The Universe and Beyond

Universe 9: Inspiration

ZEN

I'm sitting on a stool in front of my blank canvas. For the past days Professor Martinez taught us of different oil painting techniques and now we're here in class to paint a simple one. Kailangan naming ipinta ang vase na nakapatong sa mesa na puno ng mga pulang rosas. We can use any techniques that suits our taste according to him.

Actually, painting with a model is quite easy. My problem now isn't painting a model but the individual project. Because I can't think of something important to me. Something I don't want to forget. I'm already racking my brain for nights but there's nothing coming into mind.

I need some inspirations but I can't find it. Now I'm doubting myself if this art is really for me.

"Lola... Nakakunot na naman ang noo mo," pang-aasar ni Rozend na nagpabalik sa katinuan ko. Sumimangot ako at tiningnan siya nang masama. Ngumiti lang siya sa 'kin at muling bumalik sa ginagawang pagpipinta.

I'm sitting next to him and I noticed that he's already sketching the table and vase with his skillful hands. His hand movements are so smooth that I kind of envy him. As if he's really certain of what he's doing. There's no doubt and worry with his every brush stroke. He's really cut for this. He's born to be a painter.

And I feel like I can watch him all day while he's painting. It's a magnificent and mesmerizing sight to see.

Tumigil siya sa ginagawa nang mapansin na nakatingin lang ako sa bawat galaw ng mga kamay niya.

"Lola... medyo nahihiya ako sa ginagawa mong panonood," saad niya sa 'kin. Nahihiyang ngumiti siya sa 'kin pero napansin kong nakangiti ang mga mata niya.

"Because you're good at painting," seryosong saad ko.

"I'm a little embarrass when you're complimenting me. You can just go back to your old self. I don't mind. I will still accept you with all my heart," he said with a teasing grin.

Inirapan ko siya bago ako nag-iwas ng tingin sa kanya. I started to sketch the table and the vase and its red roses. My hands skillfully traced every edge of the image in front of me. I started to apply paints to recreate the color of the table, the vase and the rose's stems and petals.

Natigilan ako nang mapansin kong nakatingin si Rozend sa ginagawa ko. Masamang tingin ang ipinukol ko sa kanya.

"Problema mo?" pagtataray ko.

"You're good at painting too," he said with a smile. "I can watch you all day."

"Mag-paint ka na nga lang!" inis na bulong ko.

Nakangiting bumalik siya sa pagpipinta at hindi na ako kinulit. When I'm almost done, I put down my brush and take a deep breath. I decided to go to the bathroom first because I need a break. Sumasakit na rin ang likod at leeg ko sa pagpipinta. Lumabas ako ng silid-aralan at naglakad habang pinagmamasdan ang mga murals sa pader. Napansin kong may mga lalaking tumatakbo sa hallway. I noticed the musical instruments they're carrying in their backs and hands.

"Ouch!" malakas na daing ko nang may bumangga sa 'kin.

A guy carrying a guitar case in his back who is running in the hallway stopped and apologetically look at me.

"I'm sorry, Miss. Are you hurt?" His eyes scanned me, looking for any damages he might had caused. He's a good-looking one with his ash-brown hair and his brown eyes look at me with worry.

Umiling ako. "I'm fine."

He smiled at me. "That's great. I'm sorry that we're running in the hallways. Are you from here? I mean in this town Serene? Are you an official student here in Serenity?"