Paint a Picture with Words: Writing is Visual Storytelling

Have you ever wished you’d captured a moment with a camera, only to realize later that the image has faded from memory? I had one of those moments decades ago while staying at the Blackstone Hotel in a room overlooking the serene Chicago lakefront at sunrise. The view was stunning—a scene I wanted to freeze in time. I remember standing at the window, taking it all in, and lamenting that I didn’t have a camera on hand to capture the colors, the stillness, and the subtle movements of that morning.

My husband noticed I was lost in the view and, with a pearl of enthusiastic wisdom, suggested, “Paint a picture with words.” At the time, I nodded, thinking it was a great idea. I did not stop to write it down. And now, while I can recall the feeling of awe and the gentle encouragement of his words, the image itself has slipped away. 

Looking back, I realize the opportunity I missed. I should have taken just a few minutes to describe that scene—the way the light glistened over the lake, the buildings framing the horizon, birds soaring towards the sun, all adding to the scene of an awakening city. I would have something tangible, a word-painted picture I could revisit whenever I wanted. Words can be our camera, capturing what we see and feel in a given moment.

I am an amateur nature photographer and writer. I frequently muse about what these two activities have in common, and there are many. A main commonality is the power of observation and framing that observation so it is appealing to an audience. The photographer's eye sees a flower or the moon or the sun rising and knows how to place it in a frame, increase or decrease the light, and keep the subject as the point of focus. The writer knows how to frame a scene by describing it with words and providing an image in the minds of their readers. 

When we think about writing—preserving a legacy, describing our entrepreneurial journey, or creating something entirely new—this idea of “painting with words” becomes invaluable. Writing can go beyond conveying information. When done thoughtfully, it can evoke images, bring memories to life, and invite readers to step into a scene with us.

To paint with words means paying attention to details and noticing the colors, sounds, scents, and small gestures. It means creating depth and motion and letting the characters come alive through their expressions, placement, or even the quietness of their interactions. In doing so, we offer our readers a way to see the world through our lens—a perspective uniquely our own.

This doesn’t require fancy language or elaborate descriptions; sometimes, straightforward phrases can create the most striking images. The goal is to make the reader feel like they’re standing there with us, sharing the experience as vividly as looking at a photograph.

So, the next time you write, remember that you’re more than a storyteller; you’re a picture-taker, an artist with words. Take a moment to set the scene, capture the essence, and give life to the memory on the page. Whether you are capturing a personal reflection, a lesson from your business journey, or a moment of beauty, paint it with words so that others can see it as you once did.