Plein Air: McDonald Peak

By: Kristina Lyn Heitkamp

May 31, 2016

The second and final plein air jaunt over Memorial Day weekend was nestled under the snowy shadow of McDonald Peak on the Flathead Reservation. The jagged peak is the highest of them all in the majestic Mission Mountain Range. We set up near the small (name unknown) Lake. The air was crisp, but the sun bright.

As we plein-aired, an onlooker traversed down for a closer look. However, driving a brand new 4WD Chevy truck, the curious mother and daughter duo forgot to keep an eye on the path and got “Stuck on a Rock,” which became the title of Rex’s painting. After a few twists and turns, direction and guidance from Rex, the week-old truck unstuck and went it’s along it’s way.

Over the fast and furious weekend adventure, an idea-seed was planted and quickly germinated into a full bloom plan of a plein air voyage for summer 2017. Stay tuned for details…