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Wind turbines have garnered plenty of critics. From those that don’t believe in the power of the wind to others that argue the structures interrupt the state’s natural skyline.
But McPherson artist Matthew Richter believes the turbines have a place on the Kansas prairie.
“Wind turbines are easy to understand,” Richter said. “What you see is what you get. Everything about them is right there in front of you. There’s an honesty in it that people understand.”
Richter is not one you would expect to stand up for wind turbines. The 1979 University of Kansas art major has made a profession out of illustrating nature and telling the story of habitats and wildlife that are slowly disappearing from the Kansas plains.
But, he said, he believes the turbines and their ability to convert wind to electricity is something the state and landowners should embrace.
“Why not take advantage of the power from the wind?” Richter said, adding the structures don’t interrupt the skyline any more than power poles or grain elevators.
Richter’s love for nature and appreciation for the wind turbines is illustrated in his painting, “Wings on the Wind,” which depicts a flock of Sandhill Cranes flying ahead of an approaching summer storm. Wind turbines oscillate in the background of the piece.
The piece Richter said, focuses on wind as a part of nature’s harmony and how that harmony continues in the creation of electricity through wind power.
The painting, which will be displayed in the lobby of the new Hutchinson Siemens facility, was dedicated Friday during the plant’s grand opening ceremony. The painting will be on display at the facility for at least five years.
As soon as the competition was announced in July, Richter began developing ideas for his submission. He knew he wanted to incorporate nature into him image and also portray the power of the turbines.
Living only miles from the county’s wetlands, Richter said he often takes advantage of his unique access to wildlife and Mother Nature. His painting focuses on the power of a late summer storm and the wind and energy that is often associated with those storms.
As with other pieces, Richter said he spent hours studying and photographing nature, sketching native grasses and watching birds move in and out of the Central Kansas region and shaping an image that includes wind, power and nature.
While he’s excited for the opportunity to be part of the Siemens facility, Richter said the opportunity to include artwork in a business has become rare.
“Why are more companies not placing art at their front doors as a greeting to customers,” Richter said. “It’s nice to see a company that understands art and how it drives the human spirit. They’re doing something that’s unique around here.”
You can read more about Richter and see his work through his website, www.matthewrichter.com.
Wind turbines have garnered plenty of critics. From those that don’t believe in the power of the wind to others that argue the structures interrupt the state’s natural skyline.
But McPherson artist Matthew Richter believes the turbines have a place on the Kansas prairie.
“Wind turbines are easy to understand,” Richter said. “What you see is what you get. Everything about them is right there in front of you. There’s an honesty in it that people understand.”
Richter is not one you would expect to stand up for wind turbines. The 1979 University of Kansas art major has made a profession out of illustrating nature and telling the story of habitats and wildlife that are slowly disappearing from the Kansas plains.
But, he said, he believes the turbines and their ability to convert wind to electricity is something the state and landowners should embrace.
“Why not take advantage of the power from the wind?” Richter said, adding the structures don’t interrupt the skyline any more than power poles or grain elevators.
Richter’s love for nature and appreciation for the wind turbines is illustrated in his painting, “Wings on the Wind,” which depicts a flock of Sandhill Cranes flying ahead of an approaching summer storm. Wind turbines oscillate in the background of the piece.
The piece Richter said, focuses on wind as a part of nature’s harmony and how that harmony continues in the creation of electricity through wind power.
The painting, which will be displayed in the lobby of the new Hutchinson Siemens facility, was dedicated Friday during the plant’s grand opening ceremony. The painting will be on display at the facility for at least five years.
As soon as the competition was announced in July, Richter began developing ideas for his submission. He knew he wanted to incorporate nature into him image and also portray the power of the turbines.
Living only miles from the county’s wetlands, Richter said he often takes advantage of his unique access to wildlife and Mother Nature. His painting focuses on the power of a late summer storm and the wind and energy that is often associated with those storms.
As with other pieces, Richter said he spent hours studying and photographing nature, sketching native grasses and watching birds move in and out of the Central Kansas region and shaping an image that includes wind, power and nature.
While he’s excited for the opportunity to be part of the Siemens facility, Richter said the opportunity to include artwork in a business has become rare.
“Why are more companies not placing art at their front doors as a greeting to customers,” Richter said. “It’s nice to see a company that understands art and how it drives the human spirit. They’re doing something that’s unique around here.”
You can read more about Richter and see his work through his website, www.matthewrichter.com.
