Plein Air: Bitterroot Valley, Montana
By: Kristina Lyn Heitkamp
As the dirt road climbed higher and higher, we stopped for a quick look around. This was the place. Rex inched his way towards a cliff edge to find his view and set up for plein air painting, I followed. I’m very lucky to have partnered up with an artist like Rex. He is constantly searching for inspiring vistas. He dares to adventure beyond the beaten path to discover his muse. Most of the time, I’m thrilled for the adventure, but sometimes I will drag my feet a bit, especially if it involves climbing fences, trudging through shoulder-high grasses or felids of cow pies. But with Rex’s gentle encouragement, I’m always grateful for the experience.
During this venture, I worked on a story called The Big Night, a flash fiction about Joe and her transgender twin Charles as they get ready for Senior Prom. I queried the story to Rainbow Rumpus, an online literary magazine for children with LGBT parents. The story was not accepted, but I had a blast writing about Joe and Charlie. Read the story here.
Latest Blog Posts
Clean Air: Utah
Salt Lake City I had the opportunity to flex my artivism muscle. Honored to be a contributor to this important project, but my favorite story is by a 5th grader named Gracie. “I feel sad when the air hurts me, but we are hurting it.” Thanks, Torrey...
Plein Air Public Lands: Day 27
Grand Staircase Escalante After a morning of fighting the internet connection, we packed up our final Days Inn camp spot and said goodbye forever. Or at least for now. Expired Goldfish and Water Over the mountain and through Dixie Forest, we drove our way to Grand...
Plein Air Public Lands: Day 26
Torrey area I couldn’t wait to get inside the truck this morning. Like waiting in a theater to see your favorite band play a show, I was eager to see Rex’s nocturne painting from the night before. From I could see, I really liked the composition but it was difficult...
Plein Air Public Lands: Day 25
Capitol Reef I got up before the sunrise, put on my pink hat and fleece, and was happy for it. I enjoyed the cool of the high desert morning, like a splash of cold water to wake you for the day. Rex whipped up a dark roast French press and hash browns with chives,...
Plein Air Public Land: Day 24
Capitol Reef As Rex walked back from his usual sunrise painting session, I noticed he picked up a hitchhiker along the way. Hitchhikers A common sagebrush lizard hitched a ride on Rex’s plein air backpack and then climbed upon his back. “Lizzie” got off at the end...
Plein Air Public Lands: Day 23
Capitol Reef I opened my eyes this morning with much pride and excitement. In the early morning hours, Rex had created a beautiful 18 x 24 plein air painting. He had been anxious and a bit nervous to tackle such a large canvas, but I reminded him of his recent 4 x...
