Artist Date Idea: Self-Exploration
Plan the Creative Art Time Completely Focusing on Your Interests
The idea behind artist dates is reconnecting with oneself; that is a given. How many times, though, do you really plan the entire date solely about YOU?
For this artist date idea, you will be focusing completely on yourself. Be as selfish as possible and do it without guilt! Schedule in a block of time on your calendar, ensuring that the entire family and friends can make note that you have plans. Do not break this date with yourself.
Pack the following items in a tote bag or backpack:
- Small to medium-sized art journal
- Colored pencils
- Heavy-duty glue stick
- Black gel pen or ultra-fine sharpie
- Charcoal or soft tipped drawing pencil
- Two or three business sized envelopes
- A disposable camera
- Bottled water
- Some small snacks
How you use these items is dependant on where you go. For example’s sake, assume you are going to a hiking trail in the woods. On this trip, you could:
- Draw the scenery surrounding you. This can be an abstract or a detailed piece depending on how much time you have given yourself for this artist date.
- Take pictures of unique bark formations, tree stumps, the sky, and other discoveries. These will make great additions to other mixed media artwork in the future. When developing the film, be sure to have several copies of each picture made.
- Write about your adventure. Writing is a great way to reconnect with yourself and get some much needed thoughts out. You are alone, so take advantage of this uninterrupted time and write it all out.
- Take rubbings of tree bark, rocks, twigs, leaves, and other items of interest. These rubbings can be later reproduced for future mixed media artwork.
- Collect small pebbles, acorn tops, leaves, twigs, and fascinating things like that. Interesting collages, altered objects, and mixed media paintings will come alive through incorporation of these materials.
- Create a collage of interesting things found on your journey. Sometimes you can find old labels and wrappers left behind that make for interesting collage work. You may even feel like you are on a treasure hunt!
While on your adventure, be sure to find a quiet place to sit and reflect. Enjoy your snack and some water while letting the environment embrace you. Think about how this experience is allowing you to connect with yourself, and how it will help better yourself when you are finished. Write about this in your journal, as well.
Then, think about what you would like to do on your next artist date. Make plans for your next trip, write down when you would like to go, and write down what you will need. That way, when you return, all you have to do is schedule it in.
