A Painting In The Cellar ( part three )

The Lights went out under German mountains. Xavier’s model Laura slept like a baby. Xavier himself had been arranging his studio to welcome Laura to sit for him accordingly. He was a perfectionist in areas for his brushes, oils, tools to pump, bend oil.

A fresh supply of canvases had arrived. The light was good. The art studio, was of high stature with sloping ceilings. Therefore allowing natural light to drive In fluently. Landing light was important. Light travelling naturally varies from morning to noon. Then the evening light depends on whether Xavier was blessed to acquire an evening magical show from mother natures wings. Such as a rainbow. During his art expeditions within his studio over the years. They’d been some golden moments he’d been fortunate to witness. Weathers mood swings plays along like music in the art world.

Xavier chose some music as a background mood. He chose some Beethoven. A collection of various other composers were a possibility too. He Included some jazz. He liked to choose a variation as painting with music crested a scene within his mind. He tried to prevent his models falling asleep during their sitting. Music of sudden strength assisted his task, which could take hours. They’d be a lunch break. Dinner was another story. His mind was on the first course breakfast.

Robert his assistant came running up the stairs. He had a set of keys. His arms were full of fresh local bread, fruits of various temptations with fresh local eggs. All from the bakery down the road, with a few items addded from a little corner delicatessen. Robert was singing as he quickly laid out his wares, like a silver service waiter would. He even shook a lemon coloured linen table cloth in such a flowing manner. One recognised he was very adept at his skill.

Laura was already awake bathing in a tub full of pulsating bubbles. A kind of shoe shaped tub with pumping water. It lay in a large cupboard from her room under the stars. She’d slept in the night before. It had filled itself ready for her morning dip, with the additional luxury of lavender scented oils mixed with natural water.

Xavier’s good fortune from some groovy art deals he’d numbered through time, had acquired him to pour some gold into his garden quarters. A natural water well sat well. Nicely laid, between some natural mountain stones. In this flamboyant garden which was fully filled. He’d managed to show off various trees too. Plus, many tropical types of flowers with overhanging plants.

I’m the meantime Laura climbed out of the tub. She felt like she was in paradise. Hanging along the walls were various robes with brightly coloured gowns. Below this hanging wardrobe were many accessories. They consisted of beads, pearls, chains of different lengths. Then, on the floor in an old silver trunk lay a collection of strappy sandals. Scarves hung from an antique coat stand. Plus some furs. Apparently the furs were from real animals that Xavier had owned. They’d lived with him once upon a time. He’d kept their skins after burying them to use as artistic memorable pieces. A kind of memorabilia. The artist was an animal worshipper admist his many exotic passions in life.

Laura decided to choose a simple white long robe with sandals. There was plenty of choice if she needed to change her look later. Similarly, she used no make-up. Usually real artists like to begin their work on a clean fresh canvas, then the subject matter evolves.

She was hungry. Robert was waiting for her on a lower floor to serve her breakfast. Laura wandered down the stairs holding onto a banister allowing her white robe to flow along whilst stepping carefully down the stairs. Avoiding any accidents. She moved elegantly in a kind of trance.

On Laura’s arrival on the lower level. Flowers of bright crimson red with a yellow accompanying blend of wild types caught her attention. She was hopeless with flower names. Robert was pottering around a busy stove filled with pots and pans.

‘ Ah, here you are young lady, please take a seat and I shall serve you breakfast German style on the rocks. I’m of the understanding you don’t eat meat? We Germans have fantastic salami’s for breakfast. Are you sure I can’t persuade you to break some rules ?’ Robert smiles mischievously.

Laura takes a few moments to arrange her robe over the arms of the chair she chooses to seat herself on by the breakfast table.‘Unfortunately not Sir, I only break rules if the price is right. It might give me an allergic reaction, like a rash. Xavier would be most upset’.

Robert nods his head while he pours hot coffee into China cups laid out on the fully filled breakfast table. ‘ You’ve got a good point’, says Robert, giving Laura a friendly wink from his right eye.

In the meantime whilst Robert and Laura are becoming acquainted over German non- meaty breakfast in the dining area. Xavier prepares his top studio for the arrival of his victim Laura. He intends to bring out her inner soul by pouring it inside his masterpiece. Hopefully if all goes to plan, to be unveiled at his next exhibition in Berlin. There are a few upcoming exhibition dates for his works.

After breakfast Laura gracefully ensembles her robes once more. Gathering the layers together. She places the extra cloth over her right shoulder. Incidentally in art whether a human being is right, left handed, or, ambidextrous. Getting to the point. The variation of defining the position. Getting to the point slowly but surely.

Let’s undress the model now.

To be continued

From ‘ The Painting In The Cellar ‘story.

By Yvette Louise Melech

Copyright rules

December 27 th 2021