The Versatile Master Artist

Although the Group has never lacked the opportunity to collaborate with excellent illustrators, this illustrator was invited for collaboration under the personal direction of President Osborne, giving it a different significance.

In other words,

This Detective Cat belongs to him.

The art department is the art director’s domain; no matter how successful it may be, it has no direct relation to Osborne.

Director Charlie once said, whatever trouble Detective Cat stirs up, Osborne would be responsible. Conversely, if they performed well, it would be credited to his discerning eye.

In the past, he thought Miss Anna brought him a troublesome task.

Unexpectedly, it turned out to be a treasure.

He initially planned that if Detective Cat performed well, he would discuss with Director Charlie to have Detective Cat and the Villerein Studio each handle half of the illustrations. The illustrations related to the main characters would go to the Villerein Studio, and they would get a share, while Detective Cat would be paid a flat rate per piece.

This might also be acceptable to Director Charlie.

But, Detective Cat’s level was unexpectedly high.

”Maybe, it’s not necessarily... just an opportunity.”

After pondering for a moment, Osborne had a new idea in his mind.

He picked up the internal phone and informed his secretary, ”Ask Vice Director Shubert from the art department to come... never mind, I’ll go to his office myself.”

He looked at his chubby assistant, still with a fearful and uneasy expression, and gave a kindly smile.

”Don’t be nervous, come with me.”

Osborne snapped his fingers.

...

The position of Vice Director of Art is quite peculiar.

Theoretically, in the massive art department of the Group, it should be a high-level management senior position, second only to one, presiding over numerous people.

But the problem often lies in being ”second only to one.”

Art is domineering,

just like Chanel only having one Old Buddha, the entire art department often has only one voice.

The artistic director of a large group often serves until their seventies or eighties.

There can only be one lion king in a pride of lions, and for the lion king, there’s no concept of retirement.

In the wild, a retired lion king often ends up either killed or driven away by a new leader lion.

Similarly, an outgoing art director is either transferred to a less important position, leading a tedious life, or jumps ship to start anew at another company.

The Vice Director,

in the eyes of the director, is often the most likely strong lion to replace them.

Therefore,

their daily awkward circumstances can be understood.

Vice Director Shubert of the European Region’s art department in the Scholastic Group had a rather awkward daily life.

He was actually older than Charlie and had been working in the Group for over thirty years, being the only one of three vice directors not brought up by Charlie.

His income was not comparable to Charlie’s and even less than those favored subordinates promoted by Charlie.

Regular projects with profits were beyond his reach.

Some people couldn’t bear such oppressive and hopeless work and left.

Others had their edges worn off and became Buddha-like.

Shubert was the latter.

Therefore, today, as usual, idly staying in his office, munching on an apple and playing darts, he saw President Osborne enter with a chubby assistant.

His first reaction was concern about provoking gossip.

”Uh, is there something you need?”

”It’s a work thing.”

Shubert quickly moved to the office door and hesitated for several seconds.

Having heard of the conflict between Osborne and Charlie, he was unsure whether to leave the door open as a show of transparency.

”I heard you don’t get along well with Director Charlie?” Osborne said with a playful tone, looking at the half-eaten apple and the darts on the table.

This statement sent a shiver down Shubert’s spine.

He shut the door with a bang and quietly said, ”Osborne, whatever issues you have with Mr. Director, those are personal matters, and I’m really powerless to help.”

Osborne looked at Shubert, whose face screamed ”don’t involve me,” and inwardly frowned.

This was overly cowardly.

But with such a strong-willed superior like Charlie, those not cowardly enough were probably long gone.

”You are a professional; help me take a look at a piece of work.”

Choosing to ignore Shubert’s plea, Osborne asked his chubby assistant to open the computer and display Detective Cat’s illustration draft.

”You shouldn’t...”

Shubert was feeling conflicted.

Despite fearing Director Charlie, he wasn’t brash enough to turn down people, especially since the Group Vice President was not someone he could offend.

He mumbled quietly, ”I can’t make decisions on reviews; you should still find... huh?”

Shubert was taken aback.

He thought Osborne wanted him to review the controversial internet illustrator’s submission, but this painting...

”Is this piece by Professor Borges from Brook Art College?”

”What makes you say that?” Osborne raised an eyebrow.

”There aren’t many masters in painting knife art who can handle details so well.”

Realizing this wasn’t a critique request, Shubert felt more relaxed, ”This level is really remarkable; indeed, deserving of a professor who has spent half a lifetime mastering the painting knife. Look at the texture lines here; not a single irregular burr, truly outstanding.”

”Is it really that good?” Osborne was intrigued.

Primarily a businessman, Osborne could tell the illustrator’s work was good.

However, as to how exceptional it was in the painting knife art field, Osborne was not as clear as a professional art director.

”It’s exceptional. I once attended Professor Borges’ exhibition in the United States, and this piece would definitely count as a masterpiece in such an exhibition.”

Although cowardly by nature, Shubert, being a vice director of a billion-dollar group, still possessed considerable professional competency.

Even with obscure subjects like painting knife art, he was familiar.

”Professor Borges’ work mainly centers on snow scenes and natural landscapes; having a piece with this kind of fantastical theme is indeed rare.”

Insiders discern the details.

Gazing at the painting with fascination, Shubert commented, ”The entire picture looks exceptionally clean. Look at the colors here—the knife strokes and composition using geometric shapes are beautifully integrated. The pigments present a playful and childlike expression...”

”You must be seeking my investment advice.”

Having admired the painting from top to bottom for about five minutes, Shubert finally looked up, confident he had grasped Osborne’s intent.

”Professor Borges is currently the foremost figure in painting knife art. Compared to renowned traditional oil painters, his work isn’t overly expensive, ranging from $50,000 to $250,000.”

”The only downside of this painting is its insufficient size, but indeed it’s a rare masterpiece that should be attainable within $200,000.”

Offering his expert opinion, Shubert advised, ”However, the specific price in art transactions can be unpredictable; it’s best to see the physical piece and assess its preservation before payment.”

Osborne shook his head.

”Can’t get it?”

Hesitating, Shubert suggested, ”For long-term holding, even under $300,000 could be negotiable; the more exquisite the painting, the greater its potential for appreciation.”

”No, this isn’t Professor Borges’ painting.”

”Then whose is it? Kovisler from Lisson Gallery? Or that Brazilian painting knife artist Philip? In that case, it’s not worth as much. What a shame...”

Shubert shook his head.

An artwork’s value not only relies on painting skill but also the artist’s reputation.

Professor Borges is the acknowledged number one in painting knife art currently; prices for other masters’ work understandably fall shorter.

What a pity...

”If you aren’t planning to buy, could you introduce me to the seller?” Shubert looked up, somewhat tempted.

On second thought, regardless of which master created it, the painting remained exceptional.

If the creator wasn’t just a one-hit wonder but continued to maintain such standards, perhaps in a decade or more, with someone stirring up some publicity, they might contend for the top spot in painting knife art with Professor Borges, who knows.