| A certain amount of boredom is good, it leads to creativity. ~ Lisa Cunningham |
Last week I asked about your biggest art-making challenges. One of the common responses was “making time to make.” I’ve heard it said that you don’t find time – you didn’t lose it in the couch cushions. You make time. Sometimes you just have to use your creativity to create the time to create. Along with today’s quote is this nugget from a book I recently finished: a large body of psychological research concludes that downtime is needed for the three “i”s: Inspiration, Imagination, Innovation. While the context was focused on children, it is also true of artists. Of course, we need more than time to create – the creative equation looks a little more like Time + Space + Materials
Thank you so much to everyone who replied to last week’s question. If you didn’t, would you help me with my little experiment? Please hit reply after reading this email and let me know what your biggest challenge to making art is.
- This week’s artist is a local photographer – Claude Steelman – whose work we often see in the frame shop. You’ve undoubtedly seen his work if you’ve ever gown downtown on Main Street, in the window of his gallery, Wild Shots. I haven’t made the opportunity to chat more with Claude but I have no doubt that he has some amazing stories to tell – between trips to Alaska, Florida, and Washington, the mountains of Colorado, and elsewhere around the world there have been some great adventures! If you want to see his work in person, do so soon, as he’s thinking of retiring soon and shutting down the gallery on Main – he still has an artistic and photographic bucket list to work on, after all!
- There is a full week of classes at the Scrapbook Nook. Join the gals tomorrow at 11 to create an album for the year! Then on Saturday at 10 to play with some Incredible Inks while art journaling. Tuesday at 1 for the chance to make some Dulce cards. They are also offering a series of open classes at 11am on Wednesdays!
- Visual artists can use research as a procrastination method as well as writers. Either way, the advice is the same – start before you think you’re ready.
- The Friends of the Library fall book sale is this Saturday and Sunday from 9:30-5, at the Durango library! They’ll be offering quality used books in all genres, $1 a pound, or fill a Friends’ bag for $10.
- Have you seen those beautiful new zinnia flowers painted on the side of Handcrafted House on the edge of Buckley Park? The mural was designed by local artist Jenn Rawling. The mural was painted by a team lead by Jenn and local artist Hayley Kirkman. They’ve just finished it and Jenn’s work looks so good BIG!!! Head over Friday from 4-6 for the unveiling. Handcrafted House – 1323 E 2nd Ave.
- Just in case you haven’t looked around recently, we live in some gorgeous mountains! Here is a video with 5 tips for painting mountain landscapes, if you might be so inclined.
- Not looking for instruction but enjoy watching an artist at work? Here’s a recorded 25-minute charcoal portrait drawing.
- Want to paint portraits, rather than landscapes? Here’s a how-to video for painting flesh tones with only 4 colors.
- Looking for some live music? Sunday, from 3-4:30, the Durango Chamber Singers, under the direction of Charissa Chiaravalloti, will present The Human Experience, a concert addressing the various stages of life and the things that we all have in common, sung by the collective human voice. See them at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church – 910 E. 3rd Ave. (Tickets available here.)
- There’s an Open Studio Figure and Portrait Drawing session is coming up on Tuesday (the 19th) from 6:30-8:30 at the Durango Arts Center. More info available here.
- The Four Corners Gem and Mineral Club is hosting a shop orientation on Saturday, from 9-10am If you’re looking at a new interest or just want a refresher, be sure to head over. Address and more info here.
- For the final art contest of the year, let’s take some time to retreat from the retail rush. Use your favorite art materials to show us what you’re most grateful for! Contest runs until December 13th. Can’t wait to see what you share with us!
- This week’s featured products are these Stabilo Fine Liners. From grade school to professionals, these pens are universally loved. These long-lasting pens feature bright colors and metal-encased tips that are perfect for use with rulers and stencils.
If you do struggle with making time to create, sometimes external motivation can be invaluable. Personally, I always tend to work best under a deadline. If you require a similar stimulus, then perhaps you’ll look at the Empty Storefront Project by the Durango Creative District. They’re currently looking for artists to display art in local empty store windows. Of course, with the gift-giving season coming up, you may already have enough external deadlines on their way. Whatever happens to spur you on to continue art making, embrace it. The world needs your art!
Cheers!
Matthew & the Art Supply House crew
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