by Richard Kattman
2/4/2018

In June, 2017, I set out for an Artist Residence at Brush Creek Ranch, Saratoga, Wyoming, to paint some large abstract canvases based on the Western landscape, and to absorb the Rocky Mountain environment.

Previously in 2015, month long Artists Residences were made available to me in Tuscany Italy, and on Nantucket, so the diversity of locations enjoyed were astonishing, beautiful, and completely unique.

The flight from Denver to Laramie was delayed an hour for lightning. With no change in the weather, we took off. On landing, Catie Taylor, a local cowgirl and country singer drove us up and down through the snow covered mountains to Brush Creek Ranch while we introduced ourselves.

The Artist Foundation treated eight artists to free room, board (with delicious, healthy meals) large studio spaces, and family like companionship for two weeks of artistic output. Four artists, two musicians, and two writers, all from different parts of the country, interacted, produced art, and became great friends.

Every day, hiking and photographing the 30,000 acre ranch, I experienced rushing rivers, cliffs, mile long pastures, aspen groves, deer and antelope, and windswept mountain tops. Mid-morning hours included studio work, lunch and animated conversations. Afternoons, I painted outdoors, tying the canvas to a pasture gate. Late night studio time rounded out the hours, following dinner and an evening trek through the steep, stony, wild hills.

My reading included Travels with Charley, by John Steinbeck, most fitting for the occasion.

Many thanks are owed to Brush Creek Ranch, for wonderful hospitality, the opportunity to produce artwork in a lovely place, and for delivering the experience of a lifetime.

For the itenerant traveler, see https://www.brushcreekranch.com