Don Dahlke lives in the Caribbean, a long way from his native Oregon. The son of a feed and garden merchant, Don chose painting over the store. He set off to California then Mexico before finding his home in the Caribbean.
Don loves the light and the smell of this world. His paintings reflect the surroundings. A palm tree casts its shadow upon the cottage. The dimly lit interior beckons closer inspection. We enter the house and discover a book and some glasses on a table. To the left is the bedroom. Directly ahead is the back porch window where a sun-drenched ocean is revealed. There is a breeze and the air tastes like salt.
Here lies the power of Dahlke’s art. He reminds us of lazy summer days. We view his work and feel warm. His houses invoke our curiosity. Lay back in the hammock on the deck and dream. Surrounded by books, quiet conversation, warmth and shadows you marvel about simple thing.
