"Lightening the Load" WIP (36" x 24")

It's been awhile since I posted anything.  Just about finished.  I decided to simplify the compostition and include just a few items that had to be left at this spot.  Still have work to do on the wagon and oxen, as well as the sage brush to the right of the trail. 

As I paint, I can't help but think about the hardships of those early pioneers.  I can only imagine what they went through.  I also think about lightening my own load.  We spend most of our lives accumulating stuff and to what purpose?  Think it's about time to clean out a closet.