AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Emma slid into the chair across from him. It was a struggle to keep from staring at this woman who’d been on his mind all week and was now sitting in front of him, looking at him expectantly.
“I just wanted to say that I really appreciated your work on the report, particularly the section on future developments.”
“Thank you.” Emma grinned.
“Where did you get the research on future trends?”
“A few different places.” She leaned forward slightly. “I know there’s a lot of controversy over whether digital art is here to stay or whether physical art will remain the most popular. What I didn’t have space to mention in the report is that the two ideas aren’t mutually exclusive. While I do think physical craftsmanship will always make a comeback, there’s an important place for digital art in the world, too.”
“Oh, I agree.” Patrick leaned forward too. “I’m not much of a fan of digital art, but I do appreciate it. I’m more concerned about AI than human-created digital art.”
Emma nodded slowly. “I think AI can be a good thing. It’s hard for any artificial intelligence to be as creative as a human artist, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a place for AI in the art world. And I think AI can’t possibly replace human artists. There’s just something special about work created by a person.”
Patrick nodded. “I couldn’t agree more. What’s your background in art?”
“I double majored in art and art history in college.”
“Really? What art do you make?”
“Not much right now.” Emma blushed. “The last few years I haven’t been as creative as I used to be. Other work tends to take over. But I’ve always loved to paint — acrylics, mostly. Some watercolors.”
“Then you know.” Patrick smiled. “You can always tell the real artists apart from the people who just like to study art.”
“Are you an artist?” Emma looked interested.
Patrick had to laugh. “Me? Not at all. The last time I drew or painted something, I was probably in kindergarten. But I love to study art. And to look at it.”
“I’m surprised.” Emma tilted her head. “A lot of the art investors I’ve known don’t seem to care much about the art itself, only how much it’s worth or how much it will be worth in a few years.”
“That is my primary consideration,” Patrick admitted. “At least when I collect art as an investment. No matter how much I like a piece myself — or how much I dislike it — I need to do what’s best for my company. In my personal collection, I’m more driven by my own interests.”
It could have been a trick of the light, but Patrick thought he saw Emma sit up a little straighter at the mention of his personal collection. Sure enough, she had a follow-up right away.
“What kind of pieces do you have in your personal collection?”
“Oh, a real variety. The art I own ranges from sculptures to paintings to sketches. It all depends on what I find the most interesting.”
“And what do you find most interesting?”
“I tend to like landscapes. The more gorgeous and realistic, the better.” Patrick’s mind went momentarily to Aurora, the piece that had awoken his love for art and inspired his lifelong interest in landscapes.
“That’s funny because when I painted a lot, I was a landscape painter.”
“Really? I’d love to see something you painted.”
At that moment, Patrick realized that this was no innocent chat with a colleague. Or at least, it didn’t feel like it. He and Emma were talking easily, freely. It was a feeling he hadn’t had in a long time. It was strange, but it was nice, too.
Emma blushed. “You look at the works of masters every day. I think my paintings would be pretty underwhelming. And like I said, I haven’t painted much in years.”
“Well, if you change your mind, I’d still like to see your work.”
Emma’s blush deepened, but she nodded. Then she quickly changed the subject. “Do you have a favorite era of art?”
“Nineteenth-century pastoral art is some of my favorite. And I love Chinese landscape paintings, like the shan sui style, from the 1300s. And I’m impressed with how modern landscape art plays with history and meaning.”
“Wow.” Emma shook her head slowly. “You’ve just named a few of my favorite eras. I know a lot of people love sublime landscapes, but to me they’re unsettling.”
Patrick chuckled. “I see what you mean. But just like you said about digital art, I think there’s an important place for sublime art. That’s the wonderful thing about art, isn’t it? It provokes such strong responses, and sometimes such different ones between different people. And it’s nice that there’s something for everyone.”
