What is Art?

 

Is it Art? 

This question has been explored from every angle and everyone has an opinion!  

 Here's my take. 

 So, what makes something art? Art is personal, debatable and is said to "feed the soul". Art can move you to tears, bring you to your knees or make you angry or repulsed. 

Art will make you feel. Our homes reflect our taste and feelings. Look on the refrigerator in the home of parents of children...art, and a budding artist?  Look around, a hospital, office, homes or graffiti on a building. Going to any museum, art gallery or art show and the differences can be found. 

 Art is not just paint and artists are not just painters. Artists are so creative using glass, beads, gelatin, squiggles, junk, ink, metal, string, wood, plastic, organic materials or almost anything. Again, does it make it art? Are we limiting what we call art? Art is found inside and out...nature, architecture, garden design, clothing...limitless. 

Anyone can paint but is it art. Yes, it may not be good, but it is art. Not everyone paints a masterpiece. 

Anyone can learn the basic skills to draw and paint. There are classes, tutorials, books and tv.  You have to start somewhere when you begin. Few are natural but most need to practice and learn skills. 

 All can learn and all have a signature. As artists, we can draw on our emotions that reflect in our art. Enjoy the process, learn something new each day and know it's art. Learning, reaching out and producing is art. 

Judith Durr

 

 

 

       

 

    

                        

The Measure of Us

Dr. Martin Luther King - "The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience where he stands at times of challenge and controversy."

Dry Fall - Judith Durr

At this point in time, what we do now is the is measure of ourselves, our standards and our values.

As artists, we stay in place and work because it is what we do.  Our nature is to be secluded and work. Keep working. Our work gives encouragement to others,  artists and collectors. As artists, we need encouragement.

One small recommendation, order supplies as much as possible rather than purchasing in person.  Use social media more now. Stay in touch with  everyone you hold dear.

 So in this time of uncertainty, we are to stay home, remain in place and work. We are encouraged to distance ourselves...I'm a "hugger on hold".

We are an incredible, innovative and creative people. Stay calm. Show kindness, sharing and be as prepared as possible.

Get out somewhere you can get some sunshine and be with your family and or animals. It is wonderful for your mental health.  Take a wonderful deep breath many times a day.

This is a monumental moment in time.  We will survive this and will find the measure of us.











www.judydurr.50megs.com

Artists Feel and Capture Moments

Delaware Moccasins by Judith Durr

Life is so short and moments are fleeting. Are you counting the days or the moments of the day? Begin by counting the moments in a day, looking back over your day you can see the moments you took to reach a goals or to give you happiness. Take the moments and make the most out them.

 Now, you ask, "How does this apply to art?" Counting the days is harder than counting the moments. People who keep journals, count the moments, good or bad.  Don't miss the moments, write down your thoughts, your goals and aspirations.  It applies to all aspects of our lives. Count the moments where you find  happiness or pleasure. Artists feel and capture the moments, good or bad.

• quietly watching the sunrise or sunset 
• looking a the shadows or light on an object
• a conversation
• an unpainted canvas means opportunity 

 Count the moments you reach a goal:

• you choose to paint
• finding something you like to paint
• take an art class or workshop
• painting   

The first homework lesson for my students is to write down 10 goals you want to achieve with your art. It takes a lot of thought.  Try it. Goal setting is visualization and self-talk.  Goals will be realized if you look at them, keep them in the forefront of your mind. Our subconscious will work on them.  Read them often.  Look back after writing them down and periodically (a couple of months)

Self -talk is the second and on going lesson.  What do you say to self.  Check to see if you are making excuses not to paint or reach you goals. Positive talk to yourself...I can do it. I am doing it.  Just do it.

Morning Glory by Judith Durr

Follow Judith Durr on Facebook.  Website: judydurr.50megs.com.  Email at judithdurr@yahoo.com. Visit Judith Durr's studio, The Ranch in Cave Creek, AZ, by appointment only.

Why do I paint?

"Be persistent and create."  _Judith Durr

Recently I was asked why I paint and what inspires me.

Why?

The Rose
Judith Durr all right reserved.

I paint because I have to.  I have never been able to explain it.  There is something deep within me that desires to paint and I have had this desire since I was a child. This desire has never waivered nor could it be suppressed. 

I feel desire, passion and inspiration lead us to persistence. This leads us to create and creation brings us to our reward. Talent means you worked and persisted to achieve your desires.  It is only in your persistence, you are drive to reach your goals will you be rewarded.  

What Inspires me.

Artists who share with other artists inspires me. Because of artists like Jim Daly, Pat Haptonstall, Ray Swanson,  Roger Kull and my Mother helped me find my way.  The artist help to define my life and my work. Thank you. 

People, history, archeology and the enjoyment of collecting defines my work today.  My journey is always changing and yet sometime it is the same.  My hope is my persistence creates the finest paintings I can paint. 

Keep growing, creating and explorating. 

May I always be curious and studying. I hope you are too.

Enduring Legacies by Judith Durr

 Judith Durr -2017 Cowgirl Up! Show 

 Desert Caballeros Western Museum 

March 24-May 7

The last few years have become a time of transition and growth for me as an artist.
 Life changes provided me the time to adapt, reach and begin many of my goals,
teaching, demonstrations and lecturing. These life changes opened   our studio as our gallery, providing a destination for people to purchase our  artwork and our  studio for teaching
our workshops. I love it when a dream is realized and a plan comes together.

Spirit of the Horse by Judith Durr - 2016 copyrighted

The Ranch is open. Just call us for an appointment, 480-620-3849 and we

will arrange for individual or group and bus tours. 

We are off Carefree Highway and N. 50th Street, Cave Creek, AZ.