He’s an artist. She’s a writer. We’ve been doing our own thing—making our respective arts—for decades. But making a book together is a new thing for us.

The idea sprouted a few years ago, when we went to see singer-artist-poet Patti Smith talk about her Book of Days. Immersed that afternoon in the beautiful simplicity of her pre-nostalgic images and meditative prose, we were reminded that the ritual of artfully observing and recording the everyday is what gives life depth, complexity and shine.

Travel can do that too, nudging us to turn off the autopilot, be curious, pay attention. For us, the act of painting and writing our adventures gives us another way to see.

Away to See books are a creative exploration of that “away” state of mind. Our pages invite readers to go places they haven’t yet considered visiting, or to see the places they’ve already been in new light. To pause, dream, reflect.

The first book in the Away to See series highlights Martha’s Vineyard. Since 1997, we’ve had the great fortune to spend quiet summers on the island, discovering some of its truths: the astonishing landscapes, the deep well of tradition, and the notion that sometimes the smallest things bring the greatest joy.

Paul is a painter with 25 years of experience showing his work in galleries across the country. His first career in advertising helped him establish a national following, with his original paintings sold by Serena & Lily for over seven years. Through his galleries, he sells work at annual fine art fairs and shows, including most recently at Art Miami and San Francisco Art Fair. Paul is currently represented by five galleries and is in the private collections of Sir Richard Branson and President Obama.

Liz is a freelance editor and writer specializing in culture, sustainability and wellness. She helps organizations, companies and book authors share big ideas better, faster and easier.