Opening reception of month long show of Paul Sewald artwork

Paul Seiwald is a New Year’s Baby, born on January 1st, 1930 in Eudora, Kansas. He returned home from the Korean War in the 1950s after being awarded two bronze stars and achieving the rank of sergeant. He always made drawings but had also always wanted to paint, so he bought a paint-by-number kit just to see what he could do. He realized quickly that paint by number was none too satisfying so he struck out on his own, learning by carefully observing the techniques of the artists he admired most, Klimt, Matisse, and Thomas Hart Benton. He is entirely self-taught. Paul created mainly for his own satisfaction and many of his paintings were simply stored away as soon as they were completed. A chance comment by his daughter brought him to our attention, along with 300+ paintings that he had completed over the years in his basement studio. His work shows the influences of his favorite artists, and we might add that the influence of Dr. Seuss should be added into the mix. His works are whimsical and often surreal and show what a creative mind and years of practice can achieve.

Paul’s “real job” was as a research chemist with Midwest Research Institute. When he retired in 1983, he and his wife moved to a small farm in northeast Kansas to enjoy a quiet rural life. He now resides in a care facility just a few miles from his farm. He no longer paints. His paintings are all done with oil paint on plywood panels that have first been coated and textured with wood putty. He created the frames for all his pictures also.

We’re looking forward to seeing you there!