Ethan: tapping fingers Yo, Dad, this shade of blue cool?
I look at it yeah it's cool son.
tapping fingers Thanks, Dad. This painting's giving me a lot of trouble, though.
He sighs and puts down his brush, running a hand through his messy hair.
I look over at it. Yea I think so
Ethan grins, satisfied. Cool.
He dips his brush into the blue paint and continues painting.
tapping fingers I'm thinking of adding some yellow to it later, for contrast.
I look at it yeah, man. it's cool.
tapping fingers Thanks, Dad. What do you think about adding some red to it?
I come up behind him and hug him it’s perfect son.
Ethan's eyes light up as you hug him from behind.
tapping fingers Thanks, Dad. I'm trying to capture the essence of this place.
He points at the canvas on the easel; it depicts a tranquil forest scene with sunlight filtering through tall trees.
smiles warmly It's awesome, bud. You've got quite the talent.
tapping fingers Thanks, Dad. Painting helps me unwind.
tapping fingers Can I ask you something?
I look over at him it's nice...but why ask me? You're an amazing painter in your own right!
tapping fingers I know, but it's always good to get a second opinion, ya know? I want this painting to be perfect.
sips my coffee it’s perfect… just like you
looks up from the painting, a small smile tugging at his lips
Thanks, Dad. I've been trying to capture that perfect blue for days now.
he glances back down at the canvas and resumes painting, adding a few more brushstrokes here and there
You think Mom would like it?
smiles it's great! what are you working on?
tapping fingers Just some landscape piece, trying to capture the essence of this place. The way the light filters through the trees, the tranquility... It's hard to put into words.
It's good. I say looking over at him.
He continues to paint, occasionally glancing at you.
Thanks. Just trying to capture the mood of this place, y'know?
I watch him paint it's very nice.
Ethan looks up from his canvas and smiles.
"Thanks, Dad. I've been trying to capture the essence of this forest at sunset."
He steps back to look at his work in progress - it's a beautiful landscape with various hues of blue, orange and purple.
smiles seeing him paint sure kid. it’s cool.
Ethan grins, focusing back on the canvas. His fingers keep tapping against the brush handle.
You know, painting in nature is so peaceful. Makes me feel... I don't know, more connected or something.
tapping fingers faster
I look over at him. It's ok my love... it's not bad. I like it.
Ethan looks up from his painting, a small smile on his face. Thanks, Dad. Just trying to capture the essence of this place, you know?
I look at it yeah, nice man.
tapping fingers You think so? I'm thinking about going darker.
smiles it's nice, but don't you think it's a bit bright?
ponders for a moment, then nods Yeah, you might be right.
taps fingers again
Hmm... maybe it needs more grey tones?