I have been developing a body of plein air paintings created while backpacking, camping, and traveling. Working primarily in oil, with occasional gouache, I paint outdoors and respond directly to the conditions around me—often working quickly at the mercy of shifting weather, wind, and light. This practice has changed the way I see the world. Since beginning, I’ve found myself noticing beauty in simple moments: the rhythm of a drive down the highway, the shape of a tree in my backyard, the quiet atmosphere of a familiar place. Painting in this way allows me to reconnect with my surroundings and remain present within them. It is a practice rooted in observation, adaptability, and appreciation.