Unexpected Connection: How My Past Influenced My Art Freedom (Bicycle Painting Adventure)

I knew it would be a fun addition to my artistic journey to use an electric bicycle to travel to local places to paint, but I had no idea that I would find a true connection between my artistic self and my past cycling experiences.
Affiliate link below, I receive a small commission when you place an order.
Thank you to GoTrax.ca for giving me the CTI 2 Electric Bicycle to try. I've experienced wonderful customer service from them and when the first bicycle I was shipped arrived with some issues (not their fault), they responded quickly and sent a replacement bike that has been a delight to ride. Check out the bicycle on their site here: bit.ly/47Lwbuu
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Angela Fehr Watercolour-100
If you're shopping for an e-bike and you're like me, not really up to the challenge of getting in shape for cycling season, a cruiser style bike is the way to go. The seat is comfortable, the tires offer a pretty smooth ride even on the rough gravel I tested it on, and the speed is just right for enjoying the views while being able to put some pretty good mileage on in an afternoon.
Set up was easier than the booklet included with the bike suggested, with quite a few of the steps outlined already done for you. They send all the tools you'll need to set the bike up, except a pump for the tires. It's useful to have a second person with a little bit of wrenching experience on hand to help with setup. My husband saw me muddling along and sped up the process when he noticed I had the fork turned backward while trying to mount the handlebars to the frame. We got the bike assembled in less than an hour and after charging the bike overnight, I was riding the next day.
Take your first ride in a level place with a long straight stretch so you can get used to the pedal assist and the boost of speed it provides. Make sure you test the brakes first so you can ride confidently!
My additional modification was adding some non-slip matting to the back rack so I can set my paint palette on the rack as a little table while sketching on location. It's a little hack that makes a big difference for an on-the-go painter.
The first time I rode this bike I met a dirt biker on the road who was SO curious about my e-bike. He offered to trade bikes so we could test drive each other's rigs! I'm still chuckling over the idea of jumping on his high-powered dirt bike (I was wearing a skirt at the time!) but I love that my bike turned into a conversation starter between me and someone I would probably never have the opportunity to visit with. It was a fun exchange!

[@NessaBixler]

Love the story of meeting your grandma! ❤ the idea that our childhood joys can be visited and celebrated again. Bike rack turned easel! Genius. Maybe they need an artist version. 😊

[@angelfehr]

I'm thinking hard on ways to attach my actual easel to the bike. Although I don't think it will be happening to paint as I pedal!

[@pegf.8184]

Such a perfect session. I feel exactly the same, a rural gal who loves rural. Nature is awesome.

[@angelfehr]

Agreed!

[@ellenstoune8937]

Wow! Thank you for letting us tag along in your joy of riding a bike and painting in the wild.

[@mchris1020]

I agree! Getting out in the weather and nature does allot for our mindset and creativity. Love your painting.

[@KatheeRN]

I grew up not wearing helmets. I think it should be optional. I bet the breeze thru your hair felt just like when you were a kid! Great video. Amazing, wonderful memories of your grandma. I'm a grandma to 3 Lil girls (10-7-3) and I've always made it my goal to make memories with them. The 10 yr old STILL calls me her best friend. They all melt my ❤️.

[@stacielee6028]

Thanks for sharing your lovely home and your appreciation for it!

[@van_creative]

Love it! Love these videos, the scenery and learning more about such a wonderful artist

[@debikofol1894]

Love this! My favorite video of yours. Thank you

[@christiejacobson2976]

OK😊 as long as there's ice cream ❤ Great point about not getting too comfy. Thanks for sharing this ride and yummy sketch!

[@lindawilfur9958]

Thank you for this beautiful video, it makes me happy to see my familiar country side, I do miss the north country, the air the sky and the Northern Lights as I cherished as a child , living in the Rolla area. I know that it is so open and fresh, thanks again. Linda

[@angelfehr]

Yes, we love it here! It's a special place.

[@watercolor-painter]

You are such an inspiring teacher. Thank you for the Demo al Fresco! I find that riding a bike is the perfect "speed" for observing and selecting a location to paint or sketch from.

[@juliehopkins5784]

After watching this video I can appreciate the influences of your beautiful art Angela. ❤

[@angelfehr]

Thank you so much 😀

[@herbalannie7707]

What a great dual video. Ive been thinking about an electric bike for a while but i live on gravel roads so good to see you on gravel roads. Then the encouragement to do plein air. I give paintings away all the time, maybe because I mostly play. LOL

[@ellenchase4498]

I also love my ebike! Rode as a child and now again as a senior. We have a small group that will ride to a nearby regional park to sketch. Thanks for sharing!

[@carlyblankevoort3856]

You live in paradise.

[@larrymisiak915]

From palette to beautiful places. Well done. Nice advert too! Larry Misiak

[@pamwood2670]

Hi Angela! Good to see you again. I took your Heartfelt course back in 2019! Thanks so much for sharing about how an E-bike works. This has inspired me! Pam Wood Knoxville Tennessee

[@angelfehr]

I'm so glad!

[@devonrex4]

Very inspiring! Tfs

[@Ann.CreatedToCreate]

I got an e-bike this spring for my lumbar issues! It is amazing. I can bicycle again!! Soooo happy! What a joy that you get to do this 🙌🏻 Fun painting adventures with you Angela 🤩 (We live in a low spot between two hills also! Totally get it 😂)

[@angelfehr]

It is just fun to have the option to hop on the bike and pedal! I'm traveling right now and went for a long walk yesterday, people kept cycling past me and it was hard not to think, "I could be going so much faster right now!" 😄

[@margotb3634]

Mr. Dress Up. ❤❤❤

[@angelfehr]

My first art mentor!

[@bonnieodonnell2780]

That was so much fun Angela. It was like being there with you. We’ve been having some beautiful fall days haven’t we. Unfortunately I’ve been under the weather with a flu/cold through the past four days. Finally got back out to walk the doggo today. Lucky you getting this bike. Your colours are so beautiful. What brand are they?

[@angelfehr]

Fall has been beautiful! Very thankful for these beautiful days. The crayons are neocolor 2, and the paints in my palette are selected from my Daniel Smith Dot Card.

[@sue6002]

This is inspiring! Is there a concern about the wildlife…. bears?? Wolves?? Cougars??? I have squirrels where I live…lol

[@angelfehr]

I actually saw a deer on my ride, we both surprised each other! There is lots of predatory wildlife out here as well, but they tend to avoid encounters with humans.

[@vikiarttherapy]

How do you stay safe when alone out there? It's my greatest fear. We live in a crazy world now.

[@angelfehr]

Sometimes it definitely feels like a challenge to overcome my imagination of what could happen. But I decided a long time ago that I didn't want to let fear stop me from doing things that are good for me. I lean on that.

[@barbaragood-small5729]

Love this. I want an e-bike! What were the crayons?? Thank you!

[@kristahall136]

She has been using Neocolor II a lot recently. By Caran d'Ache. That's what they look like to me.

[@angelfehr]

Thank you! The crayons are neocolor 2.

[@marcigoodwin6743]

Are those real crayons are they watercolor crayons?

[@angelfehr]

They are water soluble crayons. Brand is Neocolor 2.