for Fandango’s Flash Fiction Challenge
He didn’t seek fame. His creations were for his pleasure alone. In his studio, a crumbling cottage amid the trees, the unknown artist stared at a blank canvas, his mind empty, his thoughts an open space. His inspiration, his trusty muse had deserted him.
Frustration turned to anger and with a blow of his arm, the easel flew across the room smashing a window to smithereens. He trampled over reams of ripped paper, torn canvases and crumpled paint tubes, then crouched in a corner, head resting upon his knees, and wept.
Through the crisscross lead of the broken window, a sunray penetrated the gloom and caressed his weary hand. He looked up to see shadows flickering upon the peeling walls. They danced, they tripped and spun. Then the awful silence was broken as a bird landed on a nearby branch and whistled a merry tune.
He unfurled his aching body, then righted his easel and grasped an unused canvas from the heap on the floor. He adorned his palette with paints and with a flick of his wrist a picture began to form. Then another, and another then more.
It was years before the studio was discovered. A glimpse of heaven one reporter wrote. Inspirational said another. Nobody knew who the artist was or where he’d ended his days. Not a name, not a signature, not a single clue.
The picture is from Aron Jäger@unsplash.com
I really like what you did with this, Keith. Thanks for participating.
Thanks so much – I must make a point of jumping aboard each week!
A great story.
Thanks yet again for taking the time to read my stories. It’s really appreciated.
You’re most welcome
I really enjoyed this. You captured the frustration and joy of being an artist so well. Art really is for the artist.
I’m pleased, thank you K.J.
Wonderful Keith.
Thank you so much.
Those who create their art for the love of it are the best artists.
Absolutely so. Thanks Mimi.
Well, they’ve always said artists and writers are temperamental types.
I think I’ll go shred one of my bookcases.. 😉
That might work! Cheers Christine,
Here is something really curious. Your post and reply to comments come from your .net site, but you’re “Liked your comment” e-mail comes from your wordpress.com address.
They are both the same site! I purchased the ‘net’ domain and linked it to my WordPress site. Not sure why it switches to and fro though!
I loved this one….so much emotion, so much pain, so much sacrifice. Keep it up!!
DB McNicol
author, traveler, shutterbug
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That’s so kind of you Donna, thank you.