A Journey Through Art and Adventure
Join JG ARTis and the Purple Passion Travels (PPT) posse as we share travel stories, artistic insights, and life experiences designed to inspire creativity and cultural exploration.
Meet “PP”: Our Blank Canvas on Wheels
This blog follows the transformation of PP Artis, our “old but new” van, into a fully functional tiny home and mobile art studio.
The Specs:
- Model: 1999 Dodge Ram 2500 (Extended with a raised roof)
- Inside living Dimensions: 16′ x 6′ interior
- Space: Approximately 100 sq. ft. of living space.
We named her Purple Passion, which serves as the heartbeat of this blog. I’m JG Artis (born James Gregory Artis), and as a painter, purple finds its way into every single one of my pieces. Whether I’m working on landscapes, still lifes, or pet portraits, that color is my signature.
Why the Mobile Life?
I recently made the bold move to sell my art shed to buy PP. My goal is to build a mobile studio that allows me to paint “en plein air” (live on location). There is a magic in painting an old barn, a quiet lake, or a lone cow on the side of the road that you just can’t capture in a stationary studio.
The Travel Posse: I won’t be hitting the road alone. Joining me are:
- Kathy Rose: My talented photographer.
- The Three Bosses: Our Chihuahuas—Tippy, Raz, and Louie.
Having PP means we can travel comfortably, sleep in our own bed, cook our own meals, and keep the “babies” right there with us while I work.
The Roadmap Ahead
Our plan is to follow the weather: South to Florida in the winter, North in the summer, and spending the beautiful Spring and Autumn seasons exploring our home state of Alabama.
Right now, the van is an empty slate. I’ll be building it out from scratch and documenting the entire process through videos, photos, and blog posts. Even if she isn’t finished in a few months, we’re hitting the pavement regardless!
I’ll also be sharing my latest paintings and gallery updates along the way. Stay tuned for the transformation of both the van and my art.
see you on the road!
Later, JG ARTis
The Journey Pp The Van So Far!
Click here to see all the pp post from beginning of the Pp blog to now February 2026
Individual post links below
-
Some Wins
Well, JG and the posse got some wins this week. My floor in the kitchen, living, and bathroom area is done, sealed, and ready for the shorter posse…
4 min read
-
Rainy days in alabama
A Message from Pp the Van Well, May is almost gone. Jg says he’s always heard that “April showers bring May flowers.” Back when he was a kid…
4 min read
-
Michael the movie
I Miss Pp; Was a good girl today. I took Jg and Kathy Rose to the movies. They went to see the new movie, Michael. Spoiler alert! ⚠️…
4 min read
-
3 way Date night
Hello my PP peeps! Well, Mr. JG, Miss Kathy Rose, and yours truly, PP the Van, went out on our first date night. JG drove us to the…
4 min read
-
Hello my peeps,
PP here! JG wanted me to let you know that he just posted a new cover song on JG Thoughts that he’s really excited about. If you…
4 min read
-
Why We Live on the Side of the Road
Hey! This is Pp the Van. Check out the story “Why We Live on the Side of the Road,” written and narrated by JG Artis. “‘ Life has…
4 min read
-
Quick Update on My Exhaust Doctor Visit
JG took me to the doctor today and—ouch!—those humans cut me! They pulled out a cutting torch, pointed it at my pipe, and sliced right through me with…
4 min read
-
🚐 A Message from Pp the Van: The Road to Recovery
Hi! I’m Pp the Van, and yes, I’m being a “bad girl” again. 👧 The Fuel Pump Saga JG finally got my fuel pump running! It took a…
4 min read
-
Pp First Camping Trip Adventure
The First Voyage of the PPT Posse Here is the story of my first trip taking Jg and the posse camping! On Friday, April 24, 2026, Jg had…
4 min read
-
Sunday morning Visit
Well, PP here. JG and the posse had a long but productive week. JG is worn out and in bed getting some much-needed rest. This Sunday morning, Kathy’s…
4 min read
-
10-hour days for Jg!
Hello! It’s Pp the van here. Well, Jg and the posse have been hard at it—10-hour days for Jg! Kathy is still on light duty with her knee,…
4 min read
-
work, work, working!
Hi, it’s Pp here! Well, Jg and the posse have been work, work, working! Kathy is doing better with her knee; she can walk, just not a lot,…
4 min read
-
JG has been pulling double duty
PP here! It’s been a long week. JG has been pulling double duty because one of the posse, Kathy Rose, has been out of commission since last Wednesday.…
4 min read
-
Progress on the Van and the Web
Weekly Update: Progress on the Van and the Web Well, another productive week with some great weather! Jg got my front end looking much better; the bumper is…
4 min read
-
Meet the Ppt Posse
Meet the Ppt Posse Click on name of the Ppt posse to read more Jg The Artist PainterJgARTis.com K Rose the photographer, Painters Assistant KRose.JgARTis.com Tippy the chihuahua,…
4 min read
-
Jg’s Music, Purple Rain
Jg loves purple—from His goatee to me Pp his tiny home.read Jg’s Thoughts on purple rain and cover band Imy2 Pp the van, and the Purple Passion Travels Posse PP: “The Purple…
4 min read
-
Snow Day!
SamAi editors notes”That sounds like a wild weather transition! Going from a sunny picnic to a winter wonderland in 24 hours is quite the shift.Here is a polished…
4 min read
-
New PPT Posse Theme Song
New PPT Posse Theme Song Written by: Jg ARTis Sung by: Pp the Van 😉 Edited by: SamAi Let me know what you think of my singing and…
4 min read
-
The big news
Review: Sunday, March 8, 2026 Hello, Pp the van here! It’s been a fantastic week. The big news? My power plant is officially hooked up to the solar…
4 min read
-
The Ppt posse would like to welcome are newest member Raz
Note From the Editor SamAi Welcome to the family, Raz! That is such a touching story—it sounds like she found exactly where she was meant to be. It’s…
4 min read
-
Trip Report: Locust Fork, Alabama
Well, JG drove me to Locust Fork, Alabama, for his first plein air painting trip. It was a good trip! JG said I was a good girl and…
4 min read
-
Website Update Announcement
Hello, Pp the van here! Sunday, March 1, 2026, Review To days Review Sunday, March 1, 2026,”My blog post by me Pp the van “Purple Passions “ on the…
4 min read
-
Update:PPT Posse Report and New Features for Jg ARTis Blogs
Update: New Features for Jg ARTis BlogsJust a quick update from Jg (James Gregory Artis)! Jg has upgraded the comment sections on all three of his blogs:PPT: Purple…
4 min read
-
The Journey Pp The Van So Far!
Meeting Pp taking her home. On June the 25th, we went to meet PP for the first time. She was stabled in Talladega Al. Drove down from Altoona, Al…
4 min read
-
TAD Shop, New Painting Added
The Purple Passion Train PaintingWhen you bring home a piece from TAD shop, you aren’t just buying a painting; you’re joining the journey “Purple Passion Travels’ http://ppt.jgartis.com.Painted By:…
4 min read
-
A Day in the Life of the PPT Posse
From the editor “This is a wonderful, gritty, and heartfelt look at the “PPT Posse” life. Writing from the perspective of the van (PP) gives it such a…
4 min read
-
New TAD Post
I’m back! New site, new tools, and a milestone birthday! 🎂I finally turned 60 on Feb 11th, and I’m celebrating by launching the new home for T.A.D. at…
4 min read
-
The tale of 3 Birthdays and the posse History
1st Birthday Pp “Purple Passion Posse Position: Transportation, Tiny Home and Mobile Art studio. Happy Birthday to me Pp, My Birthday is today. I’m 27 Whoa, easy on…
4 min read
-
Due to the weather, Jg’s health,broken thumb? parts delays, and other issues…
Hey, it’s Pp the van with a little update! Due to the weather, Jg’s health, parts delays, and other issues, I haven’t had a lot of work done.…
4 min read
-
My release date from this Alabama prison has been set back
My release date from this Alabama prison has been pushed back—probably to the end of March. Alright, I’m being a little dramatic 🙄. It’s not really prison, but…
4 min read
-
slow but steady
Well, the second week of 2026 has come and gone.The PPT Posse has been trying to get me worked on, but it’s been a real struggle—from bad weather…
4 min read
-
Sunday 01/04/26 night before the first work week in 2026
This is Pp. Mr. Jg drove me so the PPT posse could visit their favorite feeding stop—McDonald’s. Not my feeding spot. Mine’s across the street at the Marathon.…
4 min read
-
Pp and 2026
🚐 Hey friends, it’s PP the van speaking.2026 is here — a new year, a new point of view, and the start of a brand-new journey.From here on…
4 min read
-
Project Pp Update (11/25/25)
Project Pp Update (11/25/25) The last two weeks have been extremely challenging. My health has taken a hit due to constant exposure to harsh environmental factors. Our gravel…
4 min read
-
PP update Navigating Struggles and Project Progress
🩹 PP Update: Navigating Struggles and Project ProgressFirst off, I know there have been a lot of struggling and downward posts lately. Honestly, it’s a real struggle wondering…
4 min read
-
Life Update: A New Chapter Begins
✨ Life Update: A New Chapter Begins ✨ This week has been a test of patience — cold, rainy days have made it almost impossible to get much…
4 min read
-
Project Purple Passion Status Update
Project Purple Passion (Pp) Status Update, summarizing the progress over the last two weeks, focusing on critical mechanical fixes and weight-reduction measures, as well as the ongoing exterior…
4 min read
-
Ouija board spooky
Ouija board, as we where traveling and went to Baltimore’s Green Mount Cemetery where the inventor Ouija board grave is. While visiting the grave looked up there was…
4 min read
-
Two weeks of high and lows
Two Weeks of Highs and Lows Well, what a two weeks it’s been. I was driving Pp the van when she started missing more and more, to the…
4 min read
-
Monday, Monday
Good morning 😎 Well it’s Monday morning the title is in reference to a popular song from back in the day. Share in comments what song you think…
4 min read
-
Ppt and Posse
Visit to Holly Pond Alabama For Sale: original $35 before i put in my store Tad.jgartis.com $45 afterwards plus shipping, Print mounted on wood panel! print will have…
4 min read
-
Qr code, and big update to Ppt page and blog
In the image above of the front side of Pp i painted a Qr code that when you point your phone camera at it, it brings up the…
4 min read
-
Click to read -Pp Solar Power Setup
I did a video explaining the parts that make up Pp power setup.
4 min read
-
weekly update 8/3/25 click here:
Trying to start doing a weekly update video, update on my health and plans for next week.
4 min read
-
update video, mechanical work!on Pp. Click to see video
installed new water pump, radiator, fixed the leak and smell of antifreeze yeah!!!
4 min read
-
Pp front upgrade
Pp front upgrade! In the pictures below you can see a before and after then the photo by its self is a Photoshop drawing of what it will…
4 min read
-
ARTis Studio, behind the scenes
ARTis Studio, behind the scenes home to Ppt and ppt posse, where the building of pp the van is happening. Also home of T.A.D. tiny art decor made…
4 min read
-
Ppt roadside service
Ppt first roadside service call Our landlord had a friend pull is van into the yard and stuck it up. I took Pp down hooked the winch to…
4 min read
-
05/11/2025
Ppt posse outing, plein air painting. Pp took me and the posse out to the park to have lunch and do some plein air painting.Was 65 but felt…
4 min read
-
Raising the roof
Giving Pp a head lift.Post on work done back in 2024 before my surgery. Raising her roof, nothing much like a facelift but just as needed. First backed…
4 min read
-
May I vent
well it’s my blog so I guess I can!! I am little down tonight. Why well glad you asked be glad to tell you. a few weeks ago…
4 min read
-
Building Pp 100$ at a time.
Building Pp 100$ at a time. It has become a theme that ever time go to get supplies for a project it seems to be 100$. That good…
4 min read
-
Back Platform
The back platform. this platform will be closed in and this will be the bathroom and shower.added the lights from our shuttle bus tiny home theses lights cam…
4 min read
-
New website for JgARtis.com
April 21, 2025 Good morning Happy 420 Iv not got around to posting in last few weeks. Been so busy working on Pp that by Sunday my off…
4 min read
-
Ppt Posse Trip 03/23/25
March 31, 2025 Ppt posse outing. Pp Took the posse out Sunday March 23 2025 for a picnic and painting trip. Went to Palisades Park in blount County…
4 min read
-
Ppt and posse trip out 03/16/2025
March 16, 2025 Ppt and Posse trip out 03/16/2025 Pp took the posse on an outing today. Pp had me drive her 48 miles, 1 hr 40 minutes.…
4 min read
-
Health update! 03/14/2025
March 15, 2025 Went to my Last appointment on my neck surgery yesterday. Got a clean bill of health. Doc said I’m all good. Can return to all…
4 min read
-
M.P.S Mobile painting studio
March 09, 2025 M.P.S : Mobile Painting Studio. The start of building the mobile paint studio, part of Pp the van. Started with making a board that fits…
4 min read
-
Ppt first building after the pause 03/25
March 02, 2025 March 2/2025 Pp’s first work after the pause! Today we took Pp to the modification Doc 😁. We had Pp’s butt modified. Took the back…
4 min read
-
Ppt 02/25/25 unpaused
February 22, 2025 Well, “deep subject for a ——– ——-” if you know you know. 😊 Iam at 3 weeks of recover on my neck enfision. All is…
4 min read
-
About PPT
Hello, this will be a blog about PP Artis, our old but new van to turn into a tiny home/camper. PP is a 1999 dodge ram 2500 van…
4 min read
-
Meeting Pp taking her home.
On June the 25th, we went to meet PP for the first time. She was stabled in Talladega Al. Drove down from Altoona, Al to meet…
4 min read
Meet the Ppt Posse
Click on name of the Ppt posse to read more
K Rose the photographer, Painters Assistant
Tippy the chihuahua, Therapist
Louie the chihuahua, guard dog
“Raz Artis” – Gives Love and Smiles, Mema’s Girl.