This spring six premier plein air painters rode the rails on Amtrak's Southwest Chief from Chicago, Illinois to Santa Fe, New Mexico. They stopped to paint in five small towns along the way - La Junta and Trinidad, Colorado; Raton, Las Vegas and Lamy, New Mexico - on a route paralleling the storied Santa Fe Trail, the Pony Express and Route 66. They called their adventure "En Train Air."

The artists - Larry Moore, Shelby Keefe, Randy Sexton, Aimee Erickson, Jason Sacran and Charlie Hunter, joined part way through by their new friend, urban sketcher Jhenn Whalen - fell in love with this unhurried mode of transportation; the ever-changing landscapes, the hidden gems of nearly-forgotten towns and the fascinating people along the route. Now they've decided to spread the word on how others can share in the journey.

America's long-distance trains helped knit this nation together. Today these routes are threatened by an Amtrak management primarily focussed on "corridors" of 400 miles or less. EnTrainAir.org hopes to highlight how America needs its trains - both short haul and long distance - and how they are vital to the reinvention of the towns they serve.

EnTrainAir.org is creating a no-cost blueprint so other artists - both recreational and professional - may experience this extraordinary rail journey from Chicago to Santa Fe. We see our mission as providing the "how-to" and assisting travelers as they plan every step along the way. You and your friends want to take a fun and unusual road trip? Come learn how to take a rail trip for one of the best painting experiences of your life!

Check out the recent podcast featuring the En Train Air experience:

Plein Air Podcast