The best excursions I’ve ever had have been those with myself.
That is, I regularly take myself out on artist dates, a term coined by Julia Cameron, author of The Artist’s Way. Basically, the artist date involves doing a fun, inspiring activity – alone. Such an activity helps foster a sense of play and encourage our inner creativity.
While one can invest a good amount of money on an artist date, incurred from such activities as a weekend at a resort or having a spa day, many activities are inexpensive or free. The amount of time and location spent on such a date can vary. Whether indoors or outdoors, such activities encourage a sense of play, abandon, and creativity.
Once a week, I go to a cafe to sketch while sipping on a beverage. I also can be found at my favorite art supplies store, Blick Art Materials, where I make a purchase or just enjoy looking at the amazing art supplies. At bookstores, the waft of books greets me. Sometimes I make one or more purchases, but other times, I just hang out and look at the merchandise. My local library has an amazing array of literary treasures – and a cozy fireplace near which I enjoy reading. Other great sources of inspiration are art galleries and museums.
I used to employ artist dates only once a week, but now I have my dates daily. A watercolor artist I follow on YouTube has recommended honing one’s drawing and observation skills by drawing something – anything – for just 10 minutes a day. One can produce something imperfect and incomplete within 10 minutes. This small action has had a huge impact on me, as I begin each morning with a dose of calm and flow. A couple of my recent sketches are below:
Some artist dates take place at nature centers for scenic hikes and for taking photos that might eventually inspire paintings. As I’ve mentioned in a previous post, I’ve joined a local botanic garden and visit when I can, immersing myself in nature and creating a calm day, where relaxation feeds my creativity and gives me ideas for future artwork. Musicians sometimes perform at the garden, giving me an opportunity to experience nature and music together.
I also turn routine tasks into fun excursions, listening to music while watering the plants in my garden, making what used to feel like a chore a nice simultaneous venture into music and nature.
These are just a few of my inspirational activities. The key is to have fun, promote a sense of adventure and play, and feed our curiosity. The artist date allows for meaningful interaction with others and the environment – and, most importantly, a sound interaction with oneself.
Here is the most recent draft of my painting:
I moved down the greenery in order to give more room in the sky. I outlined the clouds, which I will re-work when this piece dries. The large tree in the middle will serve as a sort of anchor in the artwork. So far, so good.
What are some activities you do for inspiration?
What might be a good artist date activity for you?
Beth, thank you for reminding us that taking time to explore, notice, and wonder is not a luxury; it is part of caring for ourselves x
Oh Beth, you know how much I love artist dates--in both theory and practice! Your essay was right up my alley with so many great inspirations and suggestions for dates to rekindle our spirits. Julia Cameron's incredible book, The Artist's Way, is such a great gift for creatives like us because she offers us a guidebook for living as writers, painters, artists, and creatives of all ilk. What you've done in your marvelous essay is show us how to embrace it as a practice (as you have) and how everyday things become opportunities for growth and for "re-seeing" the beauty in the world--watering the garden and listening to music, engaging with clouds and the plant world--the opportunities are endless. I love the clouds and the strength emerging in your new work. Thank you, Beth, for always showing up for all of us!