In the 30s and 40s, the United States offered tracts of desert land to citizens under the homestead act. The tracts were all 5 acres, and not suitable for agriculture.

To qualify to own the land permanently, a small structure had to be built.

I live on a former homestead. The original structure is one of our outbuildings.

There are many of the original homestead buildings in our area. As you drive through the desert you see tiny shacks in various states of disrepair.

This painting was inspired by one of those shacks.

11x14 is a standard size, so it's easy to find a frame.