Day 16: Art Appreciation

Written by: Cat Meyer

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Published on

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Time to read 3 min

Art has the power to evoke deep pleasure, inspire creativity, and connect us to something greater than ourselves. Whether we are creating or experiencing art, we engage in a form of self-discovery and play that enriches our lives. As Rick Rubin writes in  The Creative Act: A Way of Being , “The purpose of art is not to market or to sell. The purpose of art is to inspire.”

Today’s challenge is an invitation to immerse yourself in the pleasure of art—whether by making something, exploring an art space, or simply allowing yourself to be moved by what you see.

Day 16 Challenge: The Pleasure of Art

Your task today is to engage with art in a way that brings you joy:

🎨 Create Art – Draw, paint, sculpt, or experiment with any form that feels playful and expressive.
🖼 Experience Art – Visit a museum, browse an art book, or spend time with a piece of art that moves you.
📍 Go on an Artist Date – Take yourself somewhere inspiring: a gallery, an art supply store, a mural walk, or even a quiet café with a sketchbook.

No pressure, no perfection—just pleasure.


Journal Prompt:

  • How did engaging with art today shift your mood or energy?

  • What feelings arose as you created or experienced art?

  • If there were no rules or expectations, what kind of art would you love to make?

The Pleasure of Creating Art

Making art is an act of expression and embodiment. It allows us to translate thoughts, emotions, and experiences into something tangible. Yet, too often, perfectionism or self-doubt holds us back. Rubin reminds us, “Your job is only to create. Not to judge, not to compare.”

Solo Art Creation

  • Engage with Play – Art doesn’t have to be serious. Let it be messy, intuitive, and joyful. “The mistake most people make is thinking they have to create something good,” Rubin writes. “There is no such thing.”

  • Let Go of Perfection – Focus on the process, not the outcome. As Julia Cameron, author of  The Artist’s Way , says, “Serious art is born from serious play.”

  • Follow Curiosity – Sketch, paint, sculpt, or collage—explore whatever sparks excitement.


Partnered Art Creation

  • Creative Exchange – Making art with someone else can spark new ideas and deepen connection. Try a collaborative painting or co-writing poetry.

  • Witnessing & Reflection – Take turns creating while the other observes, then share your insights. You might discover something unexpected about your creative process.

The Pleasure of Experiencing Art

Beyond creating, simply experiencing art can be deeply pleasurable and transformative. Rubin writes, “Great art allows us to see the world with fresh eyes.” Whether wandering through a museum, admiring street murals, or sitting with a favorite painting, engaging with art invites us into a state of awe and inspiration.

Solo Art Appreciation

  • Visit an Art Space – Walk through a museum or gallery without rushing. Let yourself be drawn to what speaks to you.

  • Find Beauty in the Everyday – Art is everywhere—in café murals, architecture, and even street graffiti. Look closely.

  • Let Yourself Be Moved – Rubin says, “Art is a portal to the unseen world.” Pay attention to the emotions and memories it stirs within you.


Partnered Art Appreciation

  • Shared Perspective – Discussing art with a partner can offer new interpretations. What do they see that you don’t?

  • Sensory Experience – Attend a live performance, explore an art market, or watch an experimental film together.

  • Intuitive Responses – Instead of analyzing a piece, take turns saying the first word or emotion it evokes.


The Power and Pleasure of Artist Dates

Julia Cameron’s concept of The Artist Date is a simple but profound practice—taking yourself on a solo, creative outing once a week. Rubin echoes this idea, writing, “Inspiration is all around us, but we must be available to see it.”


How to Plan an Artist Date:

  • Go Alone – This is about reconnecting with your inner artist, free from outside influence.
  • Make It Playful – It doesn’t have to be traditional art; browsing a bookstore, watching live music, or exploring nature all count.
  • Follow What Excites You – “The best art is a surprise,” Rubin reminds us. Let curiosity lead the way.

Takeaways

Art—whether created, experienced, or explored—is a source of deep pleasure. It allows us to access beauty, play, and connection in ways that words alone cannot. As you move through today’s challenge, remember Rubin’s wisdom:

"The artist’s goal is not to be a great artist. The artist’s goal is to be present to what’s happening.”


Let yourself be present. Let yourself enjoy. Let art be a portal to pleasure.


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