[24] “Artist of the Beautiful” (#12/24)

Story title: “Artist of the Beautiful” // flavor: gothic supernatural

Story synopsis:

A talented but eccentric artist supposedly goes insane and vanishes from the art-scene for decades before reemerging and establishing himself as a leading portrait-artist, of uncanny ability. Now, a rare final interview reveals the secrets of his past--and of his unusual technique--uncovered for the first-time.

A Victorian/gothic-styled supernatural-drama inspired by the subjects of Lovecraft and Poe yet forgoes cheap ghoulishness and single-punchlines for a more satisfyingly twisty story with a transcendentalist's philosophical flair.