Obadiah Hunter Art by Obadiah Hunter is a heartfelt and humorous recount of his life as an artist and a globe trotter. It begins in New England, where Obadiah spent his teenage years, recounting the moment he decided he wanted to paint for the rest of his life. Traveling fifty countries, from the ‘90s to the ‘10s, Obadiah carries his few belongings, his paints, and a vision that inspires kindness and curiosity in the people he meets. He dwells on the struggles, such as the time he slept in a capsized boat, and the highlights, like meeting his wife. He even injects little bits of humor, like the time a gang of kids ambushed him with water guns. Mr. Hunter’s book was a relaxing and heartwarming read.

I found myself smiling at the bits and pieces of ordinary life that Obadiah Hunter injected into his story. He writes conversationally, taking readers on the journey with him, always making sure to return to those moments that made the greatest impact on him. I found myself getting lost at times, realizing that the story wasn’t necessarily told in chronological order. At times the memories could be prosaic—rundown showers and the meal he had at a bar, but these are grounding features that allow the reader to connect with the author and understand that this is not all about grandiose adventures; sometimes the beauty is in the humdrum of life. I stuck around for the ride, seeing the world through his eyes and imagining these exotic countries I haven’t had the privilege of seeing yet.

My favorite painting was his Luang Praband Waterfall from Laos. His landscape scenes are exquisite. Particularly, I found myself enthralled with the Laos and Sonoma landscapes later in the book. There’s a scene for everyone in this book. Whether you read memoirs, art books, or want a conversation starter for your living room, The Stories and Plein Air Paintings of a Globe-Trotting Traveler is an excellent art memoir.

Pages: 126 | ASIN: B0B8JX7YDY