary self-doubt and discouragement.
Comparing one’s early or mid-stage work to another’s work can be likened to comparing a beginning hiker to a seasoned mountaineer. Both are on the same path of exploration, but are at different points on the trail. This doesn’t mean the novice hiker’s journey is any less meaningful or rewarding; it simply means they have more terrain to cover, more experiences to gain, and more growth to enjoy. Everyone is at a different stage in their artistic journey or their hike, so to speak, and that’s perfectly okay. The key is to focus on personal development and celebrate the progress made, rather than measuring oneself against the accomplishments of others.
I just wanted to share this reminder with you, that you can’t compare your inside to someone else’s outside. You’re traveling your own (creative) journey. Contrasting your work to someone else’s is an apples to oranges comparison. No matter where you are on your path – the world needs your art!
Matthew & the Art Supply House crew