The Masterpiece — Part Three
By Joachim Heijndermans
A different crowd drew close in the ensuing eons. Less privileged, more bohemian in their ways. These folks were interested in the final piece just to see what it looked like. Financial value was the furthest from their mind. And they were more fortunate than the royals, as the current stage of the work gave them more insight into what was to come. Still, most did not see it that way, with patience running thin quickly and annoyance with the Artist becoming a regular scene of the day.
The major step in creating a great piece of art lies in the initial rough sketch. One cannot simply begin slapping paint against the canvas with wild abandon if there isn't an idea to work towards. The Artist felt no different. He refused to begin painting until his rough layout was completed, no matter how many impatient interested parties complained or spew threats toward him.
“Start already! How much longer do we have to wait on you to get on and paint? You owe it to us,” they would roar, scream, and blubber.
The Artist ignored them. What could they possibly do? If they beat him and give him one over, it would only prolong the process. He continued, and anyone who had any interest in seeing the finalized version would simply have to wait patiently.
Those gathered, with nothing better to do but wait, eventually went on with their lives. People began to chat with one another. Friendships were struck up. Romances sparked. Copulation became a common occurrence, with pregnancies and births following suit among those it was possible among. Houses were erected. Trade routes were established to supply the need for them. Markets were built and soon enough entire civilizations began to be built at the edge of the canvas. Life went and found its way, as all the while the Artist toiled at his initial sketch.
Joachim Heijndermans is a writer, artist, filmmaker, and SFWA member from the Netherlands. His work has been published in a great number of publications, featured on podcasts and adapted to television and film, including the Netflix animated series 'Love, Death & Robots'.
Copyright © 2025 Joachim Heijndermans