Strolling along the cobblestone streets of Montmontre, I purchased my very first painting. I was 12 and with a group from school. While the kids around me were fighting over which “Je t’aime Paris” t-shirt to bring home to mom, I spotted an artist perched on the cascading steps across the street. He was working on a scene of “L’Arc du Triumph” which was destined for my family room back home. That day in Paris, 27 years ago, my passionate pursuit for original art and the stories behind each creation began.

The tropical breezes of the Caribbean inspired this painting. The colors of island life always move me to create. I started to paint again about 5 years ago and haven’t put my brushes down yet. I think it was this creative process that brought me back to my core and inspired me to start Travel Gal. Check out more of my work in the artist gallery.

Having read the Celestine Prophecy, I couldn’t wait to experience the magic of this spiritual vortex. This is one of my favorite pictures from the cloud forest of Machu Picchu. (photo available for purchase in artist gallery)

Adventuresome tales cover my walls. When friends visit my home for the first time, I always share the story behind each piece. This corner of my front room features a tapestry I purchased in a little shop in Budapest and the artwork of Drew Tucker, a college friend who found success as a featured artist for Wizards of the Coast.

Ada Colorina’s paintings capture the essence of the spirit of Mexico. Her studio is perched in the hills of Puerto Vallarta and filled with light and color. Caminando y Comadreando now decorates my bedroom wall. It tells a story from her childhood when women had to walk many miles to gather fruit and water. Ada fondly remembers these journeys as a time for the women of her village to laugh and share stories. We hope to have Ada in the Travel Gal artist network by 2010.