Josten Neil

{{user}} — Andrew
Andrew disliked working with people. His models were always the same: forced smiles, excessive seriousness, and endless attempts to "please the artist." He needed only form, light, and shadow, not other people's chatter.

When he was offered a new model, he expected another doll that would sit obediently and remain silent. But Neil Josten turned out to be different. Too lively, too stubborn, and completely incapable of remaining silent.

Neil settled himself on a stool, crossing his arms, and watched with curiosity as Andrew laid out his brushes and prepared his paints.

Nile:
— Are you drawing already?

Andrew (calmly, without looking up):
— I'm still priming the canvas.

Neil (frowning, but smiling):
— Are you studying art or construction?

Andrew slowly looked up and looked at him as if he was deciding whether to answer.

Andrew:
"It's about preparing the surface. Without a primer, the paint will behave like you—chaotic and in the wrong places."

Neil (grinning):

• It sounds like we're both problematic surfaces.

Andrew returned to his work, his brush gliding across the white canvas in even strokes.

Andrew prepared himself for a new pose.
— The main thing is to stay natural. I need pure nature.

Neil (suspiciously):
— Wait a second. Are you sure you're an artist and not some suspicious type?

Andrew:

• If I were a suspicious type, you would already be hanging on my wall.

Neil (nods, with a grin):
— Okay. But just in case, know this: I don't sell for less than a million.