Mega Post! Brandon's Trip Recap + Exclusive Debut: Page of Swords!

Introduction

Hello friends! I'm back!  I've been touring the Western Coast for nearly three weeks, painting people as part of my "Tarot Tour"! Massive thank you to the following people that had me paint them:

Anonymous Couple (Neon)
Justice (Tarot)
Makena (Tarot)
Issac (Tarot)
Harley (Tarot)
Damon  (Tarot)
Nic (Tarot)
Cory (Neon)
Will (Tarot)
Devon (Tarot)
Nathan (Neon)
Justin (Neon)
Chris (Tarot)

The Beginning:

Best and I started our trip in Phoenix, AZ. Our first major gig was in Los Angeles, so we stayed in Coachella, CA the day before. This allowed us to get closer, without having to stay in LA for a long time.  Indio and Coachella aren't terribly interesting to look at, but I did have some great Mexican Food.

Los Angeles (California):
Started with painting an anonymous Couple as soon as we arrived. They had a really interesting papercraft + neon spectacle, that you WOULD enjoy if I could share it. Because one of them works for a Television Network, I can't share the goods. They said they had a nice time though!

As soon as they left, Justice, Issac, and Makena arrived. Best has said they were one of the best parts of the trip, and the pure memories created with them will always stick with him. Here is a sneak peek at what you can expect:

Bakersfield (California) 

Personally I think Best's expression summarizes our experience. It was a weird town, and a strange painting, but I liked our AirBnB. So there is that! I think we also learned a valuable lesson.

Santa Clarita (California) 

On the way to San Francisco, we had lunch in this town. You could say it's part of our Santa Clarita Diet. Ok look, I'm only listing this because the city was cuter than expected, and we had a wonderful time. Best wouldn't mind returning here to see more. What else is there to do there?

San Francisco (California) 

We only had a few hours to spend here, but I wanted to show Best the Japanese Tea Garden, and the Golden Gate Bridge. He was impressed with both, and wanted to return some day to explore.

San Rafael (California) 

Easily one of the most ornate places we stayed on this trip. Damon's house was the equivalent to raiding a tomb, complete with Sphynx Cats. In fact, this was our Bedroom! It was also featured in his music video... which can be found here:

Open in a new tab:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3VCakfBZQVA 

Music Video Screen Grab:

I highly recommend checking it out! He doesn't make music anymore (this was the last full music video) but it's worth a watch to check out their beautiful home. Speaking of which, here is Damon getting ready for the photoshoot:

He also introduced me to Absinthe during the painting, so if the art looks strange, you can blame that! Seriously though, had a nice time, and afterward we made the drive to Folsom, CA.

Folsom (California)

After a brief pit stop in Sacramento (which was cuter than I thought it would be) we met up with my Cousin Ray and Lori. It had been a few years since I had last seen them (at Phoenix Comicon). It was really good to catch up, and I had missed them. After spending the night in the city, we drove the next day to Trinity Lake in Northern California! Lori joined us shortly after. 

Camping at Trinity Lake

This was our first real "break". It was only after Best had reminded me we had been travelling non stop, and could use a breather. I decided we would stay an additional day to recover. It was worth it.

Especially the time in the lake together. Honestly I felt recharged, and I can't wait to do it again! We had Smores, Magic Fire, and unlimited Electricity since my cousin Lori brought her Hybrid Vehicle. Video games in the forest? YEP! Anything is possible with technology. 

Florence (Oregon)

Spent time with my Nana. She's an important part of my life, and the family member I look up to the most. After we spent the night, we started to drive up the Oregon coast.  We found all sorts of weird sites, like this strange spot (featuring Lori and Best). 

One of my favorite places, Cannon Beach, was as beautiful as ever. Here is a shot of Best, Lori, and myself enjoying the stunning vista. I recommend visiting it for yourself. 

Portland (Oregon)

We then arrived and checked into Portland. The first night was uneventful. The next day we painted Cory. However the AirBnB we stayed at started to get really weird. They entered the unit without notice, and did it again when we complained. Telling us they were listening to us, and heard we were calling. Neither time they knocked, called, or messaged.  

After complaining to Customer Service, i was saved by a distant relative who had a beautiful home she let us stay in. Thank you to Anne, for one of the bigger highlights on this trip. Isn't this place gorgeous?

If we're being honest, BEST LOVED THIS PLACE. But so did I.

Taking a bath outside was FUN.

We then moved to downtown, and painted Will. While in town, I got to see my friends Jordan and Claire. Unfortunately I didn't have a lot of availability.

As much as we enjoyed Portland, it also felt a bit cursed. Lori went home with my cousin Ray, and we drove to Seattle to stay with Seth Powers! A model I've worked with many, many times over the years. He's also one of my best friends!

Seattle (Washington)

If you've never met Seth, he's a strange fairy that is also a creative powerhouse. He let us stay with him during the trip, and was a perfect gentlemen. 

We had a couple of complications during the trip, so Seth did his best to create an amazing experience. Spoiling us with nice things around his home, and taking us out to eat a couple of times. 

Even playing tour guide! For example, the incredible Library in downtown Seattle!

Best had never seemed the famed gum wall, so I wanted to be sure to visit that!  However we were in town to also paint DEVON!

So not only did we do that, we did it on TWITCH.

It was fun time, and I think the viewers enjoyed the experience! We even managed to raise a little money to help cover the supplies. On the last night there, we had dinner with Chris, a long time supporter of my Patreon. He's kind of amazing. We then bid this emerald town goodbye, and headed for Boise, ID.

Boise (Idaho)

Not as bad as we thought it would be. Didn't go into downtown, but stayed at a new millenium oriented Hilton Hotel.  It was....surprisingly refreshing!

Salt Lake City (Utah)

As soon as we arrived, we set up and got to work on Nathan and Justin. Here is a sneak peek that I took of Nathan to show him how the black light was reacting to the paint. The photograph doesn't showed the finished artwork, but I hope you are excited to see more!

As magical as the night was, we got a flat tire. Thankfully I was able to get to the hotel safely.

The next day, we had to deal with the tire, as well as figure out a new plan. Were we going to drive straight to Phoenix, or make a stop somewhere else? I had a deadline to meet, so I had to decide fast!

Las Vegas (Nevada)

So at the last minute, I started looking at deals in Vegas. Best has mentioned always wanting to go to the Hard Rock Cafe, so I took him to the Hard Rock Hotel. It was actually weirdly neat, including awesome rock memorabilia, such as this Lady Gaga dress!

I even managed to convince Best to let me spoil him, and I bought him a fancy steak dinner and dessert. I pointed out how hard we worked on this trip, and that we deserved a little moment. He accepted it, and honestly the recharge time was needed. Plus watching the show Parks and Recreation in a giant bathtub together was certainly memorable!

Phoenix (Arizona)

After driving through the desert, we finally arrived home. Guess who was waiting for us? The closest thing I'll ever have to a child, our darling cat Van Gogh.  He missed us.

This was a small snapshot of our trip, but I hope you made it to the bottom! 

Thanks for being my supporter! I hope you enjoyed the new art of Damon, as well as sneak peeks at upcoming paintings. Until next time, my friends.

Love, 

Brandon + Best