The route of this “Plein-air way of living” Blog

It’s August 31, 2026 and I’m currently planning my cross country trip from Connecticut to California and back. Not yet starting my adventure, the adventure has already begun by planning out my trip as a plein-air painter. 15 years in this painting practice, and 10 years of traveling, I've left home exploring further and further beyond my comfort zone. The road leads me to various places across the globe and teaches me so much as each step involves an abundance of problem solving. I cannot wait to share this journey with you, I am already learning so much!!!

Before I share how my planning adventure is going I want to backtrack to the reason and intention behind my making, as well as this blog. As an art student I began learning how to observe the outer world, while also observing myself and the inner world that we all hold deep inside of us. Both of my practices outside the studio and inside the studio have really been a playful place of curiosity and understanding of self in this world. My practice has also been my healing source, a place where I can understand root causes, a place where I can ponder, feel and cry, be in solitude and also a place to connect with others and share what I’ve learned through life's journey and emotions that come with it. This practice became even more important in my life when my mother passed in 2015 right after graduating from grad school. Spending five years in New York City, I was having the time of my life working around other artists, showcasing my work in high end lounges across the city and underground shows in people's apartments. I also was in my mid 20s making pretty stupid moves as well. My mother's passing really rocked my world and slowly I made my way back to Connecticut working my way through PTSD, jobless, homeless, lonely and lost. After about a year living out of the studio and finally making my way back into an apartment, there was a heartfelt need to celebrate my mother, to not only honor her but the life she gave me. The idea of traveling took flight, but also put me in a place of fear and uncertainty. Introducing a lifestyle I didn't know much about, but a vision I had for some time. I thought traveling was for rich people who could afford to go on a plane, to go to a resort, or on a big tour excursion to different countries. I remember being in high school and hearing my friends talk about going on a class trip to Peru. I was so jealous and thought that was something I could never do, let alone ever afford!

The loss I experienced pushed me forward and I went on my first trip to a wellness retreat in Nicaragua 2016. Invited by my artist friend Sebastian and his wife, I was then introduced to 25 strangers and brought to a conservation resort bringing on a week of intense yoga, reflection, and adventure. I won’t go too much into this story today but I do have to tell you something wild! One morning we all went surfing and just as I got comfortable on my board, I got stung by a stingray! Scared, vulnerable, and open, this trip led the way for an endless journey of immense growth.. And a crazy sting ray story lol.

I continued forward in my journey of traveling to a different place each year for the next 10 years of my life. To keep costs low and to feel safe, It was part of my strategy to first go to places where I knew friends and family lived. From Puerto Rico to Culebra, California, a road trip from CT to Louisiana, all the New England states, I also took a few trips to Florida, and a beautiful excursion to the Virgin Islands. Each trip set out with the intention to paint and explore, as well as bring about so many lessons, stronger connections, and an endless journey of enlightenment.

2025 came about and this would be where you may have already read about what happened 10 years later, where I quit my job, saved a bunch of money and made my way abroad to explore the countries that inspired me throughout art school. My 2 month journey in Europe was the biggest one yet. If you have yet to read these blogs, feel free to read back in April 2025!

Bringing today’s blog back to its original focus, I want to share my experience planning and packing for this trip and how it really brings out the meaning of this blog titled, “A plein-air way of living.” 

Currently 2026, returning from my art festival excursions this summer, and second year utilizing my van that I received from a grant through the Women's Business Development Council, I had the idea to enjoy this vehicle and what it has to offer. I thought, “I think I want to take this thing cross country and paint!” I spoke it out loud to my friend Adam on our way back from Electric Forest in MI, the idea settled in my heart over the next few days it became pretty real when I mentioned it to my partner James. The idea led to a list of obligations and a few phone calls that would provide the answer whether I would go on this trip or not.

(Also if you are wondering when I will talk more about my paintings, believe me I will. The background of my painting venture really sets the reality of life that is involved in making my paintings).

First, I had to reach out to a colleague/mentor of mine, Mark McKee to see if he would cover my adjunct position at Mitchell College, teaching Drawing 01. He informed me that he was available and from that moment on, it confirmed that I was about to plan a 2 ½ month trip across the United States of America!! Next, I started to map out who I knew in my south, and those who lived across the midwest and so on. Before you know it, I had confirmed, NJ, PA, NC, SC, GA, CO and NM. I had been to California twice and was already equipped to explore the PCH and more! 

The reality set in that I had people all over! Some new to my life, others who I had known since I was young. Everyone is ready to open their door and support me during my visit. What an amazing feeling that is! Overall it was a bit of a puzzle piece, mapping out how long each ride would take, how many days I would have to paint and explore. I also coordinated some house sitting as well as an exhibition in San Diego, providing a few set deadlines for my timeline. 

All while this was happening, a life was occurring in CT. Home, studio, commissions, installations, events, and a social life with friends and family that I care so deeply for. Planning this trip definitely lit a fire under my ass, and as it became more real, I got busier and busier as my departure date approached. 

Set for Oct 8th, I had 5 weeks to complete all my obligations, begin an itinerary, prep for the trip and keep a well balanced day to day schedule without neglecting anyone and myself. Oh, and I cannot forget the cost of this trip! TBH I don't make a lot of money, but I am very focused on how I handle my money and never buy anything I don't need, so every penny I can save for excursions like this. I also feel like I just got lucky with a set of jobs right before the trip arrived, thank god!!! If you want to know more about the business part of my life, don't ask! Just kidding!! Hehe. It's not easy for me at all and I can tell you why in another blog or you can just ask me via email or phone. Happy to share. 

“Packing...oh packing!” Many of us know how packing can be:  what to bring, for how long. It can get more complicated when you plan to travel through various states in different parts of the world. Warm to cold, cold to warm, and all the necessities you may need if and when sleeping in a van is your accommodation. My plan was to pack a bin for clothes and a bin for art supplies. In addition I would need a cooler, first aid kit, and items to sleep. I prepared myself for 90 degree weather, all the way to 20 or below 0. As for art supplies and having a van, I was able to pack up to 50 braced panels, some mylar and paint supplies. Having a show in San Diego, protecting and transporting large 50” paintings was also new to me. And last but not least, the layout of the van became an ongoing task to make sure everything was secure and there was enough room to sleep and get comfortable when need be. I big thank to my James for helping me with task I couldn't do on my own.

I was really excited to bring a variety of colored panels, from bright neon red and pink, to abstract colored surfaces and pure black, making this collection already diverse in so many ways. What I paint is unknown until I hit the road. Triple checking all that I bring, it was important I thought of all possibilities with weather and painting. Gear for weather and gear for painting consisted of a few sets of painting clothes, already covered in paint, a few sneakers, boots, and sweatshirts. My jacket is meant to paint in, and lots of extra warm clothes, just in case. For painting supplies, I had to think of comfort and discomfort. Meaning there will be times where I can use my cart, pack my palette, easel, chair and surfaces how I do back home, or pack minimally using just a backpack with my painting necessities; paint, palette, brushes, medium, portable chair and surfaces. Oil paint is the heaviest, and most of the time I bring it all because who wants to run out of paint?!

A few important items for protection, medications and lots of socks and underwear, I triple check my van and gathered all that I would need for the next 10-12 weeks. In total, my goal was to make at least 50 paintings on my way to California before my upcoming exhibit “States of Seeing” at SD Connect in Ocean Beach, San Diego. 

More about this journey and my exhibit... Keep reading!