Artist Date Ideas to Do at Home
Going on a weekly artist date is an activity I discovered while doing The Artist’s Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity, a book and 12-week program for creative recovery by writer Julia Cameron.
What is an artist date?
In the Basic Tools of The Artist’s Way, Cameron describes the practice — ‘An artist date is a block of time, perhaps two hours weekly, especially set aside and committed to nurturing your creative consciousness, your inner artist.’
‘In its most primary form, the artist date is an excursion, a play date that you preplan and defend against all interlopers.’
Going on an artist date is a non-negotiable part of my week. I love having special time set aside, just for me.
How can I do an artist date at home?
During lockdown or when we want to stay in, artist dates can seem challenging. Here are over twenty ideas for artists dates that can be done at home.
Artist Date Ideas to Do at Home
Put on a pot of tea and listen to your favourite music
Create a playlist called ‘Soundtrack to my life’ and add songs you associate with significant periods and moments of your life
Put on a playlist of relaxing music, lay on your sofa or bed, and chill out — do nothing, just be
Plan a fantasy holiday to your dream destination
Create a vision board of something you’d like to create in your future — a new home, a new relationship, a new career, or anything that’s meaningful to you (use Pinterest or cut images from magazines)
Look through photos of previous holidays and pick a favourite photo to print and frame
Go through a box of old photos and scan your favourites to create digital files
Make a collage from old magazines
Do a jigsaw puzzle
Do an art lesson online and try out a new painting or drawing technique
Do a relaxing online fitness class like yoga or stretching
Take a long bath and pamper yourself with special treatments
Give yourself a manicure or pedicure
Do a makeup tutorial and try out a new look
Cook a new recipe you’ve been meaning to try
Create a romantic dinner for yourself with candles and music
Bake cookies, a pie, or cake
Have a movie night and re-watch a favourite film or watch a movie you’ve always wanted to see
Repot your houseplants into larger pots using fresh soil
Clip cuttings off your houseplants to propagate new roots in water
Read a book of poetry
Write a poem
Write the first page of your memoir
Reread your favourite book from childhood or your teenage years
Read a book of short stories
Whatever you do, remember to enjoy yourself. This time is just for you.
Be guided and supported as you complete The Artist’s Way, a time-tested process for recovering and discovering your creativity.
Participate in weekly live video calls, connect with a community, and more.
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