| Every human has the innate desire to create: we all want to add value to the world. ~ Joshua Fields Millburn & Ryan Nicodemus |
I was recently reading about Leonardo da Vinci. At one point in his mid-50s, he had about 160 books. That really jumped out at me – I have that many books now, and have certainly owned many times that amount (I didn’t actually count and am assuming. Based on the shelves and stacks, I must have more than that.) I’ve read over 100 in a single year. Not to mention having access to the internet and its endless streams of information.
- This week’s artist is – Paulina Alonso – whose work I recently ran across. It is rare that a collage artist captures my attention, but Paulina has done so – these pieces are so fun! Be sure to check out her instagram for even more!
- Here’s a look at the art that is making paint brushes. Here’s some advice on cleaning them once they’re in your hands. Finally – here’s Bob Ross beating the devil out of his brushes.
- Do you struggle when drawing hair? Here are 20 hair drawings for inspiration.
- We love because we care, rather than the other way around.
- Just a heads-up, the Art Supply House‘s last customer appreciation day of 2020 is on Halloween! Bring in your tote bag for discounts, and we’ll have a printing demo going that you may get to participate in!
- October 31 is also the last day of the Durango Farmer’s Market. Just a heads-up that if you want to check it out, there are only two more opportunities this year!
- Pablo Picasso was born on October 25th, 1881. So on Sunday we could celebrate his 139th birthday! Roy Lichtenstein was born on October 27th, 1923 – that young rascal!
- Here’s a side-by-side acrylic and oil painting comparison video. Interesting to so directly contrast the processes!
- This person asked how to develop the discipline to become a better artist. There are some good pieces of advice in the responses.
- Do you have a “useless superpower“?
- Check out Durango.com events to see the variety of different live music options coming up this week.
- We’ve got a few different printing kits on their way. If you’ve ever been intrigued and want to give printing a try, keep a look out for the pending kits!
Of course, while da Vinci studied things across through experiments and observation, I have spent so much time reading. Perhaps the flood of information available at a moment’s notice is not always a positive. I can certainly say that I would be painting or drawing or otherwise creating more if I spent less time consuming others’ works. I recently read that “it’s the tyranny of endless interruptions and poor time management that lead to mediocrity in our lives.” There will always be some priorities for your schedule (like quality time with family), but how you choose to spend the rest of your time, and those little hours, matters. Magic often happens in the “little hours” of life. That early morning cup of coffee in the stillness of your garden (or in front of the easel) or the tranquil afternoon walk with the dogs. Pay attention to that magic – it is part of filling your well so that you can draw upon it when it is time to create. After all, the world needs your art!
Cheers!
Matthew & the Art Supply House crew
P.S. – Thanks for reading! If you like this newsletter, please forward it to a friend. If you’d like to receive a weekly newsletter in your email, you can subscribe below.