5 ideas for artist dates
When I was with my boyfriend Rick (if you've followed me for a while you'll know who I mean; he featured a lot in my YouTube videos!), we used to have date night Tuesday - which was one of the nights when my kids were with their dad. Following our break up, I replaced our date night with my very own solo date night. I took myself off to a nearby acrylic painting night class, and absolutely loved it! It really sparked my creativity and ultimately changed my trajectory (albeit I didn't properly pursue painting for a number of years after the classes).
An Artist Date is a concept created by Julia Cameron in her book 'The Artist's Way'. She recommends that once a week, you treat your inner creative to a fun, engaging experience that will ignite your inspiration. The only ones on this “date” are you and your creative self. I've previously mentioned Morning Pages, which was another concept from this book (where you brain dump three pages of your thoughts in the morning, and then destroy them). Anyway, I think that anyone can and should be taking themselves out on Artist Dates… once a week might seem too much. I went to my art class weekly but the commitment was for an 8 week block. Perhaps once a fortnight or month seems more achievable in the first instance?
I've found that stepping away from technology, and allowing myself some time-out, really does spark my creativity… I've had some of my best business ideas when I've not been working. (And if you want some tips on reducing your screen-time, you can head on over to my blog and read this recent post).
Here are five ideas for Artist Dates:
Museum or Art Gallery
I love nothing more than wandering around a museum or gallery. I recently took my children to the Tramway in Glasgow’s Southside, and I also popped into the Museum of Modern Art in the city with my daughter. It’s on my list to get back to the Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum for a solo day date.
Grab a coffee in a new cafe
I have a local coffee shop that I love, but sometimes I think it’s good to mix things up a bit and visit new places for inspiration. I love to take myself out for a nice solo brunch, notebook in hand.
Leisurely walk in nature
I find being in nature soothing, and it really does have a calming affect. Your artist date doesn’t need to cost you anything… getting out in nature for a walk can do wonders for the soul. If you’re feeling ambitious, you could climb a hill. I’ve a few that I’ve earmarked in my Google map!
Visit the library
Libraries are another place that I love, and it’s free too. As a child I spent a lot of time in our local library in Aberdeen and my mum would also take us to the ‘big’ library in the city. Funnily enough, I am yet to visit Mitchell Library in Glasgow, which is a beautiful building! *adds to list*
(There’s also a candle that I love by True Grace, called Library. It’s a smoky, leather kinda smell!)
Take a class
My last idea is to try a class. One of the benefits of Covid is that a lot of things now have online options. I typically found as a single mum of little ones, that I was really restricted with what I could do because once the kids were in bed I was essentially stuck unless I got myself a babysitter. However, there’s so many things you can join now from the comfort of your home. A few that I’ve tried over the last few years are online life drawing classes, yoga and even a facial massage class. Have a Google and see what takes your fancy.
I’d love to hear from you…
💬 Do you take yourself on solo dates?
💬 What would your perfect solo date be and why?
Let me know in the comments.
