The Artist’s Way: My First Artist Dates

I have been talking about my experience trying out the Morning Pages routine from the Artist’s Way, and now I want to talk about “Artist Dates.”

These are weekly outings where you do something that catches your interest artistically and feeds your muse, unconnected to any work you might be doing more professionally.

Some examples might be attending a class that interests you. Learning a new hobby. Working on a craft/artistic project just for “fun.” Exploring a garden/hiking trail/museum/thrift store. Doing dedicated self-care, like a spa day. Anything that captures your interest, embraces your inner child, and could potentially revitalize your body/spirit so you are in a better mindset to create.

She recommends that these solo “dates” last for at least two hours and that they are scheduled every week.

And along with the Morning Pages, I wanted to try this out.

So, on a random Friday afternoon, I went to a public painting class. You know the type. The instructor has a piece of artwork that they break down into smaller steps a la Bob Ross so the class can follow along and create their own version of the piece.

It was just me and two other “students” that were obviously on a date (and they seemed like a cute couple so I hope it works out for them!). Meanwhile, I had a devil of a time making my lines small enough for the more detailed work, and there were a few “happy little accidents.” But I don’t think the finished product turned out too badly.

I’ll let you be the judge!

Either way, I came back a few weeks later to do another painting, and I think I am going to make drawing/painting a regular part of my process. Even if I never get any good, it does help you look at the world in a new way, sparking ideas and making connections that have been translating into more story ideas and writing motivation.

And that is always a good thing!

Other Artist Dates I have done so far:

• Attending a local improv comedy club.

• Taking a class on summer gardening at the Desert Botanical Garden.

• Floating down the Salt River.

And they all have been good experiences—except that I burned myself on the river, but that’s what I get for being a freckled red head that only used one coat of sunscreen.

I also planned a getaway weekend for the ULIMATE ARTIST DATE, but I’ll save that for another post.

In the meantime, have any of you gone on an “artist date?” Any recommendations on places I should go or things I should try on my next one?

Let me know and keep being awesome!