When Winter McArthur starts university she meets Reuben Beaumont, an alluring young man in her painting class. She is fascinated by him and his incredible artistic talent, but his extreme shyness makes it difficult to get close to him. Winter soon meets Henry, Reuben's self-assured elder brother, and his desire for her is clear. Should Winter allow herself to be seduced by Henry, or wait for the brooding Reuben--however long that might take?

The Painted Lawn continues the story of THE MUSE and the unspoken love between Reuben and Winter. Winter comes to question her decision to be with Henry and soon has trouble remembering what she ever saw in him. As Reuben's artistic career takes off, Winter's eyes are opened to the significance of his talent and passion, and she secretly aches to be with him. But has Reuben moved on? Or is there a small chance that Reuben still keeps a place for her in his heart?