Blank Canvas

●Chapter 18●

"Wow. That is... such an astoundingly beautiful painting I've ever seen." 

I turned around to see a guy in his mid-twenties looking at my painting with genuine awe and interest. I smiled proudly towards my artwork. At times like these, I felt like gloating and shouting at the top of my lungs, "I'm the best y'all and nothing can ever change that!"

"Thanks."

"What inspired you to paint this?" He asked me and I furrowed my brows at him.

Clearly, a compliment was cool but a short talk about my inspiration and everything sounded so weird if I were being honest.

He must have sensed my confusion because he chuckled apologetically. "I'm sorry I didn't introduce myself. I literally forgot. I'm Luke and painting stuff just happens to be my favourite thing. I love the science behind art."

"Oh." I laughed. "I'm Aria. It's good to finally meet someone who actually 'loves' painting. Also, to answer your question, nothing really inspired me. I just captured everyone's expression and that's all," I stated, doing jazz with my hands and nodding my head around us.

"That's a nice symbolism there though. I've always loved symbolic paintings. Especially those old artists and sculptors. Their paintings were so deep. Like Bernini, Botticelli, Michelangelo, Da Vinci. I mean you get the gist, right?"

I found myself agreeing with him. They are the most renowned artists in the world of painting literature. "Couldn't agree more. They are my favorite artists too along with the others, of course," I said excitedly. It felt so good to finally know that there are people out there who are geeks just like me and share the same passion as me. Not only this, but Luke also had the knowledge of the old, esoteric artists.

"Which also reminds me that are you going to that exhibition held this weekend? You know, because you have such a fascinating talent and all that," Luke asked while I was busy stuffing all my materials inside my backpack. 

"Yup because I've never been to an exhibition before. Plus we've never had such a huge event in this town before so I'd love to go. What about you?" I asked, looking at him. I found him scrutinizing my painting with calculating eyes. I found his expression a bit comical because he looked like a professional artist who checked for some flaws in a single piece.

"I actually booked myself a seat there too."

"That's great! Are you putting any of your paintings for the auction?" I questioned, enthused.

"I am not quite as good as you are. So I guess not." He shrugged with a half-smile. "But you totally should!"

"What if you are better than me and your painting just happens to get sold in millions or even better billions?" I said, trying to encourage him.

"We both know that's just wishful thinking." He laughed it off. I wanted to stimulate him further but I left it at that, thinking he might not want people to pester him into doing things he didn't like.

"Well, okay."

"What about you? Are you going to put your painting for the auction?"

"No. I am just attending because I wanna get the hang of everything. I want to see the paintings of some big, modern artists. As of now, I just want to learn," I explained and he agreed with me. 

We talked some more about everything painting related until I was finished packing my stuff and wrapping my canvas in a paper. "All right. Will see you this weekend then," he said and held up his hand for a high five and I returned the gesture. We said our goodbyes and I couldn't stop the smile on my face.