Art is essential to life

​"If it weren't for painting, I wouldn't live; I couldn't bear the extra strain of things."
- Winston Churchill
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Winston Churchill is best known as the prime minister of England during WWII. He is also known as an excellent speaker, writer and lover of cigars and alcohol. I've turned to his quotes many times before as sources of inspiration and motivation.

What is less known about this fascinating man is that he also loved to paint. To say he was a man of contradictions would only scratch the surface of his complex personality. By all means, he loved the military and serving as a leader during times of war. But he also had a soft side to him which he was not afraid to indulge nor show. While reading his autobiography, I found that he loved butterflies, and he spoke of them for a whole page.

I looked up some of his paintings today, and was amazed to see he was rather skilled with a brush and some paint. Winston, like all great people of this world, understood the importance of art. It is healing for both the person who creates and those who get to view it. This world would be a dark, bleak place without art. So if you make art, in any form, even if it's just for you, carry on. It is as vital as a butterfly landing before a flower, brightening your day.

Randolph Churchill reading / painting by Winston Churchill