We are all so obsessed with creating lives of meaning and service and joy when most of us already have them.
~ Mrs. Yalen
In his book I Will Teach You To Be Rich Ramit Sethi shares how to get your financial house in order. He also talks about living a rich life – which looks different for everyone. Basically, it means that you determine what is important to you and what isn’t, and you cut from the second to focus on the first. Perhaps you love art supplies and don’t care about having the newest electronics. In that case, you find a phone that works and don’t buy new gadgets until that phone breaks and you have to get a replacement. The money saved can then be budgeted for art supplies. Our featured artist once mentioned on his blog that people think art materials are expensive, but they are actually a reasonable hobby when compared to drinking or golf. It’s all about your priorities.
- I ran across this week’s artist – Marc Taro Holmes – years ago when I was first intrigued by Urban Sketching – capturing what you see from direct observation. Reading through his website (and putting the lessons to practice) taught me so much. As did reading through his books on Urban Sketching and Direct Watercolor. If you’ve taken a watercolor class from me, then you’ve heard me share Marc’s Tea, Milk, and Honey approach. At the end of September, he switched away from his blog and to Instagram as he moved to a completely new style of art (which I don’t have examples of below – go check it out!) No matter where in his journey you look, there’s something sure to inspire and educate. And if that’s not enough, he’s got a challenge coming up next month (more details below).
- The Scrapbook Nook has a variety of classes this week: Thursday and Tuesday at 1 they will be making some amazing spring cards. Saturday they have two classes guest-taught by Julie Nutting (hopefully you already signed up!) Don’t forget that their March art contest has been announced on their blog!
- Local creative Business spotlight – Sorrel Sky Gallery – We have a few businesses in Durango that focus on supporting local creatives. Shannon, the founder of Sorrel Sky Gallery is the daughter (and mother) of an artist and not only built galleries but offers design services and workshops. Her “dream began when she was just a child in her father’s studio and playing under tables at art fairs and exhibits around the country. Art has always been prominent in her life“. Check out their workshops – which cover a wide range of mediums and subjects (Alas, this weekend’s seems to be sold out.) Swing by Sorrel Sky Gallery for inspiration at 828 Main Avenue.
- Speaking of living a rich life – Studio & turns 9 this Friday! Swing by from 6-10 to celebrate the artists and art lovers who chose to pursue this life for the last 9 years. They will be celebrating with live music, coffee, and some fabulous art!
- Interested in getting some live sketching practice? There’s a challenge on its way from Marc Taro Holmes. I participated last year and had a great time – it’s a wonderful external excuse to make yourself get out there and create! (And if there’s interest, we could arrange a live sketch-up.)
- Are you a book lover? The Friends of the Library Spring Book Sale is this Friday from 9:30-5pm at the Durango Public Library. Thousands of books at only $1/pound!
- Durango Friends of the Arts membership meeting on Thursday. 10 a.m. Social – 10:30 a.m. Business Meeting followed by a program by Brenda Macon, Executive Director of DAC. Learn what’s new at DAC and what’s on the horizon.
- Andrea Martens’ new show, Imprint, will be at the DAC from March 15 – April 27th. The opening reception will be Friday evening at 5pm.
- On Saturday from 7-8pm, you can join the San Juan Ballet’s Children’s Company at the Durango Arts Center as they dance to the beautiful music of Debussy, Satie, and bring the paintings of Edgar Degas to life. For more info on this family friendly production email Emily at emisimpson@icloud.com.
- The Assortment is playing in the Listening Room at Red Scarf Studio. One of the band members is a regular here at the store – you’d probably recognize know Patrice DeLorenzo’s work if you saw it. (She actually has a workshop coming up on March 30th.) Three of the four members are songwriters – so about 1/3 of their show is original work. For more information, and to get tickets, head over to the Listening Room’s website.
- A blue more precious than gold.
- Our second art contest of the year is under way. In honor of winter and all the snow, which seemed to turn the world black and white, create a monochromatic piece of art (which doesn’t necessarily mean black). You can get all of the details here.
- We just got some Winsor & Newton Designersgouache in! If you aren’t familiar with it, gouache is a cousin of watercolor, except that it can be opaque. If you paint in watercolor and get frustrated that you can’t go back and add highlights to your image, gouache makes that possible! Before acrylics were invented (and still today) gouache was often used to paint magazine illustrations (hence the “designer” in the name). In short, it’s a delightful medium and well worth playing with.
The weather seems to have dampened some spirits this week. We have to keep in mind that when it’s raining here, the mountains are probably getting snow. And that snow will melt and work its way down here at a later date, keeping the rivers flowing, the fish swimming, and leading to a spectacular flower bloom! Personally, I’m thrilled to live here and am excited about what the rest of the year holds!
Cheers!
Matthew & the Art Supply House crew
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