If you want to go to Mardi Gras, experts advise you plan at least 12 months in advance. This is especially true if you're trying to coordinate a trip with your immediate and extended family in two different states for 2+ weeks. I felt really lucky to experience my first Mardi Gras in New Orleans, and my 4th visit to the state where my dad was born, and where my aunt, uncle and cousins live and grew up.
The plot to finish a map of New Orleans ahead of our trip was self-initiated, and I managed to pull it off, gifting a large print to my awesome Aunt—our New Orleans expert, host, and guide over the course of our Mardi Gras experience. We had the best time anyone could possibly ever have, and what made it so special was the fact that we got to do it as a family. So many amazing wholesome memories I will never forget!
I only wish every painting could end with an iconic, commemorative trip to said location. 
Using a projector to trace an outline... 
The underpainting highlighting the purple, yellow, green scheme. The top left corner is done. I work in a wet-on-wet technique and once I finish a section—it's done and I do not go back over it. 
This candle assisted me in the creation of this painting—providing top-tier vibes. 
About halfway through 
Hard to tell, but the letters I chose are a woodblock typeface from the late 1800's with flared serifs and a slightly ornamental feel, which felt fitting. 
Finished! 
It truly was such a vibe to paint the city inspired by Mardi Gras colors (which are ironically inherent in the satellite image), and then immediately fly to New Orleans and experience Mardi Gras like a true local. 
Welcome to New Orleans!!! 
Gifting a print to my Aunt Anita was so special. She loved it and spent at least 20 minutes narrating the map and pointing things out. Thank you Aunt Anita for being our NOLA guide and expert! 
Truly incredible to see the city all dressed up. 
Right after seeing our first parade, which was the Krewe of Carrollton, one of the oldest to exist.
We stayed at the InterContinental which I highly recommend. It's expensive and the rooms sell out fast (another reason why we planned in advance) because you can set up to watch the parades that go down St. Charles Ave. Everyone brings their chairs and coolers and stakes out for several hours. My cousin brought a giant home-made ladder which I found out is definitely a thing... 
Day 1 Loot! 
T-P'd trees never looked so good... 
Another great parade site that we lucked out on was a house courtesy of my cousin's friend on the corner of Napoleon and Magazine, which had a super cool rooftop. My cousin made enough Jambalaya to feed 50 people. 
The tradition is to wear masks only on Lundi Gras (the Monday before Fat Tuesday), which I did, very enthusiastically. 
I achieved my goal of absolutely DROWNING in beads!
I feel so blessed to have had a really special and authentic Mardi Gras with my awesome family. I'm not sure if I could ever do it again because I truly don't think this experience could be topped.
