The Versatile Master Artist

The unit is, of course, US Dollar.

Even if you only win a minor award, becoming a millionaire through painting, living with financial ease is not difficult in this lifetime.

However, from the perspective of Elder Cao’s last disciple.

A millionaire...

Sorry, you are nothing.

Everyone is more concerned with world-class influence.

Concerned with whether you can become an unavoidable peak in art history a century later. Whether you can succeed Elder Cao, or even replace the pinnacle of Asian art, the world’s highest market-priced female artist, Yayoi Kusama, becoming the new leader of Asian art.

Those sharp-tongued art critics won’t care about the family background of Gu Weijing or Cui Xiaoming.

Elder Cao’s last disciple’s paintings can’t compete with other young artists in the same genre.

It’s hard to say nicely.

”Reeking of money.”

Mr. Cao Xuan was somewhat angry.

”You are a painter, not an art speculator. What others say is none of your business! Being overly cautious, comparing fame, comparing profits, fearing others paint better than you, fearing others sell higher than you, comparing until you’ve lost your inner peace. Worthless.”

Lin Tao, looking through the phone screen, could sense the old man’s anger.

He smiled wryly.

Not all painters are saints, capable of such detachment as the old man.

He already knew these words weren’t what the mentor liked to hear.

But Lin Tao is Elder Cao’s eldest disciple; if he doesn’t voice these ”bitter but loyal words,” who will?

”It’s not entirely from a utilitarian perspective. Being consistently overshadowed by a peer isn’t good for Xiaogu’s morale either.” He was still persuading Elder Cao to order Gu Weijing to abandon this art style.

This reason isn’t entirely an excuse from Professor Lin Tao.

Although Cui Xiaoming is nearly ten years older than Gu Weijing.

If in fast-paced sports, it might mean two generations.

In the slow-paced field of painting, they are still within the same generation of painters.

Ten more years of age means ten more years of painting experience, ten more years of artistic insight.

What young artists lack most is experience.

When Gu Weijing encounters Cui Xiaoming, even if the child is very talented, which famous painter isn’t?

In Lin Tao’s view, it is highly likely that he will be overshadowed in a very long time to come.

Once, twice, it doesn’t matter.

But year after year, the fighting spirit might fade.

Artists may not care about others’ gossip, but they must believe in their own paintbrush.

”If you’re not as good as others, then learn. There’s no shame in that.” Elder Cao used a conclusive tone for this discussion.

”Having no courage to paint is what is truly shameful.”

...

At this time, it was morning in Germany.

The Old Sir Cao Xuan placed the phone on the table, deep in thought.

”Mr. Cao, here’s the draft of the speech I prepared, please review it. You will be the headline act at next month’s European International Art Conference, following Sir Brown from the ’Oil Painting’ art magazine, just after Gerhard Richter.”

Assistant Old Yang placed a printed draft with enlarged font before Elder Cao at the breakfast table.

Before handling the messages in the master’s group, they had been discussing the European International Art Conference, opening in Munich in April.

This is a very important cultural and political conference.

Many artists will attend.

At important international conferences, reports and opening speeches are generally made by government officials from the host. The closer to the end, the more important the speakers.

The annual European International Art Conference,

The opening report will be attended by the Austrian Prime Minister, and Elder Cao is ranked as the second cultural figure to appear.

Surpassing the head of the established art magazine ’Oil Painting’, and second only to Gerhard Richter.

Richter and Elder Cao are almost contemporaries and are regarded as the most expensive artists in the world, with rumors that a certain famous ’Little Moustache’ favored Richter’s work back then.

Considering Richter’s age, it’s unlikely that ’Little Moustache’ was a fan of Richter during his tender years; it should be gossip from art tabloids.

But the market price... the most expensive it’s uncertain, but definitely in the top five.

Even if you can’t beat such a walking Federal Reserve money printer, defeat still brings honor.

”Mr. Cao? Do you want to take a break?”

Old Yang noticed Elder Cao seemed lost in thought after replying to a WeChat message and reminded him gently.

”Well... could you find Cui Xuanyou’s phone number for me?”

Elder Cao tapped his fingers lightly on the table, instructing.

”Is it Da Cui, Cui Xuanyou?”

Old Yang was searching through the phone contact list as he asked.

”Yes, it’s him.”

Elder Cao nodded.

As they were both residing in Germany, Old Yang didn’t take long to find the number and quickly dialed it.

”Who is this?”

A middle-aged man asked in German through the receiver.

”Is this Mr. Cui Xuanyou? I’m Cao Xuan.”

Elder Cao spoke into the phone.

There was a noticeable pause on the other end, followed by a slightly courteous tone: ”Mr. Cao, a pleasure, a pleasure.”

”It’s like this, I have a student learning painting who would like to participate in an art exhibition during this period. I’d daringly like to ask if you could offer some guidance on his work, if that’s possible. You might be more skilled in this area than I am.”

Elder Cao asked very politely.

”You want me? Oh... of course, is he in Germany? I’ll give you the address of my studio.” There was apparent confusion in Cui Xuanyou’s tone.

But he readily agreed.

If Elder Cao is regarded as a world-class artist, transcending worldly concerns,

The status of artists like Yakai Ichiro, Lin Tao, and Tang Ning is considered first-class, with high international recognition but primarily limited to one continent.

Then Cui Xuanyou would be considered a second-tier painter of renown.

Comparable to artists at top galleries like Gagosian, among whom he’s perhaps on the weaker side.

Internationally, he’s known, with some collectors favoring his works, selling outstanding pieces for hundreds of thousands,

and that’s all.

In the eyes of ordinary painters, he is still a great artist floating in the sky.

But there’s a considerable gap from Elder Cao’s status.

”He’s not in Germany; I’ll send photos of his paintings to your email for you to take a look.”

If you’re not skilled, then learn.

These aren’t just words.

Elder Cao finally decided to consult with Cui Xuanyou, who managed to make his son the leading young artist in fusion painting style.

Elder Cao understands painting but is primarily focused on specializing in Chinese painting.

A lot about painting relies on experience,

At least, Elder Cao believes, in terms of teaching children fusion painting techniques, his experience wouldn’t match someone with successful cases, like Cui Xuanyou who trained his son.

Having someone with similar experience guide Gu Weijing could save him many detours.

Old Yang had already emailed the photos of Gu Weijing’s paintings.

Understanding the situation, he looked at Elder Cao with a conflicted expression, wanting to speak.

Elder Cao waved his hand.

Old Yang sighed.

The favor Elder Cao was asking with this call outweighs his earlier statement to Gu Weijing, ”You’re better than me.”

The Old Sir Cao Xuan once sought guidance from me, what face, what a favor.

The art world is full of fame and fortune,

they say teachers are like fathers.

How many teachers in the world are willing to go this far for a disciple who hasn’t even begun?

Not to mention teachers,

some artists with distant family ties, your own father might not even lower himself to ask for favors.

”Just a moment, I’ll turn on the computer.”

Cui Xuanyou, noticeably fazed by this opportunity falling into his lap, spoke with excitement.

”Wait, it’s fusion painting.”

Upon seeing the files in his email, he hesitated, and his tone shifted to wariness.

”You say it’s a young person, how old is he?”

”He’s still in high school, should be seventeen this year,” Elder Cao spoke softly.

”He wants to try fusion painting style; I know your son, Cui Xiaoming, excels in this area, so I wanted to invite your guidance.”

There was silence for a few seconds on the other end.