SOLITARY DELIGHT
Watercolor on gesso - 11x15
Julia Cameron, author of the Artist's Way, is a strong proponent of the Artist Date which she defines as a "once weekly, festive, solo expedition to explore something that interest you. The Artist Date need not be overtly artistic - think mischief more than mastery. Artist Dates fire up the imagination. They spark whimsy. They encourage play. Since art is about the play of ideas, they feed our creative work by replenishing our inner well of images and inspiration. When choosing an Artist Date, it is good to ask yourself, 'what sounds fun?' - and then allow yourself to try it."
Here are a few ideas for your Artist Date:
- Spend some time outdoors with your journal, sketchbook, craft supplies, etc.
- Go for a walk, and take your camera with you to document the experience.
- Stop by the library, and check out some CDs.
- Set a timer, and spend an hour working on something you’ve been putting off.
- Create an artist’s workspace in your home.
- See an Oscar-nominated movie or a foreign film.
- If you don’t have an artist’s blog, start one.
- Visit a “creative” shop that has nothing to do with what you actually do–an art supply store, a fabric shop, a music store
- Grab a stack of magazines, and clip whatever looks interesting or cool to your own inspiration board.
- Support the local arts scene. Go to a local festival, music event, art show, play, museum exhibit, etc
