Contrast June 2024 Newsletter |
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Hello, Art and Design Friends!I hope you are staying cool as you enjoy the beauty of summer. I learned something that made me smile the other day — did you know that an average cloud weighs about 1,100,000 pounds?! That's about 130 elephants! That realization inspired me to think about other delightful contrasts this month. Contrast creates appreciation… like hot cocoa on a wintery day, basking in the sun after a brisk dip in Lake Nighthorse, a sense of peace after a strenuous hike, or a golden opportunity after a period of difficulty. And I love relishing the contrast of graphic brushstrokes combined to create the lofty feeling of a cloudy sky. Explore the contrasts within your life… which ones are you grateful for? Warmly, Cindy P.S. If your inbox is maxed out, you're always welcome to unsubscribe at the bottom of the page. Thank you! |
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Willowtail Sky I've been immersed in the contrast between oil and acrylic paints lately. It's so satisfying how oils seem to blend forever, creating gauzy cloudscapes on canvas. Equally captivating is the unique texture of acrylic brushstrokes, which look strikingly different up close compared to the softness of the painting from afar. It's an ongoing challenge to select a favorite medium, but this only fuels my desire to continue exploring both. |
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This scene was captured during a week-long artist residency at Willowtail Springs Nature Preserve and Education Center. My refreshing morning hikes, the gentle ripples on the pond as I paddled, and the way the clouds mirrored their shapes on the water's surface resonated with me and inspired my creativity. The pond's morning reflection was so crisp, it begged to be translated on canvas! Willowtail Sky 36” x 36” oil on canvas available | | |
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Durango 9-R School District Don't you love before and after photos? It's inspiring to see the contrast that a redesign can bring. Back in 2007, I donated a logo redesign to Riverview Elementary School. When I emailed it to Durango School District 9-R to update their website, the superintendent hired me to redesign the District's logo. |
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A fan of consistency, he then contracted me to redesign all the schools' logos to reflect Riverview's, forming a cohesive group of marks, all of which kept the existing color palette and mascot of each school. Seeing these logos worn on students' t-shirts and school merch around Durango is rewarding! | | |
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Durango Open Studio Tour The Durango Open Studio Tour is back, and it will be better than ever! Mark your calendars for October 4-6. We're expecting more talented artists, unique studios, and art inspiration all weekend. The Call for Artists will be open from July 18 to August 8. I'm thrilled to be hosting this event again with my ArtRoom neighbor, Heather Freeman. Join us and other interested Tour artists for a Call for Artist Happy Hour Kickoff at the Union Social House at 5:30 pm on July 17. It will be an excellent opportunity to talk with other artists about their studio setups, get tips, and hear stories from past tours. We're looking forward to another inspirational Tour in 2024! |
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Cindy Miller Atchison Solo Art Show Opening Exhibition Mark your calendars for the Opening Exhibition of my first solo art show, now set for First Friday, November 1, from 4-7 pm in Smiley Cafe. This show will feature work inspired by my Willowtail Springs Nature Preserve and Education Center Artist Residency, as well as the work that developed from that experience. |
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The ArtRoom Collective July First Friday First Friday, July 5 at 5:30pm The ArtRoom Collective July First Friday is July 5, from 4pm - 7pm at the Smiley Building. Come talk with local artists, be inspired by creative work, or buy a local, handcrafted item for yourself or a special someone to celebrate Summer! Our July Featured Artist is Ray Martinez of Ray Martinez Photography. Classic headshots never go out of style. From small business owners to CEOs, every professional needs a powerful portrait that reflects the “face” of their business. Ray can design a session to match your personal or professional vision and style. At 5:30 on July 5, Ray will demonstrate his photography technique with a professional headshot. Come to watch it happen! To learn more about Ray Martinez Photography, visit: https://raymartinezphotography.com/ |
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Paleo Meatballs One of my greatest joys is sharing food. I believe that food is love, and a shared meal is the heart of family and community. These delicious paleo meatballs make a coveted main course or tasty appetizer morsels. I invite you to drop by my Smiley ArtRoom studio for First Friday on July 5 to share some of these treats, and choose from a contrasting variety of my favorite sauces, including my tangy Zhoug and Creamy Red Pepper Sauce. Let's share a meal and celebrate our community together! | | |
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My Smiley Building ArtRoom studio is small but mighty, containing works in progress, finished art pieces, and items to purchase. It's my place to develop my personal artistic style, explore mediums, and share my passion for pursuing beauty in our world. If you enjoy this newsletter, previous editions can be viewed here. I welcome you to visit my online art portfolio or drop by the Smiley Building ArtRoom to say hello when you're in downtown Durango. I hope to see you soon. Warmly, Cindy |
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