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ALL STORIES


Colchuck Lake Backpack
A coveted permit, a terrible weather forecast, and an amazing plan B in the Enchantments.


Rainbow Lake – Painting Adventure
Exploring the lowland lakes and ponds of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness and Mt. Defiance near Snoqualmie Pass, May 21-23, 2026.


Third Beach Backpack
First backpacking trip of the season! In early May I wandered to the Washington Coast for a few days of painting and time by the ocean.


Superior Wilderness Designs (SWD) Big Wild Backpack Review
After 34 miles traversing an icefield, 60+ days hiking in the Cascades, and 45+ lb loads, I can confidently say this is the best pack I've ever used. It is the “unicorn” pack that I didn’t know existed but always wanted; ultralight yet able to comfortably carry heavy loads.


The Mirage Merino Sun Hoody Review
My current go-to sun hoody from Zpacks/ Evolved Supply Co! The lightest of my UPF 40+ wool sun hoodies with excellent features like the zipper and a soft feel.


How to Create Beautiful Embroidered Patches
Tips on the process, companies, and strategies I use to create colorful and intricate embroidered patches.


Public Lands Art Residencies List
A list of current artist in residence programs that are land-focused or held on public lands across the United States. From National Parks to state parks, there are many amazing programs out there!


Favorite New Gear from 2025
Each year I try out a few new outdoor equipment items. Here's my favorites from the 2025 hiking season!


Current Colors in My Palette
A detailed list of all the colors in my watercolor adventure palette. Listed by frequency of use and position in the palette.


Scarpa Kailash In-Depth Review
The best hiking/ backpacking boot of my life. Zero blisters in 2+ years. Exceptionally well made with great grip on any surface. Durable and robust so they handled off-trail travel and a heavy pack with ease. My uber-picky feet are happy!


Reflections on Creative Rest
Creativity is like the tide. Every time it goes out, no matter how far, it always, eventually, returns. Reflections on inspiration,...


From Field Sketch to a HUGE Watercolor Painting
Notes and behind-the-scenes insights on the thoughts, materials, and processes that I use to turn a small field sketch into a much larger painting!


ULA Catalyst Backpack: In-Depth Review
The Catalyst was my go-to pack for three years. Lightweight, durable, and able to carry surprisingly heavy loads comfortably, it is a trusty ultralight pack.


2023 Backpacking Kit
Complete list of all the gear and art equipment I carried on my backpacking trips this year!


Art Residencies: Advice for Applying and Other Considerations
I've had the privilege of attending 18 art residencies around the world. This article shares my thoughts on choosing residencies, tips for applying, and many other things to think about when exploring these awesome opportunities.


Petrified Forest Residency: Favorite Colors
With each step, another piece of petrified wood comes into view, and every shard is a unique tapestry of color, pattern, and fractured stone. This story shares the unexpected color mixes I came to love for this unique place.


My Adventure Painting Kit
Painting outside has unique challenges that led me to gather a lightweight collection of tools that make it easy and fun to create outdoors.


Fall in the Southwest: Favorite Colors
Exploring my favorite colors for painting the desert southwest landscapes of Utah.


Thumbnail Sketches
This small drawing is called a thumbnail sketch, and it is one of the most powerful tools we have to learn about a landscape and set our...


Studying Light: A Fast Painting Exercise
Sometimes we don’t have time to make a full painting. Instead, try creating short, small, and fun studies of changes you see in a landscape.


Hilleberg Akto Review
In-depth 4+ year review! The best tent I’ve ever owned. Lightweight, all-season, and insanely durable solo tent I plan to use for the rest of my life.


Arc’teryx Proton LT Review
A synthetic insulation layer that became my favorite jacket. I got this jacket three years ago, and since then it has gone on nearly every adventure, from hiking in France to backpacking in the North Cascades. After 16 months of testing, the results are in. This is the best midlayer insulation jacket I have owned. So good that it has gone on every hike, backpacking trip, and international adventure since I got it. Four year+ update: This jacket is now called the Proton Hoody.

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