When Maryville, Mo., artist Joe Straub was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and had to go through chemo therapy, he could only express his physical and mental struggle through his work. “It’s one of those things where I thought my words were inadequate,” Straub says. “So, I thought I’d just paint a portrait (of) how I feel.” An artist for 40 years, Straub, 72, works in oils because of their “very intense and pure” colors. His paintings tend to have people and figures. One consistent figure in his works is Jesus, who Straub paints frequently with a “Holy Spirit attitude” due to his strong faith. Straub’s work is on display at UMB Bank at 3601 Mitchell Ave.