Pickle Jar Painting

In the mystical world of Mythosia, where immortals wield extraordinary powers, Hóng Xú, an orphan unable to cultivate, struggles to find his place. Hóng Xú Determined to spend the rest of his life peacefully he plans to sell books, paintings, and martial arts manuals in the Jadeleaf village. But once a great man said this "Wake up to reality! Nothing ever goes as planned in this accursed world"          -Uchiha Madara

Prologue: The Fall of the House of Eldras In an age long forgotten, the House of Eldras stood as one of the most powerful and revered noble families in the land. Known for their mastery over forbidden magic, the Eldras were the victors of a brutal war that reshaped the kingdom. They wielded an heirloom—an artifact of unimaginable power—that granted them dominion over the very forces of nature. But with great power came great envy. Betrayed by former allies and manipulated by political schemes, the Eldras were hunted down. Key figures were massacred, and the remnants of the family were exiled to the shadows, forced to adopt new identities and hide from those who sought their demise. Their legacy was erased from history, their name tarnished by propaganda that painted them as the villains of the war. Years passed, and the memory of the Eldras faded into myth. But deep within the heart of the Redwood Kingdom, a young boy named Sylas, the last bloodline of the fallen family, waits. His Ring—the key to his family’s forgotten power—will soon awaken, setting him on a path to reclaim his birthright. Yet, Sylas harbors no thirst for vengeance. He only desires a better life. But fate has other plans, and the world will soon discover that the true power of the House of Eldras is far from extinguished. In the shadows of the past, the Contracter's Conquest begins. ---

Lisa Davis, a brave and smart girl, blessed with stunning beauty. Tragedy struck her life when she lost her mother in a heart-wrenching accident at the age of 5. Lisa's father, John Davis, later got married to Lisa's stepmother, a kind-hearted woman who would take good care of Lisa. However, as time went on, things didn't unfold as expected. Claire, Lisa's stepmother, proved to be far from the loving, kind mother she hoped for. Instead, she treated Lisa very badly and her daughter affectionately. To make matters more complex, the Davis and Miller families were childhood friends, so they arranged a marriage between their children to further their friendship. Mera Davis, Lisa's stepsister, adamantly refused to marry Lugard Miller, considering the rumors that surrounded him. Whispers echoed through the city, painting Lugard Miller as an ugly beast. It was said that anyone foolish enough to incur his wrath would meet a swift and deadly end. These rumors further flourished, claiming that his face was disfigured so badly that he looked like a monster and he no longer felt the desire to touch a woman because of the catastrophic accident. He never showed his face to the public. Clare's daughter pleaded not to be wed to the "ugly beast," and her mother confronted her husband, saying "My daughter will never marry that ugly, useless man from the Miller family, You have another daughter; marry her off to the Miller family. They are a perfect match." If you're curious to know what happened between Lisa Davis and Lugard Miller, continue reading till you find out.

The main character has transmigrated to a Mysterious Fantasy Land as a 'Clan Leader'. This is an attempt to paint a realistic reimagination of this mystical world from the perspective of a family member, be it nurturing Spirit Fields, raising Spirit Fish, and developing clan industries on all fronts. While supporting those undeserving elders, our main character becomes their protection, inspiring the younger generation to make a name for themselves by bravely venturing into the Sacred Land's Academies. The family members in this story are harmonious and unified, working together in a concerted effort for a shared future. This fantasy world is not about passionate battles, but rather, it focuses on the enhancement of various family industries, where elements like monetary resources, facilities, house servants, household generals, clan members, relatives, and in-laws are key. Enjoy this attempt to view the stereotypical Mysterious Fantasy world from a fresh perspective.

Rae Bennett gave herself a birthday gift at her coming-of-age ceremony—a golden cage. Then she put the boy she loved into the cage. Friends said: We, girls, need to be gentle. So she painted the cage a powdery pink and studded it with glittering diamonds. He asked, "Why?" "Because I love you." She will do whatever it takes to make him hers, even if it means breaking him. What kind of person is Rae Bennett? Everyone would reply: She's a sunny girl who loves to laugh and brings warmth to the world. Wyatt Wright said: She's the moon on Halloween, capable of taking lives. Alternate title of the book: How the Scheming Little Witch Pretends to be Good (PS: The male protagonist is not weak. This is a sweet and healing story)

"I thought the danger was in my mind... until the blood on the walls proved otherwise." Carla’s life is spiraling. Nightmares haunt her nights, and eerie messages stalk her days. The walls of her apartment whisper secrets, and every shadow seems to carry a threat. The police say the culprit is James—a man she painted as violent in the past—but why can’t she shake the feeling that something even darker is at play? As Carla pieces together fragments of her fractured memories, she’s forced to confront the unthinkable: what if the real danger isn’t someone breaking in but someone breaking out? With her friends Rose and Ella pulling her in different directions, and Detective Reilly uncovering truths that don’t add up, Carla’s world becomes a maze of lies, blood, and betrayal. The question isn’t just who’s after her? It’s why does she feel like she already knows the answer?

The night the stars died, Upon the skies darkest time, God lay herself to pass in a crypt. And from her fear, born Of hatred and revenge, God's body became a being of apocalypse. Two siblings were created in God's final moments- One Who Remembered, and One Who Didn't. They had a rivalry, as most siblings do, as their existence relied upon the others eventual demise. The One Who Remembered stayed upon their Mothers Burial Grounds, and The One Who Did Not was taken far away. But when the pair unknowingly reunite, The One Who Remembers goes by a new name, and The One Who Does Not has lied about their own. When God died, she created fear. Now, that fear has a form, and is more then ready to resurrect her. Even at the cost of the very Planet that births their bones in the first place. Content- Necromancy Religious Trauma Religious Brainwashing Dead children Dead brothel workers and a dragon. (I actually Painted the cover myself while on holiday from uni! Acrylic on Canvas, very fun!)

Clara Lennox is an ordinary courier in the bustling metropolis of Lumora, a city where ancient secrets hide beneath neon lights. Her life takes a sharp turn when a routine delivery lands her in the middle of a centuries-old war between vampires, werewolves, and a shadowy order known as the Crimson Pact. Unbeknownst to Clara, she carries a dormant power tied to an ancient artifact that could tip the scales of this war. When Ryker, a rogue werewolf with a haunted past, saves her from a vampire ambush, Clara learns that her very existence has painted a target on her back. The vampires want her blood, the werewolves want her trust, and the Crimson Pact wants her dead. As Clara unravels the mystery of her connection to these supernatural factions, she must navigate dangerous alliances and face her own hidden truths. But there’s a deeper shadow rising—something older and deadlier than either faction can control. And Clara might just be the key to unleashing it… or stopping it. In a world where trust is a luxury and power comes at a cost, Clara must decide who she truly is and whether she’s willing to embrace the darkness to save the light.

In the 21st century Earth gave Birth to greatest genius ever. A genius who Master myriad of arts. Medicine to Engineering. Mathematics to Micro Biology. Weapon Designing to Environmental control. Music to Painting. Dance to Martial arts. He mastered Everything. He created so many things to help mankind such that he got the title 'Greatest Creator'. But what if he cant get justice for the loss of his loved one due to some political reasons? What if the governments which he served are trying to shield the criminals just because they are rich? Well, the Greatest creator turned into 'Greatest Destroyer'. He got his Revenge But the price is he is dead before realising his full potential. . . . What if he gets a Second chance with all the knowledge he gained in his life. A second life in a different world where a different energy exists? Where humans can reach heavens with this energy? What if he comes to this world where he dont have to bother about all the constraints limiting the technology on modern earth? follw the journey of Sam . AUTHOR'S NOTE. The first few chapters will have some mistakes regarding grammar and spellings and some inconvenience with paragraph arrangements. I will re-edit them whenever I am free. you will see the improvement the further you go. so I hope readers will endure a bit and read more chapters before deciding if the read is worth it or not. thank you . Follow me on Instagram @suryaboddus discord: https://discord.gg/XggwchS

Caleb Ardent is an ordinary teenager with a passion for painting, but his life changes forever when he begins his first term at Awakeners Academy—a school for training beast tamers tasked with protecting the world from monstrous creatures emerging from mysterious gates.

Imagination was the eye of the soul, the beginning of creation. Despite her immense power, the Supreme Goddess of Mysterious Origin had to seal herself after saving the world from the threat of destruction. However, she was sent to another world by the universe's will. Ely was a girl suffering from partial memory loss. She was known as the shrine priestess of the Sacred Mountain. One day, she received the holy mission to unseal her Goddess Master. She got her priorities straight. However... The pets she adopted became the Demon Kings, capable of suppressing the world. The tree she planted became the World Tree, forming a bridge between heaven and earth. The passerby who received enlightenment from her became the Sage who led the entire generation. The disciples she nurtured became bigshots known across the three worlds. When she looked back... The street painter who pestered her for her handicrafts and paintings turned out to be a God. The young priestess she recruited was actually the number one saintess from the Divine World. She was known as the holy saintess. Yet, she still referred to herself as a mortal.

Circumstances forced an ordinary doctor to walk into a world filled with underground mafia's and corrupted government organisations. And that same circumstances pulled her into a world filled with flying swords and mountain splitting spells.  A world were people build an entire universe as their core's.  [Augmenting with a star is success] [Aspect awakened: Limit breaker] What to expect:  It’s a LitRPG painted with Xianxia elements, so you can expect both. Flashy spells and creative flaws matching this flashiness. A magic system that follows logic—there will be no plot armour for the sake of the plot. So, you can expect realistic fights. An overpowered MC. Limit breaker, as the aspect tells, MC have no Limits. I swear again,  NO LIMITS!

It all started with a dog named Fujiku, a dirty grave and one broken glass jar. Dahil sa mga iyon ay nagkaroon ng bagong housemate si Ember-si Lantis Arcanghel. He was hot, he was beautiful, he was a little persistent and above all, he was dead, Ito ang may ari ng puntod katabi ng puntod ng parents niya. Oh yes! Multo ang bagong housemate ni Ember ngunit ayaw nitong magpatawag na "multo". Phantom daw ito. At may kailangan sa kaniya ang panty-este phantom. Gusto na nitong tumawid sa linyang naghihiwalay sa mundo ng mga buhay at yumao na at si Ember ang masuwerteng nilalang na napili ni Lantis na tutulong dito. "P-Paano kung...kung ayoko?" tanong ni Ember sa mumu. Inilagay ni Lantis ang kamay sa isang tabi ng ulo niya, pagkatapos ay ang kabila na naman. Na-trap siya sa mga braso nito, na-sandwich sa pagitan ng bookshelf at katawan-este kaluluwa nito. "Then I guess you have to get used to my presence," sabi nito sa boses na hindi niya mawari kung nag-uutos, nanunudyo o nananakot. "Titira ako sa bahay mo. I'll watch you sleep, watch you bathe. I'll watch you dress and undress...I'll talk to you when you're in public places, I'll shout in your ears, I'll follow you anywhere you go...I'll embrace you, I'll sleep beside you...in short, I'll haunt you. Hindi. Kita. Patatahimikin." Anak ng tipaklong! Ito na nga ang may kailangan, ito pa ang may ganang pagbantaan siya! Walang choice si Ember kundi tulungan si Lantis. Magtagumpay kaya siya? O forever nang mananatili ang guwapong multo sa tabi niya?

“Everyone’s life is like a canvas. It is how they choose to paint them” Those words stuck with me and I try my best to paint the most beautiful painting on my canvas. Wang Chaihong has spent her entire life chasing a dream—to stand among the best in the male-dominated world of professional esports. As a female player in the China scene, she’s constantly battling more than just her opponents. Dismissive teammates, biased casters, and an unforgiving online audience test her resilience at every turn. But when one tournament match ended in controversy, Chaihong's career was in jeopardy. With her reputation in shambles and her confidence at an all-time low, she’s left with one question: can she fight her way back?

In a world ravaged by war and despair, the ultimate battle against the Demon God ended, but at an unfathomable cost. Among the countless fallen, one knight remains as a broken survivor whose body and spirit hang on the edge of death. As he gazes upon the twilight sky painted in shades of serenity and regret, his thoughts unravel a tale of loss, sacrifice, and decisions gone wrong. Once a companion to the hero destined to save the world, the knight reflects on the tragic choices that led to the deaths of his family, fiancée, and friends, all in the name of a victory that now feels hollow. His memories paint the picture of a hero whose noble intentions carried devastating consequences, and a knight who silently bore the weight of those decisions. As the final moments of his life slip away, a strange, otherworldly sound disrupts his despair. A voice calls out to him, shattering reality and giving away at a chance to rewrite the past. Will Leo Reylheart find redemption, or will his regrets haunt him in a new world where the line between hero and failure blurs once again?

Thomas, a young man burdened with the responsibility of caring for his younger sister, Beth, stumbles upon a terrifying secret while making a pizza delivery. Inside a dilapidated hut, he encounters a jar of beast souls, and upon opening it, he is inexplicably transformed, his eyes turning a chilling red. Back at work, his coworker notices the alarming change in Thomas's appearance, unaware that he has become host to a malevolent entity. Meanwhile, Sophie, a young inventor with a keen interest in the supernatural, has created a device to detect the presence of mythical "beasts" – creatures of legend thought to have been eradicated centuries ago. When her device alarms, she investigates and stumbles upon Thomas, who is now unknowingly under the influence of the released souls. "Man Beast" is a thrilling story that blends elements of horror, fantasy, and coming-of-age. It explores themes of responsibility, fear, and the unexpected consequences of meddling with the unknown.

When there were strange signs in the sky, there must be demons lurking. Li Mo, who had studied antiques since he was young, had a strange change in his eyes after being struck by lightning. With a pair of divine eyes, he gained the ability to see through things and sense objects. He bought a gourd bottle for 500 yuan at a flea market and sold it for 230,000 yuan. A painting he casually bought turned out to be a genuine work by Xu Beihong, worth thirty to forty million yuan. The black double-eared bottle that came with the purchase of a set of gold jewelry turned out to be a genuine possession of the Ming imperial family. Ancient bronze ware, exquisitely crafted porcelain, calligraphy and painting with bold and vigorous strokes, and thrilling gambling stones came one after another. From then on, Li Mo's life underwent a revolutionary change. "I have divine eyes, and there are no treasures in the world that can escape my sight."

Awakened Talent — Temptation of the Dead: All ghosts naturally have an increased favorability towards him. "The Terrifying Game Has Arrived." Yi Bai awakens a unique talent in a twisted nightmare survival game. His new ability? The power to increase the favorability of ghosts and monsters. But as he ventures deeper into this eerie world, things begin to unravel in ways he never expected… A ghostly supermodel nurse, IV bottle in hand, demands Yi Bai administer her fluids. An aristocratic vampire countess insists that only Yi Bai’s blood can satisfy her thirst. A shape-shifting spirit, with countless faces, relentlessly hunts him, craving the perfect human skin to wear. An ethereal bride, drifting out from an ancient painting, waits for him—her soul bound by a thousand years of sorrow. And then there’s the bulletproof zombie princess, who has her own immortal ideas about what’s truly eternal. As Yi Bai tries to survive in this deadly game, where his charm may be both his greatest weapon and his most dangerous flaw, he must navigate a terrifying world where the dead have their own desires—and they’re not afraid to claim him as their own.

"Portraits of the Undying" Isabella, a talented fine art restorer, is drawn to a remote castle shrouded in secrets, where her work on ancient paintings unearths forgotten memories from a past life she doesn’t understand. The paintings, particularly one of a regal queen who seems to watch her, ignite a mysterious connection that pulls her deeper into the castle’s dark history. As Isabella uncovers the truths hidden in the walls of the castle, she encounters Viktor—a brooding, enigmatic man whose gaze hides more than he reveals. But when strange visions begin to blur the line between past and present, Isabella’s reality starts to unravel, revealing the truth about her royal lineage, a tragic love, and a bond that transcends time. Haunted by whispers and visions, Isabella must navigate her growing feelings for Viktor, the appearance of a rival named Damien, and the mysterious allure of a castle that might just be alive. But the deeper she delves, the more she questions: Who is she really, and why is the castle calling her back to its forgotten depths?

In a world shattered by the death of its gods, chaos reigns, and humanity clings to survival within domains ruled by the strong. Divine energy. scattered like embers after the gods' fall, grants power to those ruthless enough to claim it. Alicard Whiles is no hero-just another scavenger scraping by in the ruins of a forgotten age, but when he stumbles onto an ancient inheritance left by a dying god, everything changes. The inheritance fuses with his soul, granting him unmatched potential and a wisp of the god's memories to guide him. Yet power comes with a cost. As Alicard rises through the ranks of ascenders, his divine gift sets him apart-and paints a target on his back. To survive, he must harness forbidden techniques, navigate treacherous alliances, and face horrors born from the gods' demise. Bute even as his strength grows, so does the whisper of madness in his mind. The world teeters on the edge of collapse. Sealed horrors stir, divine laws unravel, and the inheritance may hold the key to salvation-or doom.

She's a struggling artist who never believed in love. He’s a cold-hearted billionaire, scarred by betrayal. Their worlds collide when she accidentally ruins his million-dollar painting at a gala, sparking a fiery feud. Determined to teach her a lesson, he traps her in a devil’s deal, one that binds her to him in ways she never imagined. But what starts as revenge turns into obsession. Beneath his icy exterior lies a man consumed by desire, and beneath her resistance is a woman who craves his touch. In a whirlwind of passion, power struggles, and secrets, they navigate a world where love is a luxury and obsession is dangerous. Will their fiery connection consume them both, or will it thaw his frozen heart and teach her to trust again?

Iori Nanase, a passionate artist known for her vivid imagination and intricate paintings, begins experiencing strange dreams of an enigmatic man. In her dreams, he is otherworldly yet familiar, surrounded by an aura of mystery. As days pass, Iori starts seeing glimpses of this man everywhere—on the bustling streets, at quiet cafés, and even within the strokes of her own artwork. When she finally comes face-to-face with him, an inexplicable connection surges through her, as though their souls have been intertwined for lifetimes. This man, who introduces himself as Alaric, exudes an ethereal charm, and Iori finds herself drawn to him in ways she can’t explain. This is a tale of timeless love, destiny, and the power of art to bridge even the greatest of divides.

"Hnnng." A woman's first moan was always a good sign. Even if she tries to suppress it, it can't be suppressed, so she lets out a breath. As she moaned, his wife's head fell back. The yukatas were randomly strewn above the sheets. A wisteria petal was stuck to the back of her neck. He stretched down and bit the flower petal. The petal and skin both crumbled between his teeth. The sweet taste spread in his mouth like an aphrodisiac. "Haa..." Xiao's hand gripped her abandoned yukata. He had already teased her nipples, and they glistened as they perked up. With another surge of desire, Jun Shang cupped her breast once again. His wife's body was beautiful. It was as smooth as a painting. Her perfectly supple breasts, her long and slender hands and feet. More than that, the most captivating features were her fragrance and her pale, soft skin that seemed to melt underneath her hands. 'You're beautiful.' She didn't seem to be touched by his words. There was no reason for her to respond with 'You too' just to be polite. But none of that mattered. Her proud face and her cold eyes. All of it. He liked all of it. And starting today, all of it would be his. "Ahh."

Stuck in a world of nightmares, born after two worlds merging, are two main characters; a troubled human named Art, and a Mirrikhian Prince named Sin. Each belonging to two different worlds, magic and not magic. And Sin believes they share a fate. Destined to walk a path that paints them as twisted villains that caused The Merge and the deaths of many. Sin will do anything in his power to reach the heavens for magic that will help him achieve his goals. And Art will fight against him with power and allies of his own. One against the other, still standing unaware of the troubles that lie within themselves.

"The new book 'Scolded as the Star of Death, All the Big Shots in the Capital Rush to Spoil Me' is now available!" Also known as "Reborn Era: Getting Rich with the Check-In System." [A physical powerhouse of a female lead vs. a vindictive, sarcastic, and elegant male protagonist] After a laboratory explosion, Lin Tang returns to that impoverished era and is bound to a check-in system. Before she has time to claim the newcomer gift pack, her fiancé, sporting an air of confidence, comes to break off the betrothal. The reason being, he's about to secure a stable job. Lin Tang looks at the ordinary yet self-assured man, parted her red lips slightly and said, "...break it off!" Less than a month later, her ex-fiancé was fired for some reason. Lin Tang took a stroll around the county and became the executive officer of the Broadcasting Station in the Textile Factory. Ex-fiancé's internal OS: Is it too late to reconcile now? - Those times were tough! Despite being treasured by her three big brothers and parents, everything from food to cloth and even soap required coupons... Even living frugally couldn't alleviate the miserable condition. Looking at the black mush in the bowl, Lin Tang fell silent, “......” Thankfully, she had a system! Need anything? Just check in to get it. - Many years later. A handsome man looked at his delicate wife with a fair complexion, managing to keep a straight face as he said, “I heard you could knock out a wild boar with just two punches?” Lin Tang's eyes sparkled, her fingers gently exerting force, and the Enamel Jar in her hand deformed. She responded in a stern manner, “Nonsense! Don't believe those rumors. We're civilized people and can't be that barbaric!”

Grade Three Ironclad Battle Demon Ant (extremely rare species), with a lifespan of 30.5 years, possesses special abilities (immense strength, swiftness, armor-piercing, soul-eroding poison, moderate intelligence +, possesses mid-level carapace, demonization; in a demonized state, its speed increases fivefold, attack strength tenfold, defense fivefold). Puppet Worker Ants can capture creatures of the same grade or lower. Elephant Trunk Soldier Ants can release chemical substances to attack enemies... (Main features include cultivation, breeding, insect taming, and cultivation.)

As if unrequited love was not enough, Vaidehi is cursed with a dead husband, power hungry guardians and distasteful glares from the society. But, though painful, life was consistent; a calm river where she needed not to look out for monsters. But then, she is hooked and dragged—only to be thrown in the middle of a stormy sea. Her only constant—a man with eyes more tumultuous than the wretched sea. But as the days turn into nights, and the sky is painted darker, Vaidehi realizes maybe she sought solace from the very root of her despair. (The cover art used is not my own. All pictures used are taken from pinterest)

Year 1540 Nicole is a lowly human from the mainland trying to make ends meet as she would often paint for middle and high-class people sometimes even Purebloods which was rare in her case. She receives little money which doesn’t financially support her living. Until one day she received an invitation from the Snow Kingdom to paint the great Lord Jasper Gervassius. She reaches the kingdom and Meets Lord Jasper in the hopes of making a big income she receives more than what she bargains for. ---------------------------------- Teaser: Jasper placed both of his hands on either side of Nicole's head trapping her with his body. He stared down at her looking at his sweet innocent lamb, he couldn't help but smile at her widely. Her doe-like eyes staring back at him only made him want to devour her "Why do you play these games with me darling you know I don't like it. I think you forgot who you're dealing with." He leaned down against her lips slightly flicking his tongue in her mouth making her crave for more."My Quahneah Woman" Nicole gasped in shock as she wondered how he knew her tribe's name. Before she could say another Jasper had cupped her cheek softly placing his lips on hers and kissing her softly as he slowly removed his hands against the wall. He was wrapping his arms around her waist bringing her body closer to his as there was no space between them. As they continued Nicole started to become breathless pulling herself back to breathe, she couldn't help but look up to see Jasper looking at her with a smile that was Duchenne. His purple orbs looked into her seeing the love and adorn affection he was showing her.  "Jasper I have a question to ask you" Jasper hummed waiting for her question" What are we going to do about the tirade ." Jasper's smile suddenly became sinister as he narrowed his eyes "Why don't you leave that to me, darling."

Synopsis:
Sophia Harris is a struggling painter scraping by in a tiny apartment, desperate for recognition. Her world changes when she receives a mysterious letter predicting her first big sale. Though skeptical, she’s shocked when the prediction comes true the next day.   The letters continue, guiding Sophia toward unexpected opportunities and challenges. One letter leads her to Adrian Steele, a reclusive billionaire CEO with an air of mystery. Adrian offers Sophia a lucrative commission, but their meeting feels far from coincidental. Sophia begins to sense that her art and the enigmatic letters are tied to something far greater and far more dangerous than she could have imagined.   As Sophia’s career blossoms under Adrian’s influence, she discovers haunting secrets about his family’s cursed past. Her paintings start revealing visions she doesn’t understand, leading her to question whether the letters are a blessing or a curse. Each prediction pulls Sophia and Adrian closer together, even as they uncover a sinister force intent on controlling their destinies.   With her heart and talent intertwined in the unfolding mystery, Sophia must confront the truth: her future, her art, and her growing feelings for Adrian are part of a prophecy she can no longer ignore.

How far would you go to feel loved? At the expense of your sanity? To be loved is to be seen, it’s no wonder the length people go to, to be loved. Xavian who is a struggling painter, falls in love with his painting. A painting of a hauntingly beautiful woman named Odessa. His world starts to spiral out of control when he starts seeing the painting as a real woman. “Why do I crave something I never had before?” Xavian finds himself bewildered by the idea of him hopelessly falling in love with a painting, a painting he himself painted.