What started as an idea-seed planted on Memorial Day weekend 2016 that quickly germinated into a full bloom plan of a plein air voyage is now finally ready to show off its blossom. Plein Air Public Lands: Utah began with a spontaneous trip to Spokane, Washington for sushi and electric guitars, and ended with a plein air jaunt under the snowy shadow of McDonald Peak on the Flathead Reservation in Montana.

Idea Seeds Germinating

Over the long weekend, Rex and I talked of upcoming summer plans, next year’s goals, and possibly moving back to our home state of Utah. Rex suggested we plan a Europian trip, I eagerly agreed. Or, he smirked as we pulled into our second plein air spot up Blackfoot Canyon, we could plein air in parks instead for a few weeks. I laughed and said no, we should visit Europe (secretly coveting a visit with my lovely nieces in London). But as I sat in my chair, embracing the gorgeous scene, I thought, why not?

Almost a year to the date later, 355 days to be exact, we are launching a Kickstarter campaign to do just that. Plein air paint and write on public lands.

Paint and Write for Public Lands

First, we were going to plein air all across the entire United States! We would stop at all the state and national parks! It would be so flippin great!

Not very realistic. At least within our budget and time frame. Back to the drawing board, we went.

After a few more iterations (visit just western states; take a train to parks; travel on bike–hard to do with numerous wet paintings), we concluded to pay homage to our home state of Utah. We were planning on moving back to Salt Lake, and thought after the move, after we settle, in spring or summer 2018 we will plan an epic road trip.

Plein Air Public Lands: Utah

Then November 8, 2016 happened. And our deadline shortened. Utah is the place, and now is the time. Please join us on our adventure.