Tuesday, March 16, 2010

The Art Student- A Magpie Tale

I'm trying to get back into the blogger mode. Here's my second attempt at a Magpie Tale. If you will remember, Willow over at the blog Magpie Tales inspires us by giving us a picture to write about.

This one is much shorter (but still a little dark).

Hope you like it.

The Art Student

He tried to steady the charcoal that he held in hand. Holding it up to the blank paper on his easel only caused it to shake more violently. He moved the paper to his lap thinking he could contain himself better that way, only to have his legs join in the tremors that seemed to be taking over his body.

He had expected excitement, but not like this. All the human body sketches he had done previously were done with wooden mannequins. This was the first "real" person that he would be able to study and draw. No hinges, screws or wires to ignore, only smooth pale skin. The thought sent a shiver up his spine.

He was ready to prove them all wrong. The fancy art schools that wouldn't let him in. Said he didn't have the talent. Just wait till they see his genius now. Not only had he been practicing his art every waking hour but he had the ingenuity to find a nude model that he didn't have to pay or allow breaks. He could draw her all day (and night, if he found he couldn't sleep again).

All it had required was one night, a fresh grave, a shovel, and a little back breaking digging.

"Yes", he smiled, taking a deep breath to calm himself, "I'll show them."

15 comments:

Pam said...

Love the "gotcha" ending. You said so much about the narrators mental state in so few words. Amazing. Loved it.

Deborah said...

I liked it! Your a very good writer!
I'm glad your OK. Very scary when you are undergoing tests to make sure you don't have cancer. Cancer stinks and my two friends have it. I am very glad your fine. You do appreciate the little things more, not to sound corny, but it's true!
Have a nice day!
Deborah

Tess Kincaid said...

Creepy. I wasn't expecting that at all.

Brian Miller said...

oh that was deliciously creepy...loved it!

Vicki Lane said...

Eeew! Well done!

sarah foster said...

oh NO he didn't....

Tracie Nall said...

Ewwww....that was an unexpected twist!!

steviewren said...

Icky....a nicely twisted ending!

robkistner said...

Sneaks up on you -- enjoyed this, thank you for sharing…
…rob
Image & Verse

joanna said...

Tori:

Glad you are back -- "Arnold Horshack" a good one ,,, because of that part -- he was unable to live it down and didn't work after that ,, poor Arnold -- sorry digressing here, very glad you are alright,, doctors do love to scare -
and talk about scary , a nice twisted ending, for sure Magpie # 5
Joanny

Catalyst said...

Wow, Tori! You frighten me! Great little story.

Ronda Laveen said...

Reminds me of a modernistic Poe tale. Loved it!

Jennifer said...

Yikes! Love the twist!

McGillicutty said...

Oh man you can't help but worry about a person who can come up with a short story like this!!! ahhgggg..

Now then. sorry to hear you've been going through it lately.. I hope you feel a lot better and you'll be back with the blog for real... real soon.

Much hugs and besos!!!!!
xx

Sheri, RN said...

Very nice, like it!