Zhuang Xiaobai's painting process attracted a steady stream of onlookers, who shifted in waves. They even voluntarily kept order, shushing those who approached and gesturing for them to be quiet, saying a master artist was at work and not to disturb him with noise!
After completing his painting, Zhuang Xiaobai stood up, stepped back a few paces, and admired his work, his eyes brimming with satisfaction!
He felt that this painting really was well done! Whether the composition and color of the piece, or the application of brushstrokes, it was all a notch above his previous works. Moreover, the most crucial accomplishment was capturing the very spirit of the gray wolf!
His teacher had once said that capturing the spirit meant one was beginning to understand the essence, and he himself had reached this realm only at thirty years old.
Although he could perceive the spirit before, he always missed capturing that elusive trace with his brush.