A love note to your inner artist (and a nudge to go on that solo adventure)
Dear Heart Leapers,
It’s Sunday – the one day of the week that practically begs us to pause, breathe, and remember who we are underneath the to-do lists.
It also happens to be the perfect time to go on an Artist’s Date.
Wait, what’s an Artist’s Date again?
If you’re following along with The Artist’s Way, you’ll know this already. But if not, here’s the short and sweet version:
An Artist’s Date is a solo weekly outing designed to nourish your creative spirit.
Think of it as quality time with your inner artist – your playful, curious, magical self. It’s not about productivity or ticking boxes. It’s about filling your creative well. Julia Cameron, the fairy godmother of The Artist’s Way, calls it “assigned play.”
And yes, it needs to be solo. This isn’t about dragging your partner to a pottery class or going for a walk while scrolling Instagram. It’s about being present with yourself, tuning into what delights you, and letting wonder lead the way.
Why Sundays?
Because the world slows down. Expectations ease. And there's something beautifully rebellious about reclaiming Sunday not just as a day of rest, but a day of creative joy.
So, if you’re feeling tired, creatively stuck, or like your inner artist is sulking in the corner with crossed arms and dry markers… take them out.
11 Artist Date Ideas for Sunday Wandering:
Visit a charity shop with £5 to spend – Buy the weirdest book, postcard, or vintage brooch you can find.
Go to a garden centre or flower shop – Wander around like you’re a botanist with a secret mission.
Take yourself on a solo coffee + sketch date – Bring a notebook and doodle what you see.
Go to a matinee film – Sit alone in the cinema and let the story wash over you. This was my artist’s date this week - brilliant!
Explore a new part of your town on foot – No destination, just curiosity. (I have booked to have lunch in the dining room of the sister ship of The Titanic - who knew that was here in my home town of Alnwick)
Make a vision board from old magazines – Cut, paste, play. [Check out this masterclass from Heart Leaper Juliet Thomas]
Lie under a tree and do absolutely nothing for 30 minutes – Let your brain go feral.
Browse an art shop or stationery store like it’s a museum – Touch the textures, smell the paper.
Take a solo train ride to nowhere in particular – Bonus points if you write a story on the way.
Listen to a full album from start to finish while doing something with your hands – Collage, knit, bake, whatever feels good.
Go cloud watching or stargazing – Literally just look up.
The only rule?
You have to want to do it. It should feel delicious, not dutiful. If it sparks even a flicker of excitement, follow that thread.
This is your invitation to date your creativity again. To court inspiration. To say yes to wonder, silliness, quiet, and joy.
Your inner artist is always with you – they’re just waiting for you to take them out.
Let me know what you do – I love hearing your Artist Date stories.
These are great suggestions! Artist date #1 for me was going to an orchid exhibition. Artist date #2, I slowly walked around a craft fair too (like Susan) and chatted with the artists about their work. I asked a man about his little wooden bird houses, designed like classic old Florida bait and tackle shops, and he told me that he was a deep sea fisherman for 47 years. He started building the birdhouses after he retired because he said he was going to die of boredom. So now he makes these birdhouses, the same lovely form over and over again, but each is unique, maybe different color combinations or different signs. I asked, "why fish houses?" He said, "I guess it's a way for me to think about my past."
My Artist date, going solo & slow round a wonderful craft fair yesterday.
Thanks Suzy, I love having more ideas , happy Sunday