The Artist

When the world is at rest, The Artist begins his first work of the day. His strokes stumble across the page, and he knows he’s fallen short of a masterpiece. His frustrations rage until he finds solace in his familiar companions: Young Dog and Old Dog. He has other talents to occupy his time – piano and sailing – but unmistakably, his true love is painting. He paints all sorts of things: birds, the sea, nature, and its various manifestations. Before he drifts off to sleep, he surveys the day’s completion and wakes to the call to begin anew.

The Artist is a thoughtful, inspiring tale of a child who yearns to become one with his palette. His work is an expression of himself, an outpouring of his soul, and when he’s immersed in it, he’s free.

The author/illustrator notably leaves out any mention or images of the young boy’s parents. Perhaps, this is an attempt to create an ambiance of freedom and independence. The exclusion adds an intriguing element that children will find alluring. They’ll long to be him, embraced in what they endear most. Those who are passionate about art, blessed with creativity, and favor the great outdoors will be emboldened by this captivating story.