Northern girl goes…North 🍁

As of this morning, I’m taking a short pause from work at the bench for our annual Jeep trip! Last year was out in the vast Mid-West (you can catch that recap here) and this year it’s in my neck of the woods! I couldn’t be more psyched!

Why the Northeast?

We are likely relocating (local TBD) in a year, and it’s really special for me to not only soak up as much “Fall” as I can, but for Jake, Lily and our friend Kevin (who drove out from Missouri with his two pups), to experience driving trails here vs. their go-to of the mid-west. Plus, opportunity for them to feel the nuances of this season that us ‘Northerners’ really embrace!

Yes, I’m bumming to be away from the bench, amidst this creative streak I’m in. But, you know me, I’m not going without art tools on the road! I’m especially looking forward to capturing Autumnal 🍂energy - when nature starts making more visible shifts towards hibernating. Plus, this gives me a little breathing time to tease you with progress pics of the northern coastal inspired collection I’m working on! Keep an eye out on IG

What art supplies are going?

Aside from camping and adventure gear, I’m packing pretty light (holy shit)! I’m bringing my two watercolor nature journals, my pencil pouch, and our camera’s. I strongly considered bringing some things to work on from the bench, but it’s just too much for this trip. Anyway, I’ll be capturing the trip in the more “general-use” journal (same one that went to the Mid-West last year), and the other (my perpetual nature journal), I just have some unfinished entries I want to catch up on.

In my pencil pouch, I have my traveling watercolor palette (by ArtToolkit), my mini travel water brush, and a couple different illustration pen’s. Oh, can’t forget a couple reference books! Peterson’s pocket guides are my go-to when on the road.

What’s the plan?

We have a spreadsheet (of course) with our trail driving goals for each day, but obviously I’m going to try to get as much “tinkering” out of the Jeep, as the boys can stand 🤫 For those curious about the nitty-gritty, I’ll be sure to give more of a run-down of places we stay and spots we check out, in an upcoming exclusive drop 💌 to your inbox - Be sure you’re on the ‘Grainer mailing list! First goal, driving north to our starting point of Pittsburgh, NH.

Talk soon! -H