A Palette of Places-Fort Hayes, Kansas

Out in the middle of NOWHERE is this place. On the drive from the east coast to Colorado Springs, we stopped briefly here to take a break. After miles and miles and miles of driving it appeared- a mere bump on the horizon. If you can remember the poor Union officer in the movies,Dances with Wolves, who committed suicide, you can understand why. Desolate. There are a few restored military quarters as it was way back when with historical markers telling you about what was and is now there. I'm talking the middle of nowhere. It is hard to understand how far away from anything it is and yet it is beautiful in its own lonely way.
As I continue to think about the many places I have been and work on this series, I have been able to learn a few things and refine where I am going with it. I now realize that there are certain places that I will have to do more than one painting as the colors and palettes are very specific to that place. I also realize that the size of the canvas is corresponding to the impact that each place has had in my life. These paintings are seeming to come from my memories and right now, seem endless. I won't be able to paint them all, but will try to focus on those that seem to "stick out" more than others.