Thanks, Ann! I mostly create while sitting, but I sometimes work standing too. I've learned when I stand for too long for my painting, it's not good for my hips/backs.
I have created a few solo art retreats for myself over the years through my intentional housesitting for friends who live near the ocean, with my art supplies. I’ve also followed through on a couple of ‘art-filled’ weekends with friends who want to paint however your sharing here empowered me to finally book the space and begin to formalize what I have dreamed of - a week long art retreat in PEI next spring. This summer, I’ll do a practice-run; a three day art retreat closer to home while I housesitting in August, again at the ocean. Thank you K.!!
Your post was simply inspiring. I called my PEI friend who owns a large Airbnb and confirmed the rental for spring 2027. If it wasn't for your post, I might not have had my epiphany, or made that phone call. :)
Future goal to do this and appreciate all the tips / rundown! Food can be such a chore for getaways and your solve seems smart (also, 20 avocados made me laugh).
Four friends from SAW staged a mini retreat last summer at my friend’s farm in New Hampshire and it was a magical experience.
We developed a plan in advance but deviated from it. I didn’t get as much work done as I hoped partly because meeting people in person for the first time after interacting virtually for years felt like a really big deal.
The experience surprised me because I don’t even think of myself as a people person. Maybe these were just the right people.
Thank you for an inspiring post. The last picture with Leif left me wondering if you always create in standing? Or do you pull up a chair sometime? 😊
Thanks, Ann! I mostly create while sitting, but I sometimes work standing too. I've learned when I stand for too long for my painting, it's not good for my hips/backs.
I have created a few solo art retreats for myself over the years through my intentional housesitting for friends who live near the ocean, with my art supplies. I’ve also followed through on a couple of ‘art-filled’ weekends with friends who want to paint however your sharing here empowered me to finally book the space and begin to formalize what I have dreamed of - a week long art retreat in PEI next spring. This summer, I’ll do a practice-run; a three day art retreat closer to home while I housesitting in August, again at the ocean. Thank you K.!!
I love the idea of doing a solo retreat while house setting. And in PEI too! Glad you found this post inspiring, Earla!
Your post was simply inspiring. I called my PEI friend who owns a large Airbnb and confirmed the rental for spring 2027. If it wasn't for your post, I might not have had my epiphany, or made that phone call. :)
That makes me so happy to hear, Earla!
Future goal to do this and appreciate all the tips / rundown! Food can be such a chore for getaways and your solve seems smart (also, 20 avocados made me laugh).
Hopefully we'll be able to do a retreat together someday!
Absolutely!
I love this idea.
Thanks, Alex!
Thank you, it is something I’ve been dreaming of!
Hope you can make it happen, Lauren!
Great insights!
Four friends from SAW staged a mini retreat last summer at my friend’s farm in New Hampshire and it was a magical experience.
We developed a plan in advance but deviated from it. I didn’t get as much work done as I hoped partly because meeting people in person for the first time after interacting virtually for years felt like a really big deal.
The experience surprised me because I don’t even think of myself as a people person. Maybe these were just the right people.
Thanks, Michael! It really is the interpersonal part of doing retreats that's most important to me. I'm so glad you found your people!
What a wonderful, thoughtful piece. Your pictures are always amazing too.
Thank you, Jon! It was such an incredible winter day a few weeks ago with a fresh snow and long shadows. It made for great subject matter!