Paul Boecher, Fine Artist – teaching acrylic painting outdoors or en plein aire.

From the beginning of time, art has been a source of enjoyment, means of expression and part of humanity’s soul.  The painting artist may swing his brush through the air and create a masterpiece or nothing more than color on canvas, but whatever the results, it has impact.  A dancer spins flawlessly across a stage, caressing every note of music with each step.  A musician masters the use of an instrument and notes pour from the center of his heart.  An actor delivers a soliloquy and embraces the attention of his audience – both moving or inciting them  The sculptor takes a piece of wood or stone and carves life into the lifeless.  The poet weaves stories into beautiful verses, yet often they are never seen.  For a moment, an artist becomes recognized, but it isn’t usually until after his demise that his talent is monetarily realized.  Thus the term – starving artist.

In ancient days, the art scrawled on walls of caves, became a means of communication.  As time progressed, pottery was crafted for practical purposes.  Again the clock ticked away and art became more a means of expression. During the European Renaissance, art became a way to edify God.  The church was the greatest patron of the arts as they decorated their sanctuaries with amazing sculptures and frescos depicting the life of the saints, Jesus, Mary and God.

Moving on to modern times, art flowed as abstract artists set a new style in motion.  Impressionists also flourished.  In the early years of our own country, artists traveled with explorers to chronicle their discoveries – this was before photography, which is an art in its own right.

Art wears a different face down through the ages.  Plays and movies tend to follow the times and interests of the masses.  Sometimes they are an escape to a fantastical place or an unknown world.  Music can also reflect the times, yet often everything seems to repeat itself at some point.  What goes around often comes around, with a different spin to it.

As we celebrate this special day, honoring artists, I intend to hug one and he will hug me back.  Starving artists we remain, not because we like being poor, but because art is a part of who we are.