When Chicago Disappears

Chicago's skyline is more than architecture—it's part of our identity. Its silhouette is so iconic that many people proudly wear it as a tattoo, a permanent reminder of the city they love. It's a skyline recognized around the world, inspiring artists, photographers, architects, and dreamers for generations.

That's why seeing it disappear behind a blanket of wildfire smoke feels so unsettling.

Over the past few days, the familiar blues of Chicago's summer sky have been replaced by an eerie haze of brown and yellow. Buildings that usually stand sharp against Lake Michigan now fade into the distance, making our city feel strangely unfamiliar.

As an artist, moments like these remind me why I paint Chicago.

I paint the skyline because it represents resilience, beauty, and home. It's easy to take these everyday views for granted—until one day, they're hidden from sight.

Hopefully, the smoke will soon clear, and we'll once again see the skyline we know and love. Until then, perhaps this is a reminder to appreciate the view a little more, because some of the most beautiful things in our lives are the ones we assume will always be there.