Chapter 54
832 Words
In an instant, the audience erupted into chaos, with mocking laughter and sneers filling the air.
To them, Ethan, who hadn't even picked up a brush, had no right to criticize Hans's' painting. It seemed that Ethan's words were merely a desperate attempt to save his reputation with arrogance and false disdain.
A bearded man in the audience stood up suddenly and shouted at Ethan, "This landscape, in terms of both technique and style, is a masterpiece. What right do you have to mock such a great work?"
Ethan glanced at the man and replied calmly, "If you see this painting a masterpiece, it only shows you've never seen a truly great painting. Aside from its passable technique, it's utterly terrible in every other aspect! This painting focuses on realism but offers nothing beyond that. If I were to describe it in words, it would be garbage!"
Ethan's words were even more arrogant than before. Hans's face turned livid as he glared at Ethan. "You arrogant brat! If my painting doesn't meet your standards, then please, enlighten us with your guidance!"
The audience could hear the heavy sarcasm in Hans's words.
To everyone's surprise, Ethan nodded. "Alright, since you're asking for advice so sincerely, I'll give you some pointers."
Hans's face twitched, barely containing his anger.
Everyone widened their eyes, eager to see what Ethan could possibly teach.
Ethan walked over to the landscape painting and asked, "Mr. Raymond, is this scenery based on a real place?"
Hans responded without hesitation, "Of course, it's real! This scenery is from Ethereal Lake, a beautiful spot not far from the southern outskirts of Crownspire."
Many in the audience nodded secretly. Most of them were locals and could see the resemblance between the painting and Ethereal Lake.
Ethan asked calmly, "Mr. Raymond, which season does this scenery depict?"
Hans replied without hesitation, "Autumn."
Ethan smiled and asked, "If it's autumn, then where's the autumn wind?"
Hans was taken aback suddenly. "Autumn wind?" He felt he had overlooked something, but couldn't figure out what it was.
Ethan shook his head in disappointment. "Your painting's scenery is decent, but the whole picture feels lifeless. It's overly realistic to the point of being dull, with no vitality whatsoever. The overall atmosphere and basic common sense are utterly lacking!"
Ethan pointed at the painting. "If it's autumn, the lake should reflect the wind, and the surrounding trees should show signs of autumn's desolation. But your painting lacks both. So it's just a piece of trash that can't be worse!"
Hans's face changed dramatically as he realized he had indeed overlooked those details while painting.
Still unwilling to admit defeat, Hans retorted, "It's easy for you to say! The autumn wind is invisible, intangible, and impossible to capture in a painting. If you're so capable, show me how it's done!"
Ethan smiled calmly and said, "Since you're sincerely asking for guidance, I'll teach you."
He picked up the brush, dipped it in yellow paint, and began to add falling leaves to the trees and the water. With just a few strokes, the previously lifeless painting began to come alive.
Hans's eyes widened in shock as he watched.
Ethan continued to paint, creating gentle ripples on the water's surface. "Painting the wind through water," he said, "Ripples can show the strength and direction of the wind. Master Raymond, do you not even know such basic principles?"
Hans opened his mouth but couldn't utter a single word. He knew these principles, but in his eagerness to win, he hadn't considered these details.
Ethan then added a few more strokes to depict a woman's hair gently swaying in the breeze. "Hair fluttering can also suggest a gentle wind," he explained. "Master Raymond, it's really a pity that your painting lacks these essential elements."
Ethan's tone was that of a mentor disappointed in a student's performance.
The audience was once again rendered speechless, not only because of Ethan's skill, but also because of his speed. He painted faster than Hans and, with just a few strokes, transformed the painting's atmosphere completely. Now, the audience could almost feel the gentle breeze, see the willows swaying, and sense the ripples on the water, enhancing their experience of the painting to an entirely new level.
The bearded man who had criticized Ethan earlier now looked ashamed. He looked at Ethan and said, "I admire your skills, sir!"
Ethan turned his gaze back to Hans. "Mr. Raymond, do you have anything else to say?"
Hans gritted his teeth. "Though your additions have brought some life to the painting, without the foundation, your strokes would be meaningless. Ultimately, my painting is better because it provided the basis for your improvements!"
Ethan sighed. "It seems you still refuse to admit defeat."
Hans replied stubbornly, "Of course, I won't admit defeat! You haven't painted anything yourself, so why should I concede?"
Ethan sneered. "Alright, since that's how you feel, I'll paint something myself to show you what true mastery looks like."
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