The Lying Painter and the Real Artist

Once upon a time, Leo was a painter in a busy little town. At least Leo told everyone that his exquisite artwork was well-known everywhere. Claiming to have created all the world’s great masterpieces, he would flaunt his ability to listen to everyone.

But beneath his apparent glory lay a mystery. Leo copied, not produced, the original work. Examining works by well-known artists such as Picasso, Monet, and Van Gogh, he repeatedly claimed them as his own by painting them over. Although his paintings were flawless, simply because they lacked all his thoughts, he was referred to as a genius.

A young lad called Tommy entered Leo’s gallery one sunny morning. Tommy was a friendly and inquisitive youngster who constantly sought to know more about his surroundings.

Tommy said, eyes wide with astonishment, “Wow, your paintings are fantastic!!” “How did you come to paint like that?”

Leo grinned and let his chest inflate. “Ah, I’ve been painting for many years,” he said. “My gift is unparalleled; I have studied under the best musicians on earth.”

Tommy nodded, but he sensed something didn’t quite fit. He had been told stories of well-known painters who painted with their hearts and minds, producing something unique and distinctive. On the other hand, Leo seems only to follow what others have already done.

Tommy’s curiosity drove him that evening to the brink. Seeking to understand how Leo operated, he planned to visit his studio. He slid gently up to the glass and peeped inside. His eyes went astounded.

Leo was seated at an easel, staring at a well-known sunset picture. Instead of producing his masterpiece, he painstakingly replicated every brushstroke to ensure his work matched the original.

Tommy’s heart fell. He didn’t want to believe it, but it was true. Leo wasn’t a true artist; he was a liar. Tommy determined he would face Leo early the next morning.

He entered Leo’s gallery, wondering what to ask. “Leo,” he asked, “why do you replicate the work of others?” Why not produce your masterwork? “”

Leo let out a chuckle. “Because my works are flawless.” What counts is that everyone likes them! Who cares about their production as long as they generate income and compliments? “

Tommy first lacked knowing what to say. True artists, he had learned, painted to express themselves, to share their ideas and emotions with the world, not only to wow others. Leo, meanwhile, seemed unconcerned about any of that.

Tommy felt let down when he left the gallery, but he persisted. He understood that art had to be more than a copycat endeavor. That evening, he decided to attempt painting himself. He started using a paintbrush and old paint from his father’s shed.

Tommy was first anxious. He doubted his ability to create something so exquisite. But something extraordinary occurred while he worked. He came to see from a painting that it was more about letting his ideas pour onto the canvas than copying. Tommy depicted a tree by itself in a field beneath a large blue sky. Though twisted and damaged, the tree was a statement of his feelings and ideas.

Tommy felt pride in himself that he had never had until he finished. It made no difference whether the artwork was imperfect. What counted was that it was real, derived from his heart.

Tommy returned to Leo’s gallery the following day but had a little canvas under his arm this time.

Holding his picture, he added, “Leo: I painted this all by myself.” It’s not perfect, but it’s real. What do you think? “

Leo gazed at the painting, his eyes narrowing. “It is…” Different, he said, “but it’s not a masterpiece.”

Tommy gave a smile. That’s okay. I painted it, not striving for perfection. I painted it since it belonged to me. And I admire it.

Leo spent much time staring at the artwork, his confidence beginning to wane. For the first time, he felt twitching uncertainty. Tommy painted differently than he did. It lacked perfect polish or clarity. Nevertheless, it was real. Tommy could only have produced that.

The following week, Leo changed his mind. He walked through the town’s market, where he had usually sold his replicas of great paintings, and observed a small group of youngsters gathering around a vivid mural on the wall. The local youngsters created the mural, and although every element was unique, some paints were dirty, others were neat; all of it communicated a story.

Approaching the kids, Leo said, “Who created this? “”

Looking up at him, a girl with pigtails among the youngsters said, “We all did! Everybody painted a portion of the mural. We wanted it to highlight our differences.

Leo’s heart filled with a peculiar emotion. He realized he had forgotten what it felt like to produce something of his own after spending so many years striving to be someone else and duplicating the work of others.

Leo returned to his studio that evening, settled in front of a blank canvas, and for the first time, he did not replicate anything. Closing his eyes, he considered the actual color he wished to use.

He thought of his surroundings, those of the great mountains, the sunsets, and the peaceful times spent in nature.

Leo started painting, but he stopped thinking about perfection. Painting from his heart, he created a scene only his own. Though not perfect, it was real. That was accurate.

Leo started to smile as he retreated to view his painting. He recognized that great talent didn’t come from copying but from honesty, being yourself, and sharing your thoughts with the world.

Therefore, the deceptive painter evolved into the actual artist. He had no more need to pass for someone he wasn’t. His artwork reflected who he was, a man finally realizing that the heart generates the most beautiful paintings.

What lessons could young people pick from The Lying Painter and the Real Artist?

From The Lying Painter and the Real Artist, children can discover that real skill is not about mimicking others or chasing compliments. Instead, it’s about being sincere, communicating your original ideas, and appreciating your viewpoint. The narrative reminds us that trying to be flawless or copy others has less worth than producing something genuine and unique.

Visit our website, Storieslet, to discover many more children’s stories with moral. Our short stories with moral can provide children with entertaining and valuable guidance as they negotiate life lessons. See us now to read some very inspirational tales!