Five reasons a painting retreat can boost your creativity

I’m thinking about scorpions. Rattlesnakes bathe in the sun before winter sets in. Cactus close in with needle-sharp barbs. I’ve heard they can throw them. A bite from a desert critter could cause a 911 call. The dry heat is ticking up. Even in November, the afternoon sun is hot. Reaching the cabin, I head to the coffee pot. Yes, coffee. Even in the heat of Indian Summer. Prepare for painting adventure.

I’m isolating in my one room painting retreat. What is a painting retreat? It’s blocking time at a park. Do you business travel? Pack your watercolor journal and tubes of paint. Sketch your hotel view. No view? Copy the motifs from carpets or art that surrounds you. Better still, take a live watercolor workshop. Teachers are available in person or online. I have five reasons to go on a painting retreat:

Five Reasons to go on a painting retreat

Focus. Get rid of distractions. Spend time painting and not doing laundry. Cleaning house is overrated. The “honey-dos” will be there when you return.
New Subjects. Visualize new horizons. Engage new colors. Practice new techniques. Best of all, find a new subject. Smells of flowers inspire the soul. Meeting different people will challenge you. Try ethnic food to jumpstart your subconscious.
Learning. Go to a gallery or a shop, engage a different culture, take a watercolor workshop and immerse yourself in art. You might pick up a thing or two.
Start a new habit. Spend more time painting. We’re basically lazy and stubborn. It’s hard to change gears. Make the transition. It’s easier to begin a new painting habit away from your daily routine.
Technical Expertise. Delight yourself in the materials of our craft. You thought enough of the tools to purchase them. What good are dried-up tubes of color? Blank journals? Tuck your watercolor journal in your luggage. Any journal will do. Stash some paint, a favorite brush, a pencil, and a waterproof pen.

I’ve enclosed art from my desert retreat. I’ve done many sketchbook pages, but I didn’t realize my current page is called “sketchbook collaging.” I recently met watercolor artist Brenda Swenson. Check out “Tell a story with Multiple Images” from the Fall 2021 issue of Watercolor Artist. She asked me what I was painting, and I told her. She explained I had made a sketch “collage.” After reading her article, I realize I have room for improvement. That’s a great place to be. Knowing what needs to be tweaked.

It’s a heavy burden when it’s just you and the paper. Carry on and push through to a successful capture. Find the right light. Practice different color mixes. You are now stuck in a cabin with time. Might as well give drawing a go. After you start, it’s hard to stop! That’s the reward of a retreat. Dedicated time.

Get alone and get quiet. You just might find what you’re looking for.

“In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.” Isaiah 30:15.

Have you ever done a sketchbook collage?

How did you create balance and flow?