People have commented about the positive attitude I maintain with my art and painting career, and have asked how I do it. I respond by telling them that I see solutions where others see problems. I perceive no limits in thinking about the possibilities of doing things, and never look to traditional ways as the only way. This attitude has been described as "thinking outside the box", which in many ways can be most helpful to an artist.

For example, traditionally looking at things from our own eye level is considered the norm and is the most common solution to designing. I try to look for innovative ways to present the common scenes. When I painted in the city of Orange's Paint the Towne plein air event, I knew that a midline horizontal image would be too ordinary. I wanted an unusual vantage point to show the circular layout of the Plaza. How could I get off the ground? I looked at the second story windows of the buildings surrounding the area, but was not successful in gaining access. My camper provided the solution, and it was just a moment before all my gear and I were up there. Success resulted in an award winning painting from an unusual viewpoint.

I've stopped seeing traditional French easels and the support material of 150 years ago as the only way to paint outdoors. We have the technology with new material to make lighter, sturdier and more practical plein air gear. I've designed a plein air setup that incorporates a pull-behind golf cart that doubles as a full-size field easel. Everything else is carried on the cart when moving to or from a plein air site.

I love to hike, yet hate to carry the gear, backpacks and overnight stuff. I wanted something to carry all my art stuff, my lunch, chair and water, and still be able to go just about anywhere. The solution? Pack goats. Two Saanen wethers (neutered males) are fitted with pack saddles and panniers, which I bought from high country goat packing outfitters catering to the backpacking world. Each goat can carry up to fifty pounds, and are far better than mules for gear. They hop right in the back of the pickup, follow without a rope lead, and are personable to be around.

Fitting names for the boys - Vincent van Goat and Michael Angel Goat! Going off trail is easy, and now painting is not limited to just where I can carry gear for a day. Overnight camping trips are possible and I have the companionship of Vince and Mike.

Elin Pendleton, a member of the American Academy of Equine Art, is the author of three instructional videos on Painting with an Attitude and presents her work on her Web site at www.elinart.com.