Page 41 of Family Affair

Chapter 10

“Hmm… Hmm… Well… And what have we here? Hmm… I see…”

Rosa threw her head back to peer at Coco’s portfolio through the reading glasses perched on the very tip of her droopy nose.

Coco sat very still, awaiting the verdict and second-guessing her decision to keep the interview. She and Rosa never saw eye to eye, and judging by the overemphasized display of critical appraisal happening in front of her right now, Rosa’s opinion of Coco hadn’t magically improved between her call and this meeting. Opportunity was opportunity, she understood, but when personalities differed so dramatically, was the collaboration worth it?

Finally, Rosa took her glasses off and pinned Coco with her small sharp eyes. “Well, dear, what can I say? I’m surprised.”

“Pleasantly, I hope?” Coco plastered a smile on her face.

“Right. This landscape is well done. The colors are bright without being harsh. People like this sort of painting for their smaller rooms.”

“Thank you.”

Rosa continued with the results of her assessment, “These two watercolors will do, although fall foliage isn't all that popular here in the South. Don’t expect a high price for either. And I’ll take this nude. Maybe if I hung it next to my more tantalizing material, it’ll get picked up. God knows, the right tag can help it along, even if the girl’s ugly. Can’t you find a prettier subject next time, dear?”

For a moment, Coco was at a loss for words. “I paint nudes through a college art studio. We typically get students to model. They’re average, real-life people. The point is not to airbrush flaws but to capture the essence of each individual model. I try to communicate their personality, to master light and shadow…”

Rosa cut her off by picking up the picture of the nude in question and shoving it closer to Coco’s face. “I know what you do in a studio. There’s nothing wrong with your light and shadow. But how do you expect me to sell a likeness of someone whose ass barely fits in the frame?”

“Customers can buy it for my technique?” Coco suggested with some venom.

“Yes, well, that would be the only reason." She flipped the page covering up the offending picture up and moved on. "Now, this quaint cabin is definitely worth a show. I like the subdued lighting, by the way. Everyone is fed up with Thomas Kinkade and his psychedelic cottages. Yours is very realistic. However…” Rosa put her glasses on again to examine the photocopy in the portfolio. “Is this how it’s framed?”

“Yes.”

“The frame’s too simple. Try to find something gold. Thicker. Preferably ornate.”

“Yes, of course.” Coco suppressed her reservations about the gilded frame and made a mental note to get one, wondering where she would find extra cash to pay for the garish thing.

In the end, Rosa picked one more painting from her offerings and closed the binder.

“Wonderful.” Rosa sounded far from excited as she handed Coco her portfolio. “We shall see. Advertising now wouldn't make sense, as your name will mean nothing to the art community, but if your works sell, we can talk more about it.”

“I understand. Thank you, Rosa.”

“You may want to talk to Dan about inviting his friends to come take a look. He’s part of just the right crowd. They know art and they have buying power.”

Coco couldn’t suppress a start of surprise. “Dan? Art interests him very little, I’m afraid.”

“That doesn't matter so long as he gets his friends out here to participate. And it certainly wouldn’t hurt to mention to Maureen Sheffield about this. She sits on several boards for nonprofits, including Patrons of the Art. They are the real power. A word from her can launch a career.”

Coco wanted to laugh. Rosa’s sudden benevolence toward a poor aspiring artist like her, one among a million of similarly struggling folk looking to carve out their niche in a crowded market, became crystal clear. Dating Dan Sheffield, it appeared, had its advantages.

And how ironic, she thought, that after adamantly refusing Stella’s offers to interfere on her behalf, she ended up benefitting from a personal connection. What about her talent and her hard-earned skill? What about competing in a fair and open contest with her equals, proving her mettle based on her ability alone?

No, she wasn’t comfortable at all with how things were shaking out.

Full of misgivings, Coco thanked Rosa again for the opportunity and walked out of her office. On her way out through the gallery, she passed by the outlandish sculptures and wall art of the avant-garde hall. Her steps slowed when her eyes found the drawing in a thin silver frame that had piqued her interest during the opening reception. She was now almost convinced it was a work by Jackson Pollock, or a very good imitation of his style.

The price tag jumped out at her, and her eyes widened. For sure, it must be the real thing.

She stopped in front of it, examining the work. Again, the precision of its execution spoke to her. The imperfect lines were too bold to be accidental, and together, they created a perfect expression of turbulent emotions.

Many artists possessed a perfect technique and produced beautifully aligned illustrations. Some had average technique but were able to capture genuine emotions that spoke to the masses. And then there were rare talents who had both a perfect skill and an innate talent. She was looking at one such drawing now. It was done right and it pulsed with charisma.

Coco moved on, energized and motivated to learn more, to grow professionally. Even Rosa admitted, albeit begrudgingly, that Coco’s works merited a second look. Putdowns notwithstanding, she accepted several for her overpriced gallery. For a novice, Coco had achieved quite a step by gaining entrance to La Vedova. All in all, she shouldn’t complain.