The new year in Venice is a blank canvas. The days are bright, the air is warm, and there’s a palpable sense of opportunity to do more than just escape the cold. This season of fresh starts is the perfect time to explore a part of yourself that may have been dormant for years: your creativity. For many snowbirds, retirement opens up the gift of time, and dedicating some of that time to a new hobby can bring unexpected joy, new friendships, and a profound sense of purpose.
Venice is a hub of artistic energy, with a vibrant community ready to welcome newcomers into the world of creative expression. You don’t need to be a seasoned artist to join in. It’s not about creating a masterpiece; it’s about the simple, satisfying act of making something with your own two hands. It’s about play, discovery, and finding a new way to see the world around you.
A Story of Creative Rediscovery
Meet Carol, a retired financial advisor from Illinois. Her life had been one of numbers and spreadsheets, and while she was proud of her career, she never considered herself a “creative person.” During her first winter in Venice, she found herself with long afternoons to fill. “I loved the beach and the sunshine, but I felt restless,” Carol admits. “I needed a project, something to engage my mind in a different way.”
On a whim, she signed up for a beginner’s watercolor class at the Venice Art Center. “I was terrified,” she laughs. “I hadn’t picked up a paintbrush since grade school. I was sure I’d be the worst one in the class.” Her instructor, however, created a welcoming, judgment-free environment. The first class focused on simple color-mixing and brushstroke techniques. To her surprise, Carol found the process deeply meditative.
Wanting to practice between classes, she purchased a basic set of art supplies, including watercolor paints, brushes, and paper. The instructor also recommended a portable easel, which allowed Carol to take her new hobby outdoors. She started setting up at Chauncy Howard Park, painting the ancient banyan trees, and at the North Jetty, capturing the colors of the sunset over the water. “Seeing my city through an artist’s eyes was a completely new experience,” she explains. “I started noticing details I’d never seen before—the way the light hits the water, the different shades of green in the palm fronds.”
For days when she didn’t feel like painting, she explored other creative avenues, even trying a simple crafting kit for jewelry making that she found online. This variety kept her engaged and prevented the hobby from feeling like a chore.
Today, Carol’s Venice condo is decorated with her own artwork. She has joined a group of plein air painters who meet weekly, and her social circle has expanded to include fellow artists. “This hobby has brought so much color into my life, literally and figuratively,” she says. “It taught me that creativity isn’t some special talent you’re born with. It’s a skill you can learn and a muscle you can strengthen. It’s been the most rewarding part of my retirement.”
Your Guide to Unleashing Your Inner Artist in Venice
Carol’s journey shows that taking a creative leap can lead to wonderful places. Venice offers a wealth of resources for aspiring artists and crafters of all skill levels.
1. Where to Find Your Creative Spark
Venice is home to several fantastic organizations that serve as hubs for creative learning and community.
- Venice Art Center: This is the premier destination for visual arts in the area. The Art Center offers a dazzling array of classes and workshops for all levels, covering everything from painting (oil, acrylic, watercolor) and drawing to pottery, sculpture, and digital photography. The instructors are experienced artists, and the atmosphere is encouraging and social.
- Local Craft and Hobby Shops: Stores in and around Venice often host their own workshops for skills like knitting, jewelry making, or scrapbooking. These are great for shorter-term projects and for meeting people with very specific interests.
- Community Center Programs: The Venice Community Center and other local recreational centers frequently offer introductory classes in various arts and crafts as part of their programming. Check their seasonal schedules for opportunities.
2. Gear Up for Creativity
Having a few basic supplies of your own can help you practice what you learn in class and empower you to create whenever inspiration strikes.
- A Quality Starter Set of Art Supplies: You don’t need to buy the most expensive professional gear. A good-quality student-grade set of art supplies—whether it’s acrylic paints, watercolor tubes, or a set of drawing pencils—is the perfect starting point. It gives you everything you need to experiment without a huge financial investment.
- The Freedom of a Portable Easel: If you’re interested in drawing or painting, a lightweight portable easel is a fantastic investment. It allows you to escape the confines of a studio and capture the stunning scenery of Venice. Take it to the beach, a park, or even just your own lanai to work in the beautiful Florida light.
- All-in-One Crafting Kits: If a full-blown class feels too intimidating, start with a crafting kit. You can find kits for almost any hobby imaginable, from candle making and macrame to model building and mosaic art. They come with all the materials and instructions you need for a single, successful project, which can be a huge confidence booster.
3. Embrace the Beginner’s Mindset
The most important tool for starting a new hobby is your attitude.
- Let Go of Perfection: The goal is not to create a masterpiece on your first try. The goal is to enjoy the process of learning and creating. Allow yourself to make mistakes—they are a crucial part of the creative journey.
- Focus on the Process, Not the Product: Pay attention to the feeling of the paintbrush in your hand, the texture of the clay, or the colors blending on the paper. The meditative quality of creative work is one of its greatest benefits.
- Celebrate Your Progress: Keep your early work. When you look back in a few weeks or months, you’ll be amazed at how far you’ve come. This visual evidence of your progress is incredibly motivating.
Create a More Colorful Life This Season
Your snowbird season is a gift of time. Using some of that time to explore your creativity can enrich your life in countless ways, offering mental stimulation, a new sense of identity, and a wonderful community of fellow enthusiasts. This new year, give yourself permission to play, to learn, and to create. Sign up for that class you’ve been curious about. You might just discover a passion you never knew you had.
Looking for more ways to build a fulfilling and balanced routine? Our “New Year, New Routine” series is full of inspiration to help you make this your best season yet. Check out our next article to continue your journey.
