He sighs, his eyes set resolutely on Josh's face. "I suppose I could. But it's not about skill, Joshua. This portrait will mean a lot to me, you must understand. And I alone will judge its value. I'll know when I see it and from just the studies you've engaged in so far, I'm certain you're capable of delivering what I need."

Suddenly, he reaches out to hold the painter's stained hand. It's a light slotting of their fingers together and a loose grip overall but it is a shock to feel skin against skin after so many days of merely looking.

"...Perhaps you simply need a little more encouragement?"