The Master

I've watched movies 

where a novice or apprentice
works closely with the master
learning his expert ways
through daily practice.

I thought I was too old
for that experience
but I found my own opportunity
in an art studio near the sea.

He is slightly stooped
wears thick eye glasses
smells of garlic and oil paint
speaks broken English 

but in the span of six hours
guides me to extraordinary
expression on canvas. 

I find the faces of my subject
then with shadow and light
bring life to their images
with flourish and style.