For an artist travel is the number one catalyst for sparking inspiration and refilling the metaphorical cup.

Down time is important to process the swirling ideas and refocus our efforts, but it can be easy to fall out of practicing of our craft if we go too long in this state. With looming deadlines, commissions, and fear of falling out of habit, being away from the studio can be daunting at times.

Part of becoming a full time artist and creating a life I love is to maintain my freedom, my joy, and my inspiration. So for me travel will always be a part of my life and I want the freedom to continue doing what I love wherever I am in the world. 

After a recent stay at the Oregon Coast and a cross country trip to Georgia (all while toting 3 children and lots of luggage), I still managed to bring enough art supplies to finish a commission after a stormy day on the beach and paint multiple paintings at my childhood kitchen table that I included in my upcoming art exhibition.

Here's what I Brought:

• A case for paint brushes and metal reusable straws (to save the environment, obviously) Here.
• Painters tape. My favorite here.
• Pre-cut Watercolor Paper tucked into the pages of a book to keep-me occupied on the plane
• A resealable pallet that I now use at home as well and probably have already saved tons of money so far on paint.
• Golden Heavy Body Acrylic Introductory Set that you can find here. They are small and cute and you can mix any color you need.
• If you are a watercolor artist I adore Ocean Paper watercolor sets. Their colors are so vibrant, packaging is pocket-sized, and a small "Paradise" set has lasted me over a year. 
• Doing a 100 days of painting challenge really got me into creating daily paintings. For these I like to keep it simple and used watercolor postcards for both my acrylics and watercolors. This practice turned out to be very practical for traveling as well. And hey, then you can just pop your painting in the mail or keep it as the perfect memento from your travels! Find blank postcards Here.

• Noise canceling Headphones for, well.. noise and concentration. I got these Bose Headphones on my honeymoon in Japan 7 years ago. Still using daily.

• Used baby food jars or tiny jam jars are perfect for taking water for your brushes on the go. It is light and small and seals tight when you need it to.
• Sharpie S-Gel Pens because a girl has got to jot down her ideas! I illustrated a whole poetry book with these beauties because they are the only pens I can find that do not smear! Obsessed. Buy Them Here.

Hot Tip: Make sure you seal all materials in a Ziplock bag if you are traveling by airplane because of the cabin pressure change. 

Once you are back home you can frame all your works on paper for a cohesive new mini collection!

Happy Travels, my fellow creatives xoxo.

For More Tips and Soulful Art join my Collector's Circle Here.