It was a sunny day when we made our way to the annual Plein Air Artists Colorado Paint Out in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. As we pulled up to our campsite after a long drive, tents and gear in tow, we arrived at our campsite to learn our fire pit was surrounded by nearly a foot of water. It was a confusing scenario, as the weather had been perfect on the drive in? In hindsight, it was an ominous nod to events to come. We decided to move our campsite to higher ground. An act that would eventually make us—the last tent standing. 

The next day, after an exhausting (yet glorious) day battling bugs and sun while painting outside—we settled into camp to prepare dinner in our brand new REI screen house. It was then that I noticed small clouds forming in the distance. I had a passing thought "maybe a storm is brewing?" Then without notice, the wind picked up to 60 miles per hour. We held on to the screen house for dear life as it nearly flew away with us along with it! Then the stinging rain started . . . We were completely exposed to the elements and at nature's mercy. This battle persisted for over half an hour, and at the end of it, we were the last tent standing.

Wet and exhausted, that was the day I decided to buy an RV. You see, I will never stop painting outside. It informs my studio work and infuses it with a soul that can be had in no other way but complete immersion in nature painting from life.

This past February 2020, nearly two years later, we finally purchased our RV. While the plein air events, outdoor shows and the Plein Air Convention have been postponed for now, our RV has become an invaluable weekend escape from our new reality. I have begun the road less traveled in more ways than one. I have a dream that someday, when all of this is over, I will hit the road in my RV and travel the country—fully living and experiencing life while I “take the show on the road.”

Please come along for the ride:)