Art Spa Retreat

Have you always wanted to go on one of those uber expensive art retreats where you get to escape from it all into an idyllic setting and learn from a master? Personally, I haven’t had the time or budget for this. BUT, there is no reason why we must spend heaps of dough not to create one, especially on a weekend! Surely, there is no guilt for doting on yourself on a Sunday. Plus, we are saving money that we might otherwise spend on a vacation. 

I have heard of other artists who do this, so I am not claiming any new ideas here. But, I can adopt others' ideas and tailor them for myself. For instance, I can’t book a great deal of time somewhere else necessarily, like say a cabin in the woods or a bungalow on the seaside, but I do think it is nice to have shorter, more regular retreats instead. This may or may not work for you if, say, you had lots of children.

A plein air painting in New England during the fall glory. I used soft pastels for this one.

I might start the day with some good home cooked food, fresh coffee, fruit and anything else I might treat myself with that is healthy and energizing. Then I will go on a photographic excursion somewhere pretty nearby, preferably a hiking trail. This is when I choose to do nature journaling and commit to this hike being a leisurely walk rather than a true exertion. Remember, this is meant to be a retreat, not an opportunity for exercising. We are setting the intention of not being responsible but recouping and taking time to enjoy, smell the roses and such.

I may set up an easel if the weather is fine and attempt plein air painting. I have not mastered this given light changes quickly and wind can be a bother, but I do find it incredibly enjoyable. This may be when I trick myself into the bad art/experimentation technique. Plus, the camera is there for back-up. I can always bring any memories back into the studio to recreate if I feel I am failing miserably at a landscape or a portrait of that pesky bird that won’t stop flitting about. Hold still will you!

I might come home afterward for a bubble bath, yoga or [insert spa-like treatment that I can easily recreate for myself on a budget]. After a wholesome lunch (resist the urge to splurge on sugar or the like given this is meant to recreate a spa. We have set the intention to be remedial here. However, if you are wanting to splurge on naughty foods or drinks, that is your prerogative, no judgement here. But that is just a different kind of vacation which I might call your private art party, paint and sip or something else. Anyway, back to the program). I then spread out my art supplies of my choosing for messy fun filled art spa treatments (see above). Or, I may be inspired by the painting I attempted on my excursion or a photo I took to recreate in the comfort of my studio where I don’t have to fight the wind and have a caffeinated beverage on hand. Very important indeed.

I tend to alternate my art time with journaling and meditation so that I can get all self-reflective which also will inspire my art and writing. I believe in doing whatever sparks your fancy at the time. I personally like trying different media because if I get blocked in one thing, I sometimes find it somewhere else, like in that box of soft-pastels I haven’t touched in eons.

After a day like that, I will hopefully feel well enough to face the world on Monday with the added bonus that I barely spent a thing. Remember, the best creativity often occurs within your limitations.

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