Artist Dates

Anyone familiar with the book The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron will understand what is meant by the term “Artist Dates.” Cameron recommends every artist should take time each week to go out–by themselves–and explore a new activity.

Being by yourself doesn’t mean you wander out into nature (necessarily) nor should it be overtly “artistic” — think mischief more than mastery. So if there is a play or an art class or anything that you find fun you should attend it alone, without a spouse, significant other, or friend.

This is an opportunity to ‘fill your well’. Having new experiences, seeing new sights, and being exposed to new ideas is often missed if we’re in our usual rut of chatting with mom or a friend during the event.

I’ve traveled for business trips on my own and eventually got accustomed to eating for one but I have yet to experience traveling solo for pleasure or going to a large event on my own. 

33 thoughts on “Artist Dates

  1. I love the idea of Artist Dates! Seems I did it in the past when I was painting a lot. Thank you for the reminder!

  2. Seriously, this is something I fear doing but do it each time not wholeheartedly. The experience is so much better every time. Your thoughts are really inspiring !!

  3. Thank you for reminding me of artist dates. My writers group committed to doing one a week and then coming back and sharing. One member visited a bead store another browsed a bookstore not needing to buy a book. Many of us took mindful walks. I don’t remember what I did particularly but it was a great experience and I enjoyed the sharing. Then we took a group artist date and went to a nearby campus for an art school where the lawns were filled with Greek sculptures.
    But I had forgotten this activity. So thanks for reminding me. After cabin fever from our last big snow, it will be good to go out and explore again. Maybe I’ll go out and sketch.

    1. Its rewarding to have a group of like minded individuals to go out and have an “Artists Date” Your group sounds like they know how to have fun! Enjoy your time sketching.

  4. I haven’t read ‘The Artists Way’ yet, but it is definitely on my list! I recently travelled around Peru on my own and found it such a rewarding experience. I plan to be more brave in my day to day life and start making some time for my creativity 🙂

  5. Great post!

    I am alone for most of the time. In this solitude, however, I also need to find space for planned mischief :). I love such outings and activities when my mind wanders, free to make creative connections and reactions.

  6. think mischief more than mastery – I love these words! 🙂 I totally agree and enjoyed this post as it is easy for me to stay in my comfort zone.

  7. I havent Read the Artist’s Way yet. So many talk of it and it seems that one day I should read it. It is true doing something new out of our comfort zone, is a small win with massive positive vibes and feeling for the self. Thanks for sharing.

  8. Thank you for this reminder to push my ‘me time’ further and continue my goal to ‘Create Space’. Rural living is peaceful and beautiful but the downside is everything is a good long drive away…or maybe I’m just allowing fibromyalgia/fatigue put obstacles in my way!

    1. You don’t have to go out on a weekly basis but if there’s something fun you would like to do, you should attend. Nothing should get in your way…your mind and heart is a strong barometer. xo

      1. Most classes are once per week for say 10 weeks so thanks to your feedback I will look out for a two weekly or monthly option! I attend an open mic poetry reading night once per month since last Easter and it suits me perfectly! Thanks for your reply and the new perspective on it!

          1. Yes its in a small venue with anything from 10 to 20 attending. Each person can read one long or two short pieces of their own work or that of any poet/writer of their choice. Some of the pieces are amazing and some full of laughter! Tea and a chat included!

  9. Very interesting, I am seriously thinking of travelling, I have not done this yet but it is calling me more each day, will let you know if I take this step, have a good Sunday x

  10. I’m totally familiar with The Artists Way and love the concept of artists dates and doing things solo. I’m venturing out more on my own these days and it feels liberating.

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