Exploring Lake of the Woods, while finding Creativity, “The Zone” and the Artist within!

Recently, I was invited to teach and host an art retreat at New Moon Lodge on Lake of the Woods. This was my second workshop there, and I jumped at the chance to return.

Artists travelled from far and wide to meet at the lodge dock Saturday morning before being ferried to an island where we’d spend the weekend in cozy cabins, pampered by gourmet meals prepared by the amazingly talented chef, Kristin Moen, whose family has run the island lodge for years. It was a chance to disconnect in a beautiful, secluded spot in the southern part of Lake of the Woods.

Every artist arrived with a different level of skill and experience, but there was no requirement to be at any particular level. My approach was to meet each artist wherever they were in their creative journey and help them take the next step. Isn’t that what being an artist is all about? A constant journey of learning, trying, failing, succeeding, and discovering. I was there to guide them, but what I didn’t expect was the leaps and bounds they’d make in just three days.

After a delicious, locally sourced meal, we headed out by boat to take advantage of the beautiful fall weather and begin painting en plein air. Some attendees were trying it for the first time. A soft rain made the colours pop as though they’d just been varnished.

I gave a short demo and worked one-on-one with each artist on colour mixing, composition, and breaking down what they saw in front of them. Everyone saw something different, and I helped them translate their vision into paint.

When the sun came out, we moved to another island, where we each found a spot and a view to paint. After chatting with everyone about their process and the compositions that drew them in, we lifted our brushes and began.

You could hear a leaf fall.

I smiled as I watched them all slip into the zone. It was magical. This was exactly where I’d hoped they would arrive, and it was happening. We could all feel the magic of the light as it transformed into a glorious sunset. Just before 7 p.m., our boat driver returned to take us back to the lodge for supper, where we continued talking about art over wine late into the evening.

The next morning, we were treated to an amazing sunrise and began the day full of inspiration. When the rain started, we ducked inside for some fun painting exercises to get us out of our heads and looking at things from a new perspective. The exercises helped each artist connect more directly with their own artistic voice.

Once again, later that day, they all entered the zone.

As someone who is usually in the zone, it was fascinating to watch each of them find their way there. Quietly, each artist was on their own journey, bringing the nature around them to life on canvas. It was like watching someone enter a meditative state, where time slips by and no longer matters.

THIS is what creating is all about.

It’s not about the outcome on the canvas. It’s about the state of being that happens while we create. Wrinkled foreheads smoothed, shoulders dropped, breathing slowed, and faces softened into expressions of happiness and peace.

By Monday, we were all good friends, bonded by the experience of creating art together. As each artist shared their experience, I was delighted to hear how many had also picked up some game-changing skills over the weekend.

It all unfolded organically. I sensed when they wanted to watch, when they wanted to paint, and what they needed to overcome their artistic hurdles. Those who were nervous about starting became confident and empowered.

Art is about changing who we are by facing scary, unknown experiences. It’s also about finding that beautiful, happy state where creativity flows. I was honoured to guide these artists, helping them become more of who they already were and creating the space for them to experience what it feels like to be in the zone.

If you’d like to experience a future art retreat, send me an email and I’ll add you to the list. You can also sign up for my newsletter on my website to hear about upcoming workshops.

And if you know of a lodge or venue that would be perfect for a weekend art retreat, I’d love to hear about it!

Email me at mel@melissajeanart.com.