Desert memories
A colorful collection of five original paintings inspired by Arizona campsites and landscapes.Β
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A nomadic Artist, living and creating in a self-converted van, I paint in a jubilant riot of color to harness the splendor of landscapes through which I travel.
Another painting from my "Desert Memories" Collection, which goes live June 2.
Head to the link in my bio and sign up for emails to get early access! βπΌ
"Steadfast" was inspired by our time camping in the Ironwood Forest National Monument. There`s an otherworldly aspect to walking among the tall saguaro cacti and seeing them in their varying sizes, shapes, and personalities. It`s like weaving through a crowd, but everyone has frozen in place. I`ve camped there several times because it`s such a magical and peaceful place. ποΈπ΅
#cactusart #saguaro #art #painting #originalart
This is 1 of the 5 paintings in my "Desert Memories" Collection, which goes live June 2. ππΌ
Head to the link in my bio and sign up for emails to get early access! βπΌ
"Together Forever" was inspired by a campsite in the Kofa National Wildlife Refuge near Yuma, AZ, during our very first year of van dwelling. These two saguaro were young compared to others in the area. When a saguaro is 6 to 8 feet tall, it is 35 to 70 years old, and they begin to develop arms at 75 to 100 years of age, which is pretty remarkable. This pair stood next to our campsite, and every time I glanced over, it felt like I was witnessing a tender moment between a couple as they took in the view.
#art #desertpainting #saguaro #acrylicpainting #artofinstagram
Itβs been more than two years since Iβve dabbled in watercolors.
When I discovered a beautiful lake less than half a mile from our last campsite, I knew I wanted to paint it.
I scooped a bit of water from the lake, planted myself on a rock, and sketched out some loose drawings. Paco walked back and forth in the water, hunting fish. Great blue herons flew overhead, ducks glided by, fish hurled themselves out of the water, a bald eagle sat in a nearby tree, and frogs provided the soundtrack.
Though these may not be the most amazing paintings β my grasp of watercolor techniques is *very* limited β the experience brought a calm, meditative state. I hadnβt allowed myself to simply βplayβ with painting in a very long time. It was nice to let go of expectations and embrace the simple joy of creating.
ππ©πΌβπ¨ποΈπΆ
I love to find a campsite near a natural water source, but I think Paco loves it even more. ποΈ
This was our first lake of the year, and it was only a short walk from the van. The best part was that the road leading to the lake is still closed for the winter season, so we had the entire place to ourselves.
It was so tranquil and silent. We saw coyotes, moose, many great blue herons π«£, ducks, and so many fish leaping from the water.
It was mostly silent, other than when we got lucky enough to be serenaded by a chorus of frogs. Absolutely perfect.
We`ll definitely be going back to this spot. π
A behind-the-scenes glimpse at the creation of Desert Memories β a brand new mini collection of five original paintings inspired by multiple Arizona campsites and landscapes.
- Releasing June 2 at 9 AM CST
- Only 5 originals
- First look goes to email subscribers (link in bio to get on the list!)
Let the countdown begin! πππΌ
Paco and I were featured in the most recent @wherewomencreate newsletter and I`m still pinching myself!!
You can read more about our story in the Where Women Create Summer edition, which hits newsstands June 9!
I can`t wait to see the magazine in person! π₯°ππ₯³
#womencreate #artist #vanlife #vanlifediaries
Iβll choose quiet and simple over loud and chaotic every time; slow mornings, long saunters, staying camped in the same spot for a full two weeks. Thereβs no rush, no chasing after the next big thing, and no need to prove anything.
Slow living is my speed. I get to watch the sun rise and set every day, observe the moon pass through phases, and continue to be awed by the starlit sky.
The best part? I get to live in places that most people only briefly experience on vacation. ππΆ
Not all campsites are created equal.
We were lucky enough to call this gorgeous location our home for 10 days. Not only were the views spectacular, but there were so many trails to explore and miles to wander.
It was just the place I was hoping to find when getting back on the road. I wanted a spot to stay for an extended period so I could settle back into my routines, pull out the paints, and get my legs used to long hikes again.
This spot was just the ticket. π₯°
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