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Artspiration

Welcome to the future!

Learn as much as you can and be as nice to everyone as you can be.
~ Luke Perry

It’s a new year. Does that going to change anything for you? (This guy doesn’t think so.) Have you made plans to build new habits, complete new projects, or just play in new ways? My life certainly looks different, but I’ve got a 10-day old at home. I do have some goals to complete this year – new health habits to develop and creative projects to tackle. One of those projects is to complete 12 finished pieces of art. I’m great at starting pieces, at testing out materials and working on quick sketches.

  • This week’s artist is – Wild Grace Art – You may have seen Sarah Sumner’s art at the Smiley Building recently. Her art honors the light, beauty, and color of the southwestern landscapes of the US. She aims to support the connection between the deep places of ourselves and our natural environments. See more on her website.
  • The Scrapbook Nook is closed today but has a full schedule of classes! Stop by tomorrow at 11 for an open class. Friday at 11 join the gals for the coloring guild. Saturday at 10 make 4 shaker box cards and Tuesday at 1 you can make 4 Be Mine cards. Then on Wednesday it’s another open class at 11.
  • On Sunday, January 1st, from 11am-3pm at 923 narrow Gauge Avenue, the Durango Book Rescue is giving away thousands of FREE books! If you’re into that kind of thing. 😉
  • Here’s some advice on sketching your way out of a creative slump. (I recently saw #3 happen at a dinner.)
  • If you haven’t yet made it out to see Patrice DeLorenzo‘s new show, Soft Spoken – it will be up until February 8th at Olio in Mancos (114 West Grande Ave).
  • Lexis Loeb‘s show, The Importance of Remembering, is on display at the Recess Gallery in Studio & during the month of January. The opening reception will be next Thursday, January 9 from 5-7.
  • Want to read more next year? Here is some advice on how to do so.
  • If you’re going to read more, you might consider reading old books.
  • The above is very closely related to stealing old art ideas as a way to make new ones.
  • Any time you compare yourself – don’t look to others, but to your past self. I love the very first illustration in this article.
  • Life leaves scars – appreciate them they are valuable.
  • Here are 9 ways to boost your creativity.
  • Yarns, Threads, and More has an Open Knitting and Crochet Group that meets on Wednesdays from 5-7, if you want to go and join the fun! (As a bonus, participants get 20% off yarn purchases.)
  • This week’s featured product is the Tilden travel easel! This is one of my favorite easels, since it’s so portable and compact. Telescoping legs means it can be used on a table top or when I want to stand up. Though it’s small it holds a canvas up to 32″ tall. It also includes a carry case so it’s easy to include in my grab-and-go kit. Looking for an easel? Start with a Tilden.

In the opening paragraph, I asked if you have any 2020 projects. If there are any that we might be able to help with – advice, encouragement, supplies, or something else – don’t hesitate to reach out and let us know! We’re here to help you create, in whatever form that takes. As always, the world needs your art – you need your art.

Cheers!

Matthew & the Art Supply House crew

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