One “treat” that I started implementing a few years ago with my writing was a weekly artist date. This is simply a weekly time to spend alone doing something creative. It doesn’t always involve spending money, but rather a time by myself doing something artistic. Once or twice I have visited a museum, but most often this artist date involves taking a couple hours out of my evening to do something creative. Since I’ve moved, my habits have changed and I often just spend time at a coffee shop reading or drawing. However, I have picked up some fun dates that have been successful and that I come back to again for future weeks.
NOTE: I wrote this draft a while back, but added a couple new ones recently, so decided to share!
Coffee with Drawing
This is my most used go-to, but it never gets old. I get to listen to some fun music and people watch. Mostly this turns into a decompressing time where I can refocus and realize that my hours do not always have to be filled with “productivity”—a lesson I am constantly having to re-learn!
Adult coloring pages
I don’t use these as often as I should, but this is a great way to relax and listen to my favorite soundtrack or audiobook. And for my friends who love listening to podcasts, go for it!
Art presentation
Sixty artists in sixty minutes give at least one creative tip! I’ve put these in my “creativity journal” for future reference when I need inspiration. I’ve taken several online courses or demonstrations that help me to see other’s tips for drawing and inspire me to become better in my craft. Some of those that have offered courses in the past are Domestika, Sktchy, Milan’s art school. My favorite is Sktchy, but I’ve used Domestika quite a lot because it references many crafts, not just art and writing.
An hour of sketching!
Enough said. Nothing usually planned. Just pen to paper.
Exploring my town.
I got “lost” today by turning off my GPS downtown and I just drove down a few streets for shopping, coffee, and used bookstores. This was a fun way to see an area that I have not yet gotten to visit.
Local Concerts
Along those same lines, I recently found a live string quartet concert that played Hans Zimmer music. It is fun to find talent where you are and to enjoy an evening of relaxation, without having to have a finished product by the end. I also love the idea of supporting local artists as they pursue their dreams, too.
Old Haunts
I visited Magnolia Market in Waco right at the cusp of their spring introduction. They have the cute little shops next to the Magnolia Press coffee shop (which I sipped on first!). During the spring shenanigans they included some pop-ups of artists painting live, which was so much fun to include in that artistic weekend!
Playing in my Sketchbook
This is exactly what it sounds like. I wanted to do some sort of nature trail, then I found an idea that said to bring my sketchbook to a pond. So I combined them!
In conclusion, however you choose to enhance your art, choose something that helps you to keep creating, even if it is as simple as watching your favorite movie! I hope that you get to explore more and (as I’m learning, too!) enjoy the moment!
Keep creating!
Hannah Marie.