Julia Cameron in her book The Artist’s Way encourages taking time out from you week to spend on an Artist’s Date. These simple excursions or experiences are all ways to peak your curiosity and creativity. I’ve collected a series of Artist Dates that I’ve found on Pinterest, and wanted to archive for future reference.
Last week I made a point to stop by an antique mall in Stephenville that I have been passing by for almost three years. I learned that it is only open a few days a week so I think my reluctance to stop by had to do with a confusion of whether it was still even in business.
I was glad that I took the time to check it out as I was able to find a new piece for my budding new collection of small vintage planters made in Japan. I now have three, and am always delighted when I happen upon a new one. I’ve found that there are not too many of them in the local thrift and antique shops, so they are a real treasure when discovered.
Artist Date Ideas
Explore a college campus-art museum, library, photo opportunities
Scour an art museum- larger metroplex museums have art exhibits of famous artists
Visit an antique store
Complete a walking trail-take plenty of photos
Mini-retreat at home- Check Pinterest for ideas
Schedule a mini-road trip
Go tech free for a day- read, draw, bake, art project
Visit an art supply store- Hobby Lobby, Michael’s
Spend some time outdoors- journey or sketch
Go for a walk in your town- document your experience through photos
Stop by the library
Watch an Oscar nominated movie or classic movie
Grab a stack of magazines and create an inspiration board
Support the local arts scene- festival, music event, art show, play, museum exhibit
Plant something- flowers, herbs, micro-greens
Visit a thrift store with a $5.00 budget to find something to create with
Spend an afternoon pursuing through your own personal library
Write a letter in long hand on pretty stationery to a friend
Go sit by a pond with your journal or sketchbook
Sit on your porch swing
Send a care package to your best friend or family member-take time and care to put loving thoughtful things into it
Choose a fantasy mentor- read their books, watch their videos, learn about their life as an artist, let them inspire you
Go cloud watching
Spend time browsing Etsy or Pinterest
Take yourself on a culinary artist date and try a new cuisine
Write a poem-haiku
Write a letter to the person you plan to be in ten years
Check a book out from the library on a topic you are unfamiliar with
Go to an estate sale or yard sale
Make a list of 100 things that make you happy
Find a new blog to follow
Color a Mandela
Make a Bucket List
Lie in a hammock
Read a children’s book
Read poetry out loud to yourself
Visit a garden center
Drive aimlessly
Give yourself $5.00 to spend on an art project from the dollar store
Walk through a historical part of your town. Don’t forget to take pictures
Picnic in the park
Read an old journal of yours
Watch a documentary of your favorite artist
Finger paint
Buy a box of 64 crayons and a coloring book
Visit an old cemetery
Play at the park
Be a tourist in your own town
Visit a pet store
Try your hand at a new kind of art- You Tube
Visit a local farmer’s market
Spend a couple of hours at a local coffee shop
Visit a second-hand bookstore
Write down 10 things you’d like to experience before your next birthday
Have a paint and sip night-You Tube
Listen to a favorite album
Watch a Ted Talk
Go through old photos
Paint Rocks
Start a journal of favorite quotes
Hone your photography skills
Create a bullet journal
Start a blog
Live like a fictional character
Stretch or try yoga or tai chi
Visit a State Park
Stargaze with a telescope
Create an Ideas journal
Spend time around the fire pit- make s’mores
Watch a sunrise or sunset
Walk barefoot in the grass
Try a new cafe
Read an inspirational book
Dance in the rain
Visit a new library or independent bookstore
Learn hand-lettering
Sit on the porch while it rains
Do a directed drawing on You Tube
