| People who spend most of their time putting out fires are usually also the arsonists. ~ Dan Sullivan |
I just ran across this quote recently and it stuck in my mind. I know people who just can’t seem to get out of their own way. Sometimes they work really hard, but don’t seem to get anywhere. Sometimes they aren’t willing to put in the necessary work to get where they say they want to go. Something always seems to go wrong once they finally start making progress. Without having the right mental tools, processes, etc, we can all easily get in our own way.
- This week’s artist is – Ernest W. Watson – whose how-to books I’ve probably seen in the past. I ran across this pencil sketching demonstration video. After reading the short bio below the video I had to check out his website to learn more (though I was frustrated there wasn’t more). Here’s a bit of detail about the printing process for the print below.
- It can be fun and informative to see unfinished paintings so that we can study an artists’s process. Here’s a look into how Sir Thomas Lawrence painted his portraits.
- We recently started carrying acrylic inks at the Art Supply House. Here’s a introductory tutorial on how to paint with them.
- Now you can visit a food stand in Pompeii. I seem to remember sharing info about this elaborately frescoed food stand previously, but now it’s open for visitors (though it doesn’t look like they’re offering any food.)
- This video shows how to make your own textured paper.
- Here’s a video about sketching – from a live model.
- Here’s a poem – Monday.
- Sometimes, the best way to get the right answer is to express the wrong answer (especially on the internet).
- As a reminder, validation is for parking.
- Need pancakes on Thursday? The Kiwanis Club of Durango’s pancake day is from 7a-7p at the fairgrounds.
- The Friends of the Library book sale is Friday, from 10-3. Books are $1 per pound. Genres this month are Religion/Spiritual, Cooking, Science and the Arts.
- There is also a lot of live music scattered around town. See who’s playing where here.
- Don’t want to come in to town? Head out to Fox Fire Farms from 6-9 on Friday for live music. Pack your own picnic meal – get a drink at the winery.
- If you know any students who might be looking for after-school classes/workshops for any students, here’s an overview of what the Durango Arts Center is offering.
- In case Ignacio is more conveniently located, the Dancing Spirit Gallery also has classes and workshops for students.
- Just in case that’s not enough, Artsy Crafty Studio on 3rd Avenue also has classes and workshops.
- Saturday is the Fall Gallery Walk, from 5-8. Opening receptions at selected locations where you can meet the artists.
- Cydnei Mallory’s exhibit, “somatic” will be on display at the Fort Lewis College Art Gallery through October 20th. The opening reception is tomorrow (Thurs) from 4:30-6.
- The Autumn Arts Festival, hosted by the Durango Arts Center, is this weekend! Be sure to swing by East Second Ave to check it out this Saturday and Sunday!
- We just got in a new batch of yarn – including some 100% wool and some wool-blend options! This should keep us busy… for a week or so.
Very much related to last week’s thoughts on studio space, we have to make sure that our mental working space helps us make progress toward our goals. We need to make sure our mental tools are sharp and help us to create. Sometimes that means learning a new skill or practicing an old one. Perhaps it means going for a walk to help clear out the mental clutter. Whatever it is, we need to create. The world needs us to create. The world needs your art!
Cheers!
Matthew & the Art Supply House crew