Tuesday, March 31, 2015

The Artist

Today sees the start of the Blogging from A to Z  April 2015 Challenge


He spent each day alone in a shabby studio at the bottom of his overgrown garden. He lost his beloved soul mate some years ago and  was never blessed with children, so he rarely ventured  his empty house.  His studio became his home and sanctuary. There behind closed doors he created works of incredible beauty with paint upon canvas. 

Now and again an admiring collector would call by to claim another piece for their treasured collection. He rarely charged them a thing.

Otherwise the only contact he had with those outside was when his neighbour occasionally shopped for him, or when his supplier called by with his paints brushes and wares.

But one summer’s day he failed to come to the door. It was ajar so his caller peeped inside.

Gone were the paint splattered walls and sombre grey ceiling.

Instead they had become a backdrop for his vision of heaven. Angels adorned the walls; his savior looked down from above. He as a child flew a colourful kite in a silvery blue sky; his flaxen haired sweetheart skipped among spring flowers. His father looked sagely from one corner, whilst his smiling mother knitted in another.

He sat as though peacefully sleeping in his shabby old armchair with brush in hand, and a palette at his feet. Beside him his easel supported a blank canvas.

The artist had departed for a better place.






26 comments:

  1. You created a beautiful imagery with your words. Liked it. Glad that the artist finally found his peace.

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  2. I agree with Shilpa :) I could visualize the artist's vision too. Loved it.

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    1. Thanks Vinay. I'm pleased it had the desired effect!

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  3. You've conveyed great imaginary in this brief tale - touching vision of a artistry.

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  4. Not to be morose, but that's how I'd like to go...

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    1. Maybe deep inside, that's what inspired me to write it.

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    2. Better not be for a very long time, Keith!

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    3. Not planning on it just yet 'Wynn! A lot more of the world to see!

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  5. I got chills when I read this. Very nice. There is nothing like painting, to heal the soul.

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  6. I enjoyed your 'A' for Artist piece. Best of luck with the challenge.

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    1. Thanks. This my first year and I just hope my work is up to standard!

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  7. Such a beautiful endearing story... I look forward to more of them during this A-to-Z Challenge.

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    1. Thank you. There is plenty more to come. A mix of comedy, tragedy and simple stories sch as this one.On y way to yours right now!

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  8. Brilliant!

    ~Patricia Lynne aka Patricia Josephine~
    Member of C. Lee's Muffin Commando Squad
    Story Dam
    Patricia Lynne, Indie Author

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  9. I realize this is a story about the man's end, but it also feels like a fresh start, a relief to see colorful walls and beauty.

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    1. There are worse ways to depart this life I'm sure.

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  10. You left a very powerful image on my mind!

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  11. I really like your writing style.

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  12. i love the beauty of your prose, great

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  13. i love the beauty of your prose, great

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  14. Keith- this is a lovely story...looking forward to more! Cheers!

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