The Versatile Master Artist

The reason Mr. Cao suggested Gu Weijing learn Lang Shining’s techniques is because his fusion painting style carries the initial mark of civilizations clashing and merging.

Moreover, since Lang Shining worked for the royal family, his brushwork is neat and precise, with many well-preserved works available online for easy viewing.

It’s convenient for a child of Gu Weijing’s age to study and learn.

As for Mr. Cao,

the fusion painting style is certainly pleasing, but at Cao Xuan’s level, learning Lang Shining would be somewhat redundant and unnecessary.

There’s no need for the old man himself.

If Professor Lin Tao and the other older generation students merely imitate Lang Shining, they’d be ridiculed by critics.

These great painters standing at the pyramid’s peak need not simply imitate ancient styles.

They must create their own personal styles, growing new branches and bearing new fruits on the tree of art history.

"Hmph, sly little guy. I asked him to learn Lang Shining for his ability to convey images, not to completely replicate the techniques unchanged and cheat. Though the painting isn’t impressive, his imitation and learning skills are indeed commendable. Hmm, the composition is passable."

The old man carefully examined the brushwork and techniques in the photograph.

The old man muttered with a chuckle, not sure if he was criticizing or praising.

"Lacks originality!"

That young Gu was able to produce such a piece of work as an assignment in just over a month.

Mr. Cao Xuan was actually quite satisfied overall.

He was even extremely pleased.

The brushwork still appeared inexperienced, and the techniques lacked Gu Weijing’s own ideas; the color transitions were not smooth or satisfactory.

These are all considered shortcomings by high-level art masters.

However,

being able to grasp and absorb the techniques of Lang Shining, a historical and renowned great painter, in such a short time.

This level and talent are enough to put many older and somewhat famous painters to shame.

Furthermore,

Gu Weijing’s level of brushwork in painting has shown significant progress compared to what Mr. Cao Xuan had previously seen.

The ability to learn and absorb external knowledge is valued more by the old man than simply the quality of this painting.

An excellent art student should be like a sponge, capturing the essence whenever an art predecessor’s brush and ink flow in their presence.

"Being deemed ’passable’ by you, sir, is already quite an achievement."

Old Yang saw firsthand Professor Lin Tao becoming cheerful for half a day due to a barely passable comment from Mr. Cao.

"So, I bet once Ma Shi Gallery is signed, Mr. Xiao Gu is really aiming to win an award at the Singapore Biennale."

"Tsk tsk tsk, winning in the master group at 18, he should set a historical record for the competition. Titian gained fame in Florence when he was under twenty; being a young prodigy passed down to this day, it’s much the same."

Old Yang joked, seeing that the old man’s mood was quite good now: "The young guy you initially chose has turned from a good disciple into a fellow apprentice—I bet Professor Lin must be feeling a mix of emotions."

"You’re overly praising. At Titian’s age, he was already painting important church murals for the archbishop, being as famous as then-master Giorgione. Gu Weijing merely has some talent for copying, still far from those accomplishments." Mr. Cao snorted.

"An award? This kid just imitates the ancients. Even if the committee is in a good mood, granting him a petty prize, the award should be given to Lang Shining instead of this young fellow." The old man didn’t oppose the notion that Gu Weijing’s painting has a chance to win at the exhibition.

"If you say so, sir, the biennale would have no hope of running. Borrowing is part of painting creation; even Picasso plagiarized others’ works."

"Given Gu Weijing’s age, learning some techniques from predecessor masters is hardly a flaw."

Old Yang said casually: "If I’d had Mr. Xiao Gu’s painting at my university level, I’d be dying to flaunt my work everywhere."

"That’s why you are just my assistant. Do you ever see me wanting to take you on as a disciple?" Mr. Cao retorted.

Old Yang was used to these remarks, having long developed the thick-skinned skill of taking Mr. Cao’s mockery as praise.

Such a master as Mr. Cao, people yearn to be scolded daily with no chance.

Being scolded more now, serving Mr. Cao will provide brag-worthy stories in the future, and moving to a Grand Gallery as an agent would mean lots of money.

"Please, being an assistant is satisfying enough. Being your disciple, I’m nowhere near blessed enough for that, probably need two more lifetimes of cultivation."

Old Yang casually threw in a flattering remark or two.

"With this level and age, signing with a gallery doesn’t seem premature, right?"

He’s connected with the frontline art market quite a lot.

On gallery signing, Old Yang’s view differs slightly from the old master’s.

Old Yang believes young, technically skilled artists being put in the spotlight sooner to inform collectors is certainly not a bad thing.

Reputation grows with nurturing.

As long as top art magazines and seasoned critics don’t consistently denounce a young artist, the overall market environment and collectors’ confidence remain steady.