By Lori Harris — The National Parks Painter
When I first imagined traveling the country to paint in our national parks, I pictured long hikes, open skies, and endless inspiration. What I couldn’t picture back then was the perfect companion to make it all possible — my Vistabule trailer, Blue Marble (#822).
Blue Marble isn’t just a camper; it’s my mobile art studio. Outfitted with sketchbooks, gouache paints, and just enough cozy comfort, it allows me to chase light and color across the American landscape. The trailer’s elegant, light-filled design makes it a joy to paint inside — the large picture window floods the cabin with natural light and scenery, perfect for capturing a landscape’s exact hues and values. The collapsable side tables and sofa tables are ideal for holding and mixing paint. And the rear shelving puts my supplies within easy reach as I paint.
My husband, Mark, and I travel together, hiking through mountain trails, deep forests, and desert canyons. Some days, Mark takes on the more strenuous hikes while I settle into the Blue Marble’s serene workspace, safely surrounded by panoramic windows and the quiet hum of nature outside. From this little studio on wheels, I’ve painted mountains, canyons, billowing clouds, deep cool forests, and sun-drenched seashores — each one a love letter to our parks.
Every trip blends my passions: travel, art, and the preservation of our National Parks. I begin most paintings as gouache studies in my sketchbook, working out composition and color relationships. Once I return home, those sketches become larger pastel paintings — finished works inspired by the memory and mood of each place.
Our most recent adventure took us nearly 5,500 miles across the American West — a month-long journey through Yosemite, Sequoia, Kings Canyon, and Zion. Along the way, I painted a Vision Board of all the National Parks, a map of dreams and future destinations for us and for trailer #822.
As we travel, people often stop to admire the Blue Marble and notice my website, TheNationalParksPainter.com, displayed on the back. Many later visit online to follow our journey and see the artwork born from it. I love sharing this mix of art and adventure with others who feel the same pull toward wild, beautiful places.
The response from fellow artists has been heartening — many tell me they’re inspired by the idea of a studio on wheels and the freedom it brings. For me, the Vistabule’s design isn’t just functional — it’s inspiring in itself. Blue Marble has become both muse and home base, helping me capture the fleeting light and timeless spirit of the places we cherish most.
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