We've all seen images of those famous paintings but there is absolutely nothing like seeing the originals.
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| PHOTO PROMPT © Roger Bultot |
THE FORGER
It was 2am. Ned sat in
front of his favourite painting to eat his sandwiches.
He stared at the
painting.
He wasn't a bad artist
himself: just never had the breaks. Instead he made a few extra
dollars from painting peoples' pets.
But that didn't scratch
his itch.
Every night Ned ate his
sandwiches and sketched the painting. He used the sketches to paint
his own copy to display in his dingy apartment.
The copy was flawless.
On his last night on
the job, Ned made the swap.
Nothing like a
security guard to know how to beat the system.
I hope you enjoyed this story and I look forward to your comments.
If you wish to read more Friday Fictioneers stories, you can find them listed HERE
If you wish to read more Friday Fictioneers stories, you can find them listed HERE
If you'd like to join in the challenge, you'll find all the information posted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields
- her blog is listed on 'My Blog List' on the right hand side of this page.
On a final note - I always try to visit the blogs of everyone who comments on mine. If I haven't commented on yours it's either because I haven't been able to find your blog when I've clicked on your name or because you have a wordpress account that requires me to sign in first.
Who is to guard the guards?
ReplyDeleteThat is the question! :)
DeleteDear Susan,
ReplyDeleteIt's all about getting the breaks, isn't it? I love the twists and turns in this story. O.Henry is smiling on you. Well done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
He he - like the comparison, Rochelle! Thanks for commenting.
DeleteOh my.
ReplyDeleteWill he get away with it, though?
DeleteI feel like saying well done Ned, but then I supppose I shouldn't as he's commited a crime! Oh blow it, well done Ned!
ReplyDeleteClick to read my FriFic tale
He he - yes, I feel a bit like that too, Keith.
DeleteHe he - yes, indeed!
ReplyDeleteGreat plot for a heist movie! Well done.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Iain. Yes, I was thinking along the lines of The Thomas Crown Affair. :)
DeleteNothing beats the feeling of having the real thing hanging on your wall! I loved the twist at the end of your story - a security guard! You'd as good as told us by saying he sketched the painting at 2 a.m. - and it still surprised me! Well done!
ReplyDeleteAlways happy to offer up a surprise, Penny!
DeleteInteresting story, Susan!
ReplyDeleteThat's a talented and artistic guard.
If sch thefts really happen, experts will get to learn much later...
You Make Me Feel Alive- Anita
Thanks, Anita. I wonder if this sort of thing could really happen!
DeleteHa! A delightful switch-a-roo! I think this COULD really happen. Maybe it already has!
ReplyDeleteHe he - you might be right, Alicia!
DeleteNot bad. I never really thought of an "inside job" concerning a museum, but... Why not?
ReplyDeleteIt must offer temptation to some, don't you think?
DeleteWell placed job I would say!! Good one!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Courtney - appreciate the feedback. :)
DeleteSuch a great story... Takes "The Thomas Crowne Affair" to a whole new level!
ReplyDeleteA lot less complicated anyway, even though it took longer! :)
DeleteGreat thriller feel to this one! I've never understood why it would matter so much to someone that he had the original, if his copy was such a perfect copy that it couldn't be distinguished. Or maybe he just wants the thrill of everyone being fooled by his own "masterpiece."
ReplyDeleteI think you've answered your own question, Joy. Thanks for commenting. :)
DeleteOoh Ned, you naughty boy! Now he just has to convince the underground art world that he really does have the original to sell... :-)
ReplyDeleteDoes he have the right connections, or does he want to keep it for himself? :)
DeleteExcellent story! Having just visited The Museum d'Orsay in Paris, seeing the originals of favourite paintings is something else. Haven't been to the Met yet.
ReplyDeleteDarlene, I would thoroughly recommended the Met, but all the great museums and galleries in cities throughout the world are wonderful... Thanks for commenting.
DeleteI love the idea of him creating a flawless copy, just so he could have the original at hoe (or was it so his work would be on display?)
ReplyDeleteGood question, Patsy. I rather think he wanted to display his work in a real gallery rather than a painting of a pet on someone's living room wall.
DeleteA very profitable way of whiling away the nightshift hours. Good one, Susan.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sandra. It satisfied his "itch". :)
DeleteHe must be a pretty special artist!
ReplyDeleteYes a good copyist, but maybe lacking imagination to create his own original art?
DeleteTsk! He should have kept the copy, even if it makes for a great twist ending.
ReplyDeleteYes, naughty Ned. :)
DeleteGreat twist at the end. So much talent, wasted, it would seem.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Linda. Yes, he obviously didn't know how to market his original work.
DeleteHe made the swap! He must really good! Great story. Especially the ending.
ReplyDeleteHe he - thanks, Shivam - glad you liked it.
DeleteWhat a fun and clever story. It's always nice to have the original copy of your favorite painting.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Russell. I've got a print or two adorning my walls. :)
DeleteAh... the guard, I wondered who could just sit there.
ReplyDeleteYes, one way to spend his nights at the museum. :)
Deletewith all the security cameras all over, i wonder how long it would take before the authorities find out. no crime goes unpunished. )
ReplyDeleteI'll leave you to fill in the blanks, Plaridel! :)
DeleteGreat twists and turns.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your feedback, Lisa. :)
DeleteClearly with Ned around there really will soon be NOTHING like seeing the originals! Great story, enjoyed it very much. I am looking forward to seeing the image come to life when I go to New York in a few months' time. I hope I meet Ned there.
ReplyDeleteAh, you're going? You're in for a treat! My visit to The Met was one of the highlights of my New York trip. :)
DeleteVery neat take. Great read.
ReplyDeleteThank you! Always great to hear when someone has enjoyed reading one of my stories. :)
DeleteLovely, and I actually missed the 2am hint until you said he was a security guard. I guess that's how he got around the cameras too. ;)
ReplyDeleteYes, his job meant he knew all about the security system, Melody. Thanks for commenting. :)
ReplyDeletePerfect. Loved the post !
ReplyDeletehttps://trailbrooklane.blogspot.com/2018/06/the-statue.html
Thanks, Jaya!
DeleteLike the way the story unfolds, leading perfectly to the surprise ending. A most imaginative take on the prompt.
ReplyDeletefrancineangelcakes
Thank you for your lovely comments!
DeleteWhat a great twist,he has the perfect job.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Gah. Yes, what better job for a wanna-be famous artist?
DeleteAht he desire to be an aritist, forever amazing!
ReplyDeleteI think you're one as well. Beautifully painted story!
Vanya
Wow! Thanks for your lovely comments, Vanya. :)
ReplyDeleteI will never trust a security guard in a museum ever again ;) Great story!
ReplyDeleteHe he - thanks for commenting, Ellie - glad you liked it. :)
DeleteAh, but how will he profit from this? Is it just from the love of owning the painting himself or does he have a hugely wealthy, criminal buyer lined up? Cracking tale and deftly told Susan
ReplyDeleteThanks for commenting, Lynn. The way I saw the character when I invented him was that he yearned for vindication of his skill and by hanging his own painting in the gallery he now has it.
DeleteA well written creative story. Well done to Ned. =)
ReplyDeleteThanks for your feedback, Brenda - appreciate it. :)
DeleteAh, so that was his plan all along! I wonder if he'll get away with it.
ReplyDeleteThat will depend on how well he's thought everything through! Thanks for commenting, Magarisa. :)
Delete