I can’t wait, but I’m also a little anxious about my upcoming adventure. Later this week I leave for Denver. I’ll be driving out there for a painting workshop. I’ve been doing a lot of planning and prep work. Trying to stay on top of all that needs to happen before I leave, I realized I need both travel plans and painting plans. Trying to meld the two is looking at a fast track to chaos. Two lists of to do’s is looking like a better idea.

Preparing panels for painting took over my studio, now they are all ready for the trip.

First there’s the painting supplies. I believe I have everything I need, Some things are already in my truck to see how they will fit. I finished preparing my painting panels yesterday. This is where I jump into overkill, I want to make sure I have enough panels, but I also want to make sure I have panels that are the right dimensions. When it comes to landscapes and especially mountains I like 12″ x 24″ for a panoramic view. Generally speaking though, my favorite dimension is 16″ x 20″. For the workshop the recommendation is 11″ x 14″. So you see where this is going. The other issue is transporting wet paintings. That too has been resolved with a box Rick built for me to keep the paintings on separate shelves and well protected.

I do like making travel plans because I like to travel and it seems to extend the travel time, if only in my head. I also like saving money and good planning can do that too. I don’t however plan in excess, I like spontaneity. So, as with all things there is a balance. Today, I’ll make my hotel reservations for the trip out. By doing so, I can use my “points” for free stays, and free is always a good thing.  I’ll also be staying with family half of the time which will make the trip that much more enjoyable. So, it’s Bedford, PA., Louisville, KY., St. Louis, MO., Fort Hays, KS., and finally Denver, Colorado! The route home is still “in the works”.

In addition to the workshop I will be doing some painting on my own. I will also be taking pictures for a future series of paintings of places along the Lincoln Highway and Main Streets across the country. That’s where the travel plans and the painting plans merge. The places I’ll be staying may also be subjects for me to paint. I’m doing as much research as I can in picking places, but until I get there, it’s hard to be sure of the what and where I will paint as part of the series. Inspiration is a funny thing. I want my paintings to tell a story, I just don’t know what that story is yet.