🎨 Hi, I’m Robert — the Painter Behind Travel Write Paint

I’m Robert Riedel — the “paint” half of Travel Write Paint — and my favorite canvas is whatever mountain, moment, or trail I’m standing in the middle of.

I’ve been sketching for as long as I can remember, but it wasn’t until I started hiking long distances and living out of a backpack that I realized just how much art helps me process the world. Whether I’m perched on a rock with my watercolors or drawing by headlamp in the tent, I use my art to tell stories — 

I’m mostly self-taught, fueled by curiosity and a love for visual storytelling. My sketchbooks are a mix of trail life, portraits, quiet moments, and sometimes just the weird, beautiful things we stumble upon while wandering. You’ll find comics, landscapes, and memories all bleeding together in ink and color.

One of my favorite things about making art on trail is how raw and imperfect it can be. Paint dries weird. Pages tear. Bugs land on the paper mid-sketch. But that’s the beauty of it — it’s all part of the moment.

Suzie and I document our travels and trail life on our YouTube channel, and we share art, journals, and originals through our shop. I also take commissions when I can, which lets me connect with people through their stories too.

When I’m not painting, I’m usually collecting odd trail snacks, sketching fellow hikers, or just staring at some far-off ridge. Life is better when it’s a little messy, a little wild, and full of color.

Thanks for being here.