As most of you know, my husband was an artist. He was trained at the Chicago Art Institute and the Layton School of Art. While he was in elementary school, he failed his art class because he refused to copy the image in the textbook and did his own rendition. He didn’t really dive into outdoor painting until he retired. He was used to sketching in the open air, but to sit at an easel and actually finish a painting throughout the time spent there, wasn’t his cup of tea at first. It’s messy. You can lose the light very quickly. The wind might pick up your painting and carry it away. Your paints may dry out in the sun. There are so many problems that can arise. He kept at it though. When days were on the edge of summer – when the air was fresh and clean – when new life was popping up all over – when the sky was devoid of clouds, it was the perfect time to be in the great outdoors and pushing paint across a canvas. The painting was done outdoors. The creation of different blues by adding a bit of red or green captures the beauty of this lovely boat on a perfect spring day.

ART & POETRY BY PAUL T. & KATHY BOECHER©

A grove of trees, a cloud filled sky, a bridge crossing an enticing path,

All set in the midst of nature,

The call of spring, opens the doors and windows to new opportunities,

Fresh, clean air,

Exciting new shades of blue and green to add to the pallet,

Beautiful sunrises and sunsets,

All provided by the Creator of all of it,

Anywhere the road takes you becomes the perfect destination,

When you’re an artist, your paintbrush,

Your imagination and

Your skill find it,

When you know all about color and light,

Shadows and definition,

Negative space,

Your hand responds to the invitation.

You find beauty in all things,

Because you take the time to enjoy,

To see the details of life,

The important things,

Not the clutter,

You sort through the garbage,

You sift through the darkness,

You unleash your inner beast,

You find the beauty,

When you’re an artist.