• 901 ART

Try An Art Retreat

Retreats are for hard-core folks. Professional artists, writers. But me? Take an art retreat? Meh. Not so much. 

That is, until I went on one.

Mid-April, I joined folks from my local Colored Pencil Society chapter for a 5-day retreat on Samish Island in Washington State. I wanted to get to know the folks in the group and figured this would be a good way to start. Turned out, I had a nice room, even nicer company, learned a lot, all with not much more to think about except making art and making it to meals.

And yeah, of course: like anyone who’s every discovered something new and cool and game-changing, I am now a believer, evangelizing the Good Word: retreat hath the power to heal. I’m here to tell you that even if you never pick up a pencil or a brush, a retreat, time to totally get away and reboot, is just plain good for the soul. A little break from the grind (preferably somewhere in nature) settles you down, refreshes your soul, brings a bit of the magic back to your life. And your creative work — no matter what kind of creativity that is — takes a leap forward when you’ve cleared out the cobwebs.

It isn’t essential to head anywhere exotic. You’re gonna find it a bit easier to get into that loose, nirvana-esque state-of-mind when you are physically away from everyday responsibilities, but an at-home retreat is a great way to treat yourself on the cheap. And you don’t have to go with a group, although a retreat with peers is a wonderful way to learn, share, and grow your craft.

Either way, plan your retreat time like a vacation and make a commitment to yourself to fully engage. Treat it as a sacred time; just as important as any other thing you do. Stay away from the distraction of technology. Yeah, check your email and texts if you are so inclined, but don’t let them swallow you up.  If you stay at home, make meals ahead of time, or keep them super-simple. Surround yourself with good music. Take lots of breaks; spend time just being, in the state I call un-thinking. 

A few days spent freeing yourself from the stuff that weighs you down can pay off in weeks of  increased imagination and creativity. You’re gonna seen with new eyes and get comfortable in your own skin.

And then you’ll be a true believer, too.