Artist Date: NC Museum of Art

Artist Dates

Artist dates are something I’m making a conscious effort to include more often in my creative practice (read more about artist dates here). I recently realized it had been far too long since my last one, so I decided to change that with a visit to the North Carolina Museum of Art (NCMA) - which offers art spanning everything from contemporary works to classical masterpieces and beyond.

Walking the Grounds

The NCMA is known for its expansive grounds. I began my artist date with a walk through the museum's sculpture park and outdoor trails. I was surprised by this glorious pollinating garden in full bloom.

Exploring the Permanent Collection

The permanent collection at the NCMA includes a mix of styles and cultures. I am currently keen on abstract expressionism and that period in history. I was excited to see this piece by Helen Frankenthaler’s husband :), Robert Motherwell, on the left.

I bumped into another Robert, Robert Moskowitz, who I had never heard of ( I love discovering new to me artists). This is his “Piano (for Duke Ellington)” on the right

African and South American Artifacts

Part of the museum features African and South American masks, textiles, and artifacts.

Translating Inspiration Into Art

I took an art journal with me but I was limited on time and didn’t get a chance to crack it open. After getting back home I used photos of some of the geometric designed textiles to create a spread using repetitive patterns in my mark making journal. I also created a small color journal (see above) inspired by an art book on color that I purchased at the museum gift shop. You can see more of my journals and this Artist Date on my YouTube Channel.

Making time for Artist Dates

Making time for artist dates is essential for nurturing creativity and sustaining a fulfilling artistic practice. These intentional moments of exploration and inspiration allow us to step away from the pressures of creating and reconnect with the pure joy of experiencing art. They provide fresh perspectives, ignite new ideas, and serve as a reminder of why we fell in love with our craft in the first place.

By dedicating time for artist dates, we create space to recharge our creative energy, break free from routines, and cultivate a deeper connection with the world around us. Whether it's visiting a museum, exploring nature, or simply wandering through a new neighborhood, these experiences enrich our artistry and fuel our creative spirit.

I plan to take them more regulary and hope you try out an artist date soon. Share if you do!