| Art is an effort to create, beside the real world, a more humane world. ~ Andre Maurois, French Author |
It’s so easy to get caught up in the day-to-day, to run from one thing to the next. Thoreau said, “Our life is frittered away by detail” – he could easily have been talking about my to-do list. I often get caught up in the same cycle in my artwork, focusing on the details and losing sight of the overall picture. I always encourage artists to step back and look at their work from a distance – both physical and mental. Physically, it’s helpful to step back and squint to see our work in a different way, to make sure the whole is cohesive. Mentally, taking a break from staring at our work helps us see it in a new light, with fresh eyes.
- This week’s artist is – Massimiliano Schiavon – and his team. His glass work was shared with me recently by a fan (and fellow artist). Aren’t these pieces stunning! Be sure to check out his website and instagram for more!
- Here’s a searchable library of old book illustrations.
- We can also look under the ground to see that which is hidden – here are 1,180 drawings of roots underneath plants.
- I always think it’s fun to see behind-the-scenes of an artist’s process.
- Want to see a painting super up-close? Rembrandt’s The Night Watch has been photographed in the highest-ever resolution photo. Here are some tech specs: 717 Gigapixels in a 5.6 terabyte image: 8,439 individual images, taken with a 100 megapixel Hasselblad H6D 400 MS camera.
- The super high-res photo above makes me think of Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring.
- Berthe Morisot would have been 181 on Friday.
- The Butterfly Artist Collective just announced their February contest – The theme is LOVE AND CONNECTION. The medium is up to you and the contest will be judged by Butterfly Collective Members who attend next month’s meeting. It will be a blind vote. Please spread the word and this contest is open to all of Durango. If someone would like to participate the only qualification is to attend one of our meetings to become a Butterfly Artist Collective Member.
- Looking to start a daily sketchbook practice? Here’s some guidance.
- Here’s a look into how one balances hobbies for fun vs hobbies for money.
- There are two shared studio spaces available for rent in a shared, large, industrial space in Downtown Durango. $300/month (utilities included) – minimum 6 month lease plus 1 month deposit. If you’re looking for an opportunity to work in an open, communal, creative, shared space with other artists while having your own designated studio space, with access to shared equipment and tools. Email Tim Kapusta if you’re interested or have more questions.
- 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.
- We just got in these new origami kits, and they’re too fun not to share! Great for kids of all ages.
Don’t forget to step back and see the forest for the trees. Squint to let the details disappear and look at the overall picture. Look at your art from a distance. Take a break and do something else to feed your creative well and allow you to look with fresh eyes. As always, remember that the world needs your art!
Cheers!
Matthew & the Art Supply House crew