Further explaining, the boy eloquently said that the painters of their atelier were capable of immortalizing the true essence of their subject in a portrait, making sure to elevate the subject’s beauty so as to showcase their best self.
“So it seems.”
“Haha, it’s embarrassing to say, but my teacher has a firm philosophy of beauty. He says that if we don’t put our souls into the paintings we create, then we cannot dare call them art…”
Taking her time, Violet examined the paintings as she listened to the boy’s guided tour. Wherever her gaze touched, the boy added an explanation like a curator.
A finished painting, an unfinished painting, a finished painting that still looked a bit lacking, a painting so beautiful that it was impossible to believe that it was from an apprentice, worth showcasing in an exhibition right away.
Between appreciating the artworks by looking at them with her own eyes and appreciating them while listening to the added details, the experience was quite different.
“My teacher is truly a splendid individual. How is it possible to create such amazing paintings? I wish to learn more, but Teacher is always so busy… But still, I’m very lucky! Only a few of us have been selected as students. Ah, the first time I saw Teacher’s paintings…”
Before he knew it, the boy began to praise his teacher. Perhaps it’s because he was originally talkative, but the words that flowed out of his lips were endless.
He went on to say just how great his seniors from the same teacher were, with such impressive technique. His teacher was currently away for a high noble’s portrait request. Thanks to that, the head of the atelier was away, but it was him who was dutifully tasked to give the guests a guided tour. Much of what he said was information that didn’t really need to be said.
“Wow, really? Actually, Milady also…”
For a chatterbox, another chatterbox was the perfect match. As Mary enthusiastically responded to his remarks, the young painter became even more excited and thus talked even more.
Cairn was the only one who’s out of place here.
While thinking that the boy’s passion was admirable, Violet suddenly raised one question.
“When did you start painting?”
“Pardon?”
“I was wondering why it is that you like to paint.”
Once again, Violet was swept away by impulsiveness as she asked this question. The boy wasn’t expecting this, so while flustered, he looked around here and there before answering shyly.
“No big reason! I don’t remember how it started, but right now, it’s my job. I have to continue doing it, and I’m glad that I can do so.”
His answer was far from what Violet wanted to hear.
“I see.”
Actually, Violet was the one who truly didn’t know the answer to that. She let out a low sigh.
Nevertheless, the boy went on to speak.
“If I just do as I’m told, it’s not too hard to make a living. To be quite honest, I can’t do all that much since I’m at the bottom of the barrel, but it’s fun and exciting to be able to paint my own pieces. It gets hard at times because I have to do a lot of errands, but I’m eager to learn anything I can.”
It was a very bright outlook. Rather, it was too bright of an outlook to have whilst saying that his livelihood was at stake.
Above all though, this answer only raised concerns on Violet’s part. She, for one, didn’t have to worry about her daily bread.
Meanwhile, the boy continued his bright answer.
He said that he was born to a huge family in a small countryside hamlet. When he was younger than he was now, he used to be a farmboy in charge of the animals’ fodder. It was there that he started drawing pictures on the ground with simple branches.
And from there, he continued to draw because he liked hearing the praises and compliments given to him by his parents, brothers and sisters. He came to the capital despite his family’s opposition.
Violet couldn’t help but admire the boy.
‘He’s just like Mary.’
Not only did they have similar personalities, but he also had a similar family background. As Mary gave sympathetic responses beside him, the young painter continued his story with vigor.
With the atelier being so quiet, those two people’s conversation resounded throughout the space even though they were speaking in hushed tones.
Glances accumulated, but neither Violet nor the boy minded them.
Finally, the boy finished his regaling story with a sunny voice.
“There’s still many things I find difficult, but I’m still in a better place. I couldn’t even afford a single sheet of paper back at home. It’s truly a privilege that I can draw and paint as much as I want here.”
The boy conveyed his pure, genuine feelings. Violet looked at the boy’s innocent face and asked,
“If you don’t mind, can you show me your paintings?”
“Pardon? My paintings?”
“Yes. After hearing your story, I was wondering what your pieces look like.”
“Ah, uhh… I’m still very much an amateur, is that alright?”
Violet didn’t reply. The boy led Violet to his spot at one corner of the atelier.
The boy’s paintings exuded the air of inexperience. There were hints of him trying to save his expensive paint, and marks of multiple layers where he couldn’t achieve his desired shapes. Further, it was clear to see his attempts in painting in a way that could save even a single sheet of paper, and traces of his valiant efforts and failures after trying out new techniques.
Truly, it was amateur. Maybe it’s because he usually did odd jobs and errands, but he had a way with depicting backgrounds and landscapes. Those parts were sophisticated and excellent, but that was all.
Nevertheless, Violet silently admired the boy’s art.
“There’s still many things I need to improve on, but I want to work hard and become a famous painter like my teacher.”
“Are you pursuing art because you want to make a name for yourself?”
“Ah, not necessarily. But it feels nice to be acknowledged. If everyone likes my art, and if I can hear their compliments…”
While saying this, the boy looked elated, as though dreaming a pleasant dream.
Violet smiled lightly.
“You’ll get there.”
“Thank you!”
Though it was a small, little dream, it was worth seeing just how far it could soar.
