Art of Us, The (2017)

[bunniefuu]

[♪♪♪]

[pants]

Vincent, slow down.

Wait, just...

hang on.

I am so sorry!

It's okay.

-Hey, fella. How are you?
-Vincent!

He just gets so excited
whenever he's outdoors.

-I'm...
-That's okay.

Terribly sorry.

Does that apology
come with a name?

Dr. Harper Higgins.

Tom Becker.

What kind of
doctor are you?

Not medical.

A Ph.D.

I'm a professor
of art history.

Oh.

Down.

Sorry.

Anyway, uh,

thanks for being so nice
about this.

Of course.

Down!

Hey, buddy.

Sorry.

Well, see ya, Doc.

[laughs]

Oh, come on, Vincent.

Try to pretend
that I'm in charge.

[car alarm chirps]

Cezanne inspired
the Cubist movement,

and later, Modernism.

Note the angular planes.

Yes?

How much of this
is on the test?

All of the abstract art
we covered.

That's it for today.
I'll see you on Wednesday.

This is quite an achievement.

Booking
such a high-profile artist

for the art show.

Thank you,
Dr. Martin.

How did you ever manage
to get Armand?

Well, it took a lot of
coaxing and praise,

but he finally came around.

Well, this will certainly
enhance our reputation.

The board is very impressed,

and I think I can safely say

that this will earn you
a permanent position

on the Fine Arts faculty.

That is so wonderful!

[knocking]

I hope I'm
not interrupting.

Not at all, Dr. Browning.

Armand's work is so arresting.

I just wanted
to congratulate you.

I'm sure the show
will be an enormous success,

and if I can be
of any assistance,

just... please call me.

Thank you,
Dr. Browning.

Well, if you'll excuse me,
I have a meeting with the board.

Isn't it exciting
about Armand?

Thrilling.

Well done,
Dr. Higgins.

All tweed and no substance.

He's just trying to save face.

He wanted the job,

and his much younger colleague
beat him to the punch.

Well, I'm so tired
of working two jobs.

I have to teach
at the Arts Collective

just to make ends meet.

Wow, that doesn't leave
a lot of time for painting.

Your last show was, what,
over a year ago?

My last and final.
Never again.

But you are so good.

Not good enough.

I go into my studio,
and I just stand there, empty.

Now I can appreciate art,

you know, teach what I know
to the students.

Teaching is a much better fit.

If it's such a better fit,

then why do you look
so uncertain?

Hmm?

If I pull this off,

I can become
a full-time professor,

have some stability
and steady income.

Are you sure it's just
about the paycheck?

It's about redefining myself.

Painting is my past.
I'm moving on.

[whines]

Oh!
What is it, sweetie?

Oh, hi, honey.

Oh, you want a walk?

Let's do it.

[whimpers]

Vincent!

What are you doing?

Sorry, Vincent.

I'm not painting anymore.

[Vincent whines]

[Vincent barks]

You're very opinionated.

We got free
refills as well.

Hey, Tom!

Hey, Frank!

Every time I see you,

you got a paintbrush
in your hand.

[chuckles]

Mind if I take
a closer look?

Yeah, yeah, okay.

Wow.

Hey, listen, can I get you
a beer or something?

Oh, yeah, sure,
that'd be great.

Where'd you learn
how to paint like that?

I took art therapy
at the V.A. hospital.

Just can't seem to quit.

I'm no expert, but..

boy, sure looks good to me.

[Tom]: Well, thanks a lot,
Frank, but...

you know,
it's just a hobby,

something that
helps me unwind

while I try and adjust
to civilian life.

Ah...

All of us go through that.

It took me a long time
to figure out

who I was out of uniform.

[electric buzzing, humming]

Oh...

that isn't good.

Expensive?

Could be.

Let me go upstairs
and check it out.

You know, I've only had
this thing six months,

and it's been nothing
but trouble.

I fix one thing,
the next thing goes wrong.

When you get
an old houseboat,

you get what
you pay for.

Hey, Marshall.

Do you know anything
about the dog-walker

who posted the ad?

He walks my dog, Sandy,

and my neighbor's poodle.

Great guy, great price...
what's not to like?

Great...

'cause I'm working two jobs,
and I have no time,

so I could use all the help
I can get.

-He's your man.
-Thanks.

You got all that water damage.

Look, you're going to have
to change that box out

for a hundred-amp box, so...

Great.

Don't freak out
just yet.

-All right, thanks, Frank.
-Yeah.

O h, hi.
This is Dr. Harper Higgins.

I'm having my morning coffee
at Gratia,

and I saw your ad.

I need a dog-walker,
and I was wondering,

maybe we could meet up
today or tomorrow?

Thanks.

[phone text chimes]

[phone text chimes]

This should be good.

[♪♪♪]

Hello again.

Oh... hi!

How's Vincent?

Impossible.
Adorable.

[chuckles]

Do you mind if I sit down?

Actually,
I'm meeting someone.

Oh, actually, I am, too.

A dog-walker for Vincent.

You know...

a good dog-walker's
hard to find in this town.

Yeah, well, I'm not even sure
he's showing up.

We've never even met before.

Oh, no, you have, actually,

one rainy afternoon,
not far from here.

You're the dog-walker?

Yeah.

No.

Looks like Vincent
brought us together again.

You know, for
a guy that short,

he's awfully controlling.

His behavior
is not all my fault.

He followed me home.

I couldn't bear
to take him to the shelter,

so, suddenly, I had a dog.

Not sure if he picked me,
or I picked him.

Maybe a bit of both.

So, uh...

how does one
become a dog-walker?

Well, I did a stint
at the V.A. hospital.

Um, I used to walk
the dogs there,

and it was...
best part of my day.

You think
you can handle Vincent?

You know,
I think I'm up to the task.

All right, well, uh...

I have to get to a meeting,

so, uh, send me your rates
and references.

I think this might work out.

Sounds good, Doc.

-All right.
-Harper?

Hi.

It's good to see you.
Time for a cup of coffee?

Uh, actually,
I'm running late.

I was hoping
we could talk.

Sorry, Rick,
I really have to go.

Hi.

You won't believe
who I just ran into.

Rick!

He wants to talk.

Oh.

As an art critic
or as your ex?

Does it matter?

How do you give your girlfriend
a bad review?

This should go
over here.

"Not enough emotion."

Just what you want
your boyfriend

to say about you in print.

Oh, hey, uh, that needs
to go in the back.

There's something we need
to discuss,

and it's not good.

What is it?

Are you okay?

Define "okay."

"Okay" is when you don't have
to ask what it means.

That self-serving,
double-crossing Armand

was offered

a more prestigious show
in Paris,

so he's bailing on yours.

No, no, no, he can't do that!

The show is in three weeks!

He can, and he did.

What am I going to tell
Dr. Martin and the board?

I don't know,
but hey,

maybe it made you forget
about Rick for a minute.

Now is not the time for humor.

No, now is the time for
the department meeting.

It starts
in 10 minutes.

How could this day
get any worse?

[Dr. Martin]:
Funding is paramount

in maintaining our standards,

and funding requires
we have a high-profile.

Dr. Higgins' highly-anticipated
show featuring Armand

will assist in that goal.

Unfortunately, Dr. Martin,

there's a conflict
with Armand's dates.

Are you saying
we no longer have Armand?

I'm afraid not.

Perhaps you would allow me
to curate the show.

I have a wonderful
artist I could enlist.

That won't be
necessary.

I have a back-up plan
that's even better.

I'm sure that you will be
very pleased.

[Dr. Martin]:
Well, uh...

Uh, your 3:30 has
just arrived.

Be in my office first
thing tomorrow morning

and tell me what
you have in mind.

I look forward to it.
Thank you, Dr. Martin.

Okay,
what are you going to do?

Try and find
another artist.

Yes, but who? Where?

When?

I'm teaching at the
Arts Collective tonight.

I can't cancel.

I have a bunch of students
waiting to paint something.

Okay, okay, you want me
to call some galleries?

That would be great,

and I'll reach out
to all my contacts.

We got this.

Great.

Hi!

The peonies are on sale.

Happiest flower on earth.

Wow, they're beautiful.

See what I mean?

Yeah.

Wow, the colors
are so vibrant and bold.

You know what?

I'll take a dozen.

You have
such a lucky girlfriend,

buying her flowers all the time.

My husband is the same.

He writes me these songs.

He's a musician.

Some people think
love songs are corny,

but... I'm a newlywed
and a lost cause.

I don't think
love songs are corny at all.

In that case, I'll throw in
a few extra peonies.

Oh, thank you.

Lindsay, hi,
it's me.

Um...

every artist I can think of
is either not good enough,

or already booked.

Yeah, I know, I...

I have to go
teach class now, but, um...

come on...

yeah, give me a call
if you have any luck.

Okay.

Let's go.

This way!

Come on!
This way.

Notice how Turner
conveyed a mood

with his choice of colors.

What color?
Seems so drab.

Yeah.

Could we maybe add
some pink or something

to brighten it up?

I... I think
you're missing the point.

I won't tell Turner
if you don't.

[laughing]

Maybe you could do an original
for the students to copy?

You know
I'm not painting anymore.

[Students]: Aw!

Something impromptu,
reasonably cheerful?

Peyton is the boss.

Her school, her rules.

[students chuckling]

[Student]: Hey,
let's paint the cheese and wine

before it's all gone.

[barking]

-Ah, look! He agrees!
-[Harper]: Vincent!

[laughing]

Okay, okay.
Cheerful it is.

[cheering]

[barks]

Hey. Hi, buddy.

So you're a painter.

Oh...

Not anymore, no.
I am...

I am a professor

that moonlights
as an art instructor,

not the other way around.

Anyway, Vincent's
so ready for his walk,

so you two
go have fun.

Okay.
See you later.

Great.

Say bye.

Who's he?

Oh, that's
my dog-walker.

Maybe
I should get a dog.

Hey, who's walking
who here, pal?

Where are you in a hurry
to get to?

Huh?

Didn't think this would be
such a workout.

All right, all right.

Come here.

Come over here.

Let's see if you got
any hidden talents, all right?

Vincent...

sit.

All right, uh...

lie down?

Uh, roll over?

Anything?

I suppose "heel"
means nothing to you?

Yeah, I thought so.

[barks]

Okay, that's fine.

You know what?
Don't worry about it.

It's a process.

We'll get you
sitting in no time.

Come on, Vincent.

That's great.

You're going to want to
start blocking your colors

and get it all set.

Good job.

[Harper]: How are you doing?

It looks great,

but you want to pop out
the background, right?

So put a highlight there, okay?

And don't forget,

bring your eye over
toward this direction.

This looks great.

Getting heavy-handed
over there.

Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm.

All right.

[Student]: Is the
color contrast okay?

I like what you did
over here,

but maybe if you just do
a little highlight in this area?

-Okay.
-Okay?

[Harper]: Look at where
the light hits it, right?

That's what you want.

[Student]: Great.

Okay, guys,
let's wrap this up.

[Harper]: Don't forget
to wash all your brushes

and leave them in the sink.

I think I'm going
to frame this one.

I think we got ourselves
a ringer!

Whoa, who did this?

The dog-walker.

If you ask me,
I think

he's in the wrong line of work.

Where did he go?

He just left.

Hey!

Hey!

Why didn't
you tell me?

Tell you what?

That you could
paint like that!

What's your background?

Do you have any training?

Just art therapy 101
at the V.A. hospital.

My teacher was a Marine,

and I figured if he could do it,
why not me?

Well, I don't mean
to be over-the-top,

but you are
really gifted.

It's way over-the-top,
but thanks.

Well, I'd love to see
more of your work.

It's just something
I do for me.

It keeps me centered, you know?

Please?

Okay.

[laughs]

Great.

Come on, Vincent!

You live here?

Yep.

Wow, you really are
full of surprises.

You know...

I bought it on an impulse.

It seemed like
a good idea at the time,

but I keep having
to fix it.

[Frank]:
Hey, Tom!

Hey, Frankie!

Come on over here.

Frank,

this is my friend, Harper.

Hey, nice to meet you, Harper.

Nice to meet you.

Hey, and who's this guy?

Ah, that's Vincent.

Vincent? Hey!

Cute dog.

Thank you.

So... has he shown you
his artwork yet?

Oh...

We're headed over.

Oh, you've got to see
his artwork.

Frank,
would you give me a break?

No, he's a great painter!
He really is.

I can't wait.

Your use of color
is just amazing.

These landscapes? Wow.

You know, I've been really
into painting flowers lately.

Trusting my instincts.

Your work reminds me
of van Gogh,

my all-time
favorite artist...

hence Vincent's name.

Oh, right.

You know, my
grandmother was Dutch.

She loved van Gogh.

She even thought
we might be related.

Really? How so?

Well, her family
was from Zundert,

in the Netherlands...

And that's
where van Gogh was from.

[Tom]: Right, exactly.

So according
to our family lore,

my great-great-grandmother
actually knew van Gogh

and even hinted at a romance
in one of her letters.

Wow.

So maybe you are related.

That might explain the talent.

Oh, I don't know.

I just paint it
how I see it.

I'm curating
a show for the college,

and we just lost our artist.

I know this sounds crazy,
and it's really last-minute,

but would you consider
doing the show?

Yeah.

I'm flattered,

but, you know, when I paint,

I just do it for me, and...

[buzzing]

Is that for dramatic effect?

No, it's the wiring.

My electricity's
on borrowed time.

Did I mention

that the paintings
would be for sale?

I mean, the college
gets a cut,

but you get to keep
most of the money.

Could probably use the cash.

I can't predict
how many will sell,

but...
enough to keep the lights on.

I'll have to think about it.

Just let me know
by tomorrow morning?

Hi, Marshall.

Uh, was Tom Becker in here
this morning?

I don't think so.

Okay, well,

if he comes in,

could you give him this note
and a coffee?

That's it?

He'll understand.

[phone chimes]

Good morning,
Dr. Higgins.

It's a shame we lost Armand,

but some people
think he's overrated.

We are here to discuss
your alternative choice.

Yes, we are, and we will...

He is
a remarkable talent.

[text chimes]

Oh, that
might be him.

His name is Tom Becker.

I've never heard of him.

No, but you will,

and the college
will get all the credit

for discovering him.

Dr. Browning has
an acclaimed artist

who will fit the bill.

I can't take a gamble
on an unknown.

But "an unknown"
doesn't do him justice...

His work has such maturity.

His knowledge of art
is encyclopedic.

He won't garner
the same interest

as a well-established name.

A name... right.

Well, I think
you should know...

Tom is the great-great-grandson
of Vincent van Gogh.

Well, why didn't you
tell me this?

I just did...

but what really matters
is his work.

Wait until the board
hears about this.

[Tom]: You know,

when somebody hires me
to walk their dog,

they usually don't come along.

I know, I just needed
to talk to you right away.

It's about the art show.

Oh, yeah,

I'm sorry I didn't text you
about that sooner.

I had another issue
with my boat.

There's just
one little hitch...

well, not hitch exactly.

Some embellishing
that got out of hand.

I said you were van Gogh's
great-great-grandson.

What?

I know...

Why would you do that?

Dr. Martin is
the head of the Department,

and he wanted someone
with a high profile,

and I just thought...

Look, it doesn't matter.

You are so talented,

you deserve
to have your own show,

and for all we know,

you could be related
to van Gogh.

This is not
what I signed on for.

Look, I'm out.
I...

Artists pad their resumes
all the time

just to get their work seen.

I'm not trying
to get my work seen.

I'm trying to get
my boat fixed.

Why is this
so important to you?

I'm just an adjunct professor.

If this show goes well,
then I'll get a promotion.

Well, the money
would be nice,

but this van Gogh
thing is nuts.

But once people
see your work,

they won't care
about your ancestry.

And that's supposed
to make it okay?

Harper...

you've put me between
a rock and a sinking boat.

I'm sorry.

[Vincent barks]

[barks]

Maybe it's a sign.

Or it's a warning.

How fortunate
that you found him

just in the nick of time.

Wait until you see his work.

One can't help
but think of van Gogh.

Is that so?

Well, if you'll excuse me,

I just have a class
to get to.

You want to tell me
what's going on?

I didn't want to say anything
in case it didn't work out.

Okay, but you'd rather
me die of curiosity?

I found
an exceptional artist.

Is he really
related to van Gogh?

Maybe. Possibly.

He's my dog-walker,
and a very talented artist.

His work is so good,
an incredible eye.

He paints
in a very similar style.

Who are you
trying to convince?

You, Lars, Dr. Martin...

Tom Becker,
the artist in question,

who has doubts of his very own.

Oh, what have I done?

How can I help?

What are you doing
later today?

There's a lot of curiosity
at the college.

You may get some questions
about van Gogh,

so I thought it'd be a good idea
to explore some of his work.

Okay.

You really think
we can pull this off?

You're the one
with the broken boat,

so I suggest we try.

Let's start
with his background.

van Gogh didn't commit
to painting

until his late 20s.

Oh, he got a late start,
kind of like me.

That's right.

His first major work
was "The Potato Eaters,"

but he hadn't quite
developed his technique

that made him famous.

Question...

does he really need
all those details?

I told Dr. Martin

that his knowledge of art
was encyclopedic.

Ah... it's going to be
a long night.

Wait! Where are
you going?

I have a date,

but I will make sure

that you get your
reproductions tomorrow.

But we have
so much to cover!

Oh, I think
you can handle it.

You guys have fun, now.

van Gogh's technique
was called "impasto".

You nervous to be
alone with me, Doc?

What? Of course not.

He spent a lot of time
in Arles.

Oh, yeah,

that's where he painted
these sunflowers, right?

All these masterpieces,

and he was barely recognized
in his day.

Yeah, you know,
I feel for the guy.

He's family, you know?

So do I.

[Harper]:
There's so much to cover,

and we barely made a dent
last night.

Well, at least
he showed up

and he tried...

and you know,

I think he has
a little crush.

What makes you say that?

Oh, the way
he looks at you

when you're trying
not to look at him.

Yeah, well, I don't want
to encourage it.

Hey, Marshall,
just the usual.

And could I have
a caramel macchiato, please.

[Marshall]:
You got it.

I got this.

Oh, thank you.

You know,

he seems
like a good guy.

But I am not mixing work
and my love life again.

That's what happened
with me and Rick

and the dreaded review.

He called me.

Rick?

I haven't called him back.

I just don't want
to discuss the past.

I'm afraid he'll start talking
about my work,

and I just can't go there
right now.

Why don't you just
hear him out?

I'm not even painting anymore,
so what does it matter?

Hey, would you maybe help me
tutor Tom

at the Arts Collective tonight?

Oh, no, no, no, no, no.

Third wheels only
belong on tricycles.

Stop being so pithy
and just say yes.

You and Tom are on your own.

I think you
can handle it.

Cheers,

and thank you.

Okay, tell me
what you know

about van Gogh's
brother, Theo?

Well, he was an art dealer
in Paris.

He was named after their father,
who was not a fan of art.

It's kind of like me
and my old man.

Art was not on his radar.

What did he do?

He was in the military.

And your mom?

She passed away
when I was a kid.

I'm sorry.

It's okay.

My dad was no fan
of art either.

He's an engineer, so
everything's cut and dry...

and when my parents split,

I used to send
him paintings,

and then I outgrew it.

My mom wasn't the only
thing he left behind.

You know...

I wonder
if that's why we paint...

to express ourselves
the way we couldn't

way back when.

Art Therapy 101?

[chuckles]
Yeah.

That Marine was a good teacher.

Yeah, he was.

Okay, back to work.

This is an excellent example

of the three-dimensional
technique.

The use of color,
the intensity...

You can see what he was feeling.

[whines]

This is your private student?

No, uh... I mean, yes...
not exactly...

Yeah, um...

You know what?
Um...

I'm going to take Vincent
for a walk.

I'll leave you two a chance
to talk about me.

See you soon.

Hi.

He's an artist.

I'm using him

for the show that
I'm curating for the college.

I am so embarrassed.

I think you may
be overreacting.

It's just a kiss.

No, but I just don't want
to confuse

my personal
and professional lives.

It's just too much.

The heart cannot
be contained.

Isn't that what
art's all about?

That can never happen again.

What, no tutoring?

You know what I mean.

I hope not.

There'll be
no more kissing, okay?

We're already in
over our heads

with the whole art show
and our link to van Gogh.

We don't need to complicate
our situation any further.

Okay.

I'm serious.

What? No more kissing.
I got it.

Why does this promotion
mean so much to you?

Call me crazy,
but I'd like a steady salary.

I've sworn off painting,
as you might have gleaned.

I'm trying to change direction,
throw myself into teaching.

But you can teach
at the Arts Collective.

The students don't care
about art or its history.

They want to paint cupcakes
and have some fun.

What's wrong with that?

All right, what's the
real purpose of art, Doc?

Is it remembering
the past,

or is it celebrating
the beauty of the present?

Here I am.

Why aren't you using
a real artist for your show?

You are a real artist.

I don't know
about that.

You couldn't paint like that
if you weren't.

Let's go, Vincent.

You know,
blue is definitely your color.

I didn't know
I had one.

Hey, guys!

-Hey, just the usual.
-Sure.

-Same.
-You got it.

My colleagues are all
very curious about you.

Suddenly, I'm avoiding
the teachers' lounge.

Maybe there's a way
we can reverse this.

Let's not forget,

you could be related
to van Gogh.

-There you go.
-Thanks.

That thread is feeling
looser every day.

Let's try to figure out

the gaps in your lineage.

Gaps in my lineage?

Okay, I guess we start
with my grandmother.

What was her name?

Elise.

So her father would be
your great-grandfather,

and, theoretically,
van Gogh's son?

Yeah, I guess that's right.

Do you know anything about him?

He was a tailor
and an immigrant.

So he came here
from the Netherlands,

got to Ellis Island...

He didn't speak
much English,

so the immigration officer
gave him a different name.

That's all I know.

Okay.

Oh, we didn't order those.

It's on the house.

My barista and I
have a bet going.

What's with you two?

Oh, well, Tom
is my dog-walker,

based on your recommendation,
so thank you.

I see plenty of couples
in this place,

but you I don't get.

Oh, no, no, no.
We're not a couple.

I'm helping Harper
with an art project.

And I had this whole story
in my head

that you saw the ad,

he walked your dog,
and you fell in love.

We're just friends.

Yeah.

Keep the scones.

Maybe you'll fall
in love later.

Okay.

Oh, I have something
really special to show you.

Wow.
These are amazing.

I have such a hard time
finding multi-colored tulips.

Well, I am feeling very Dutch
these days,

so I will take a dozen.

Your girlfriend is
going to love these.

Uh, actually,
they're for me.

I paint all the flowers
I buy from you.

Why didn't you tell me that
before?

Oh, it's just
kind of a private thing.

"Real art is having
the courage to share it."

That's what my husband
says about music.

He used to be too shy
to play in public,

and now they can't get him
off the stage.

Why, what happened?

He met me.

I told him
he was really good.

A little faith goes a long way.

-Thank you.
-You're welcome.

I would love to see
one of your paintings some time.

I'll make sure
you get to see this one.

[♪♪♪]

So, how are things going?

Don't even ask.

There's so much to do
before the show.

Have to prep the gallery,
set the frames, catalog...

And how are things
going with Tom?

Well, the paintings
are extraordinary.

That's the one
bright spot.

I mean on a personal note.

We have our moments...

and I need to leave
it at that.

Well, sounds to me like maybe

somebody's a little afraid
of getting hurt.

That pretty much describes
everyone I've ever met.

Especially me.

[Rick]:
Hello?

Hi.

I was in the neighborhood.

I thought I'd drop by.

Actually,
it was deliberate.

You free for lunch?

I have a meeting
that I'm late for.

Rick, it was very nice
seeing you again.

Excuse me.

Sorry, you caught
me off-guard.

I called you a couple times.

Yeah, I've been
really busy.

You avoiding me?

No! Not exactly.

Sort of, actually.

I was hoping we could talk
about your work.

You know what?
It's okay, Rick.

I'm not even painting anymore.

You should be.

Not according
to your review.

I think
you should let me explain.

I have class
to get to.

All right, well,
if you ever change your mind,

just let me know.

Okay.

[phone rings]

Hi, this is Rick.

Leave me a message
and I'll call you back.

Hi, it's me.

Maybe we should talk.

Yeah, I think I'll have
the chicken salad...

the grilled salmon...

Harper...

I meant no harm
when I wrote that review.

I was trying to help you
fulfill your potential.

Did you have to do it
in print?

It was my first show.

Obviously,
I had a lot to learn.

I think you could be good,
really good...

but you tend to be too guarded.

As an artist, or in life?

Both, I suppose.

Well, you weren't alone
in your opinion.

All the critics said
my work was too technical.

I never intended for
you to stop painting.

I'm all about teaching now,
so it's a moot point.

I'm currently trying
to impress the board

by curating a show
for the college.

I heard about that.

Heard... what?

I have some concern
about the artist

and his dubious connection
to van Gogh.

Well, what matters most
is his talent.

I just hope
you aren't being duped.

I thought we were here
to talk about my work,

or lack thereof.

We are.

I don't see you
in your work...

your feeling,
your perspective.

Without that, it's just
putting paint on canvas.

If it doesn't move you,

it's not going
to move the viewer.

Well...

I'm not sure I can risk that.

I tried and I failed.

You only fail
if you give up.

I only get hurt if I try.

Every artist that you admire
felt it was worth the risk.

ones should we use
for the invitation?

The peonies.

He painted those
the day we met.

Those flowers are flying.

Okay, we have two weeks
until the show.

The invitations need to go out
right away.

I'll start compiling
a guest list.

Oh, and I want to invite
Victoria Bainbridge.

Oh, the art dealer!

She could really
put Tom on the map.

Maybe the peonies
will pique her interest.

Mm-hmm, along with
the artist's ancestry.

Send an invitation

to her gallery
on Newbury Street.

You got it.

Great.

Harper.
Have the invitations gone out?

Oh, not yet.

Send the Dean's wife
her own invitation,

and send one to the docent
at the museum, okay?

-Great.
-Thanks.

Ooh, what a tangled web
we weave.

It gets more tangled
all the time.

Oh, and it's Sammy taking
an early lead!

Oh, Bruiser's cruising
up the left side.

Burger wants to win,

but it's Sammy, Sammy,

making a run
for the finish line!

Oh!

Oh...

Okay.

All right, everybody.

Let's see if we can't
teach Vincent by example.

Okay.
Who's got the first trick?

Sammy, over there.

High-five.

That's my girl.

Awesome.

Okay...

Bruiser,
big Bruiser...

what can we do?

Uh, let's make you speak.
Are you watching?

Speak!

Speak!

[barks]

Speak!

Yeah!
Good boy, good boy.

See that?

That's how
it's done.

Okay, you, right here,

Prince, we're going to make you
do your favorite thing.

Lie down.

Ha! You see that?
Like clockwork. Okay.

Vincent?

Sit.

I don't know what to do
with this guy.

Vincent!

Sit.

Sit!

Great.

Okay.

Maybe next week, huh?
What do you think?

Should we keep him around?

Yeah, there's one
in every class.

[barks]

[buzzing]

Oh, not again...

You know, the whole boat
needs to be rewired.

You've got no heat,
no electricity,

and that leak in the roof
is getting much worse.

I don't know, I think
you're looking at, like...

$10,000,
maybe $12,000.

Oh, boy,
that's a lot more walking dogs.

I'll do most
of the work myself

and try and keep the cost down.

Thanks, Frank.

What about your paintings?

Well, I've got
a show coming up,

but there's no guarantee

that anything's
going to sell.

Well, I'd be surprised
if they didn't.

Look, don't worry about it.

I'll get started on the repairs,

and then we'll see what happens.

Well, I appreciate that, Frank.

It's just so much pressure on me
to perform already.

No, no, man,
no pressure.

Well, listen...

painting was just a kind
of therapy for me.

It's so much more
now, I mean...

but it's just so
impractical.

I mean, who knows if
I'll ever even earn a dime,

you know?

Yeah, well,
I've lived long enough to know

that how you spend your days
matters more

than how much it pays.

You're a wise man, Frank.

Yeah, so I've been told.
So I've been told.

Dr. Higgins,
I'm glad I caught you.

I'm having a c*ck party
next Friday,

and, well,
I wanted to invite you.

Oh, thank you, Dr. Browning.

You must bring
Tom Becker.

A colleague of mine

with a vast knowledge
of van Gogh

is dying to meet him,

and I know they'll
have a lot to discuss.

Also, it builds great
buzz in the art world.

It sounds like
a wonderful evening.

Great.
See you then.

Great.

Every day I get
thrown another curve.

Now it's this party.

Harper!

Oh, great!
I need to talk to you.

My boat is falling apart...

Lars is throwing
a c*ck party.

I need to spend all
my time walking dogs

to make more money...

He invited an expert
on van Gogh...

I'm supposed to have a show,
and I have no electricity.

I may have a solution.

Harper has a studio
she's not using.

You could stay there
until your boat is fixed.

I could finish
my paintings.

That might work.

Yeah, and you could prep him
for the party

and this van Gogh expert.

It's something to think about.

Yeah, it is.

Okay, you've got
to think fast.

You don't have a lot of time.

Okay.

[phone rings]

Hi, Lindsay.

Hi!

So, did Tom take you up
on your offer?

Actually, it was your offer,
remember?

Why did you do that?

I don't understand
the problem.

[sighs]

The problem is,

things are already
so complicated.

It would just be weird
having him in my backyard.

Weird in what way?

I think
someone's at my door.

Well, maybe
you should see who it is.

I'll call you later.

Okay.

What am I doing?

Hey, Vincent.
How are you doing?

Heard you're taking in
struggling artists.

Hey.

Hey.

You know,
I've been trying to train him.

Oh, yeah?

Mm-hmm.
Watch this.

Vincent, sit.

He doesn't do
anything on command.

Oh, is that so?
Watch this, actually.

Vincent...
don't sit.

I take it back.
You're great with him.

Wow.

What can I say?
He's easy to like.

Let's get you
settled in.

-Grab those.
-Uh-huh.

So you have the studio.
You have the ability.

Why don't you paint?

I had a show last year.

Not a single sale
or positive review.

Well, art is subjective.

van Gogh only sold
one painting,

and now they go
for millions.

Unfortunately,
he left me out of the will.

[laughs]

No, well,
I know my limitations.

Rembrandt, Picasso...

all the greats,
they were defiantly themselves,

and I color
inside the lines.

So why don't you try
busting out?

I'm...

not sure I have it in me...

and I've made my peace
with that.

There's extra blankets
in the closet if you need them.

I hope you don't mind
sleeping on a cot.

Oh, no,
I'm very familiar with cots.

I stayed at friends' houses
and relatives

whenever my dad
was deployed, so...

That must have
been tough.

I was the son of a soldier.

As soon as I was old enough,
I joined the Army.

It's the only life I knew.

Until this one?

That's right, yeah.

All right, well, I have
some papers to grade,

so I'll get out of here.

Okay.

Oh, I forgot Vincent.

He loves it in here.

Come on, buddy.
There you go.

Thank you.

No more kissing.

The thought
never even crossed my mind.

Ah, that's
very reassuring.

It seems
to cross yours, though.

Only as something
we need to avoid.

Good night, Doc.

Sleep well.

Who was the other painter

Paul Gauguin.

Gauguin.

I can't remember
who painted what,

or when, or why...

including myself.

All I wanted to do was paint
on my boat, alone.

Okay, you know what?
Forget the facts.

The subject is art.

There is no right or wrong.

Matisse had a painting
in a museum

that was hanging upside down,
and no one even noticed.

Yeah.

The curator said,

"Art, like love,
is open to interpretation."

You believe that?

Yeah, I do.

The part about love?

Love is always a mystery.

Not to me.

When you know, you know.
You know?

Looks like
somebody's ready for his walk.

Somebody wants
to change the subject.

What do you think
of that there, Vincent?

You know,

the other dogs
are twice his size,

but Vincent is always the leader
of the pack.

Aren't you?

Aren't you,
Vincent?

Here, give me kisses.

[mock gasps]

Vincent, how many times
do I gotta to tell you?

"No more kissing."

He doesn't obey commands.

Neither do I.

[Harper]:
I taught two classes,

and I was so scattered.

Is Dr. Higgins
having some doubts?

I've got to go.

I've got to teach
at the Arts Collective.

Wow, that's a lot
of teaching.

At least
no one's judging my work--

not even me,

Lindsay, we need
to go over the curriculum.

Oh, certainly.

I'll meet you
in my office?

Absolutely.

All right.

Is everything okay?

Yeah, I'm just trying
to prepare for the show

and get through my classes.

Well, the classes
are the whole point.

Have you given
much thought

to your courses
next semester?

I have,

but nothing definitive yet.

Okay.

Hi! I'm Nancy.

Tom. Pleasure.

Buster isn't much trouble...

Okay.

Except for the barking.

[high-pitched yelping]

He's very vocal.

Not a problem.

'Kay, we'll have him back
in one piece.

Thank you.

'Kay.
Come on, everybody!

Here we go!
Here we go!

And they're off
to the races!

All right, it's Vincent
with an early lead!

Sammy's in one
to make a charge.

Okay, who's this
creeping up the right side?

Oh, my goodness!

[knocks]

May I help you?

Hi, I'm Dr. Harper Higgins.

Your 10:00?

From the Cambridge Institute
of Fine Arts?

Um...

remind me.

What is this about?

Yes, of course.

I'm having a show
at the college,

and I was hoping
you could attend.

Only if I'm familiar
with the artist.

Tom Becker.

I don't know him.

But you do know talent.

May I?

Go ahead.

Well...

He certainly has potential.

That I believe
has been fully realized.

Impressive.

Go on.

Where has he exhibited?

He hasn't.

The Bainbridge Gallery
could be the first

to exhibit his art.

Well, I'm happy
you pressed your point.

Will we be expecting you
at the show?

I'll be in touch.

Great.

Well, I'll quit
while I'm ahead.

Thank you
for your time.

[starts car]

Did you get a chance
to read my essay?

It was short,
which is telling.

Write about something
you connect with...

a painting, an artist...

I'll see you at my
party tomorrow night.

Yes, Dr. Browning.

And of course, you're
going to be bringing

van Gogh's
great-great-grandson.

Is that for real?

Surely, you've heard about
her talented discovery?

The art show
is for alumni and donors.

I haven't shared anything
with my students.

Well, I'm sure they
would be very interested.

I certainly would.

Me too.

Well then, perhaps it's
time to spread the word.

Maybe.

Great.

You want to grab lunch?

No...

What's wrong?

I take it
you haven't seen this.

-Seen what?
-The school website.

What about it?

Lars had them post an ad
about the art show...

with a little blurb
about Tom and van Gogh.

[Harper]: Oh, no.

[Lindsay]: Oh, yes.

This is probably all over
the campus by now.

This whole thing's
gotten out of control.

All right, you know what,
Vincent?

While we have a minute,

been meaning to talk to you
about a few things.

Wonder if you could help me out?

So... I think it's no secret
I really like your mother,

but I just want to know...

that Rick guy,

is he in the picture?

Is he?

Exactly.
You just shook your head.

Thank you.

So that's a no.
I'm taking that as a no.

That's good.

What about her favorite color?

Is it blue?

Don't bark
if it's a yes.

All right.
Thanks, pal.

I appreciate that.

Man to man.
I feel like I can trust you.

Come here.

Cuddle in.
Cuddle in close.

This is where you belong.

We're partners, you know.

We're buddies.

[Harper]: Klimt was
one of the founding members

of the influential
Vienna Secession.

The group included naturalist,
realist, and symbolist elements.

As we all know,
Klimt was a symbolist.

Yes?

How do you know Tom Becker
is related to van Gogh?

The subject is Klimt.

Do you believe
talent can be inherited?

Even if he's really good,

doesn't mean
it's in his genes.

[Harper]: That
won't be on the exam,

but Klimt will.

My students
had so many questions,

I ran out of answers.

That's exactly what's
going to happen to me

at this party.

I don't know how I didn't see
all this coming.

All right,
you know what?

No more tutoring...

no more worrying...

and no more painting.

Let's take a break.

But the party's
tomorrow night.

We've still
got to eat.

Come on, let's go
get some pizza.

It'll be fun. You
remember fun, right?

Right, Doc?

Mm!

Oh, my God.
This is so good.

You know, maybe
it's the company.

Maybe it's a bit
of both.

You know, you have
the most extraordinary eyes.

They have those
little gold flecks.

Ever the artist.

Who else would notice
something so subtle?

Well, there's
more, though.

It's the way your mouth
turns up when you smile,

the pink pale
of your cheeks...

look at 'em!

Which are now turning red,
thank you very much.

Well, whatever
the color.

Okay, less flirting,
more pizza.

[laughs]

Whatever
you say, Doc.

This really is
good, though,

and I should know.

A single father
home on leave,

I mean, what else are we
going to eat, right?

No, I know
what you mean.

Take-out was a food group
with my family.

We have that in common.

Yeah, we do.

I mean,
not just the improvised dinners,

but the loneliness.

You see me pretty clearly.

Is that a bad thing?

No...

except for the red cheeks.

I just wish there was a way
that we could come clean

and not have this
hanging over us.

I just don't know how,
or when, or what to say.

I just feel
so much pressure already

putting my paintings on display.

What?

Why is it so hard for you?

Well...

it's like you
with your red cheeks.

It's hard being seen.

You know, that same thing
applies to my paintings.

They're a part of me.

A part
so worth knowing.

Maybe that's the silver
lining in all this.

What's that?

You and me.

Maybe so.

All my students
want to talk about

is van Gogh's
great-great-grandson.

Yeah, and that's all Dr. Martin
wants to talk about,

and the board.

I have to find
a way out of this.

I can't have this
affect Tom's career.

I just... I couldn't
live with that...

Hi, Dr. Browning.

We were just talking
about Tom Becker

and his impressive work.

Well, I can hardly wait
to meet him.

The party's
in just a few hours,

so don't be late.

I'll get home
and change.

And Dean Whitney and his wife
will also be attending.

Ah, the more the merrier.

This promises
to be quite an evening.

It certainly does.

Oh!

Sorry I'm late.
I've been walking dogs.

The party starts at 7:00, so...

Okay, we need
to relieve the pressure.

Okay.

Maybe we can
bring Vincent.

Vincent?

Wha...

He comes when you call him?

Occasionally, yeah.

Wow, uh...

Hey, Vincent!

I think this is
cause for celebration!

I even got him to sit.

Really?

All right,
well, Vincent...

sit.

All right,

it was, like, the tenth
time that I asked him.

He was probably just
trying to fit in

with the other dogs,

'cause they're
always sitting.

He did do it.

He's really
won my heart.

The feeling's mutual.

I hope so.

All right, um...

I should get changed.

Yeah. Me too.

Come on.

What do you think?

Okay.

Artists wouldn't wear a tie.

Better?

[barks]

You look stunning.

I have my stylist, Vincent,
to thank.

Thanks.

Look, this is
a c*ck party.

We're both dressed up.

Let's just treat this
like a regular date, okay?

An incredibly complicated
regular date.

You look so beautiful tonight.

No more kissing.

[Dr. Browning]:
Welcome!

I'm your host,
Dr. Lars Browning.

Tom Becker.

Can't say I detect
any resemblance to van Gogh.

[chuckles]

Everyone is very anxious
to meet you.

Oh, there's Dr. Martin.

He's the head
of our department.

We're so excited
about your show.

Your ancestry is creating
a lot of curiosity,

to say the least.

Well, I hope that my work
can speak for itself.

Oh, there's Dean Whitney
and his wife, Lisa,

and this is the artist
we're all so excited to meet,

Tom Becker.

Hi.

Pleasure.

Hello.

[Dr. Martin]:
This is very exciting.

And now
I'd like to introduce you

to an expert on
all things van Gogh,

Rick Abbot.

You said he was
a former colleague.

I didn't think
I should introduce him

as your former
boyfriend.

Rick Abbot.

I feel a bit
protective of Harper,

so when I heard about
your link to van Gogh,

I had my doubts.

Well, when I see
his paintings,

I feel very humbled.

And which of his paintings
do you find most humbling?

Probably "Starry Night,"

or any of the work that he did
in Arles.

And do you view that

as the birth of
Post-Impressionism?

Uh... I guess
you could say that.

Um...

he began using emotion
to connect with the viewer.

His work was so personal,
it became universal.

I've never heard it
put so well.

[Dr. Martin]:
I agree.

And how are you
and van Gogh related?

My grandmother's
from the Netherlands,

from Zundert...

And her father

didn't speak English,

so the Immigration Officer
at Ellis Island

gave him a new name.

Same thing happened
to my grandfather.

[Tom]: My grandmother
saved all my drawings

and hoped that I would
follow in his footsteps.

And as she predicted,
you became an artist.

Well, I would like
to attend your show.

Didn't you receive
your invitation?

No.

[Dr. Martin]:
Harper?

Here you are, Mrs. Whitney.

Mm, the peonies...

they're perfection.

This is very
good work.

[Dean Whitney]: And
very reminiscent of van Gogh.

To Dr. Higgins'
discovery...

and to the showing
of Tom Becker's work. Cheers.

I guess
I should feel relieved,

but I feel awful.

Yeah, me too.

Dr. Martin was so proud,

and the Dean's wife
was cheering us on...

and I like these people.
I respect them.

This just isn't me,

dancing around
the truth like that.

I... I can't feel
like this anymore.

It just isn't worth it.

What do we do now?

We find a way
to make it right.

All right, the sooner,
the better.

We just have
to figure out how.

I already feel better...

in an overwhelmed kind of way.

Me too.

Come on.

You're painting?

That's...
that's great!

Don't let me interrupt.

No, I...

I keep second-guessing myself,

painting over
everything I start, so...

It'll come. Just
don't worry about it.

[sighs]

Peyton wants an original
for the students to copy,

and subject matter's
not my strong suit.

Still-life isn't cutting it.

Excuse me.

Well, don't worry about them.

You just...

do whatever you want, and...

paint how you feel
but can't find the words to say.

Easy for you to say.

Well, it's a good thing
opposites attract, then,

isn't it?

Well, I've got
to get to work.

Teaching may not
be right for me.

I'm not sure I know
where I belong anymore.

Well, that's quite
an admission.

If only I could be
that honest on a canvas.

Dr. Higgins?

I redid my essay,

and I wrote
about van Gogh

because of your show.

I look forward to reading it.

Thank you!

I want to go
to Tom Becker's show.

How do I get
on the list?

The invitations
have already gone out.

Sorry, guys,
I'm late for my class.

Tom and I have
decided to come clean.

Good,

but I think you should wait
'til after the show.

It's only a few days.

Yeah, I guess...

but...

who do I tell?

What do I say?

Dr. Martin
would be a good start.

[Harper]:
Lindsay thinks we should wait

until after the party.

We've already got
all those RSVPs.

Maybe she's right.

Victoria Bainbridge
is coming.

As in the
Bainbridge Gallery?

This is a good thing.

Okay...

so after the show,
we set the record straight.

I'll go up
to Dr. Martin

and pull him aside
very discreetly,

'cause I don't want
to embarrass him.

Okay.

Okay.

Well, in the meanwhile,
I've got some dogs to walk.

I know you said
no kissing,

but you looked like
you could use that.

Yeah...
yeah, I kind of did.

Okay.

Come on!

I don't know
what to say.

I'm glad
you like it.

It's beautiful.

How can you be
this good at something

and not own it?

You finally tell me

that you've been painting
all the flowers that you buy,

like it's a secret.

If I were this good
at something,

I would share it
with the world!

I appreciate that.

You do something
that matters.

Get up there.

Get up there.
What're you doing?

Mr. Becker!

What a pleasant surprise.

What are you doing
with all these dogs?

Uh...

uh, they're
my neighbors' dogs.

Well, you must be
a real dog-lover.

Shouldn't you be
preparing for your show?

Say, isn't that
Dr. Higgins' dog?

Uh...

Yeah, I walk him
as a favor sometimes.

I'd better get going.

Got to get home and paint,
you know?

Come on, guys,
here we go!

Where is home, by the way?

Mr. Becker?

Huh... you added
carrots and corn...

Mm-hmm...

and red pepper
for color.

You even turn
salad into art.

I think it should look
as good as it tastes.

So I ran into Lars today.

What? When?

I was taking the dogs
to the park,

and there he was.

Does he think
you're a dog-walker?

Would that be so bad?

-He thinks you're an artist.
-I am an artist...

one who just happens
to walk dogs.

I'm sorry,
I just...

Hey, you know, that's
the problem with dishonesty.

It crowds out
happiness.

Yeah,
I'm well aware, thanks.

I'm not blaming you.

Well, I blame myself,
and that feels much worse.

I'm...

I'm sorry, I just...
I'm so stressed.

Well, I'm sorry
you're so stressed,

we can't even enjoy this dinner.

Dinner's the least
of our worries.

All right, well...

I'm going to clear my head.
I'm going to take a walk.

Okay.

Tom!

How did we get here?

I don't know,

but here we are.

[barks]

-Hi.
-Hi.

Buster loves his walks.

That's great.

He's been a great
addition to the troops.

Aw.

[Tom]: Okay.

Have a good day!

Come on, guys.
Come on!

Hard!

Oh, it's Vincent
that takes the early lead!

Come on, Vincent!
Come on, pal!

Okay! Charging up
the left side!

Oh, we've got a real tight one
on our hands here, folks!

[Dr. Browning]:
Excuse me?

I don't mean to bother you,
but I noticed your dog.

Buster.

You see, I'm looking
for someone to walk my dog.

Tom walks Buster twice a day.

He's very dependable,
always on time.

Well, that's very good to know.

Thank you.

You're welcome.
Bye.

[Tom]: You know,
I hope to earn more

at this art show.

Yeah, well...

don't worry about it.
I'm in no hurry.

Should all be there.

So how's it going?

You seem to be doing
a lot of painting.

All the time.
I can't seem to stop.

That should give you
a pretty good clue

about what your next chapter is.

Yeah, you know...

I meet a woman,
and all of a sudden,

my whole life just
turned upside down.

Who's that, Harper?

The one with the dog?

Yeah.

She seemed really nice.

I think I might be
falling in love, Frank.

Ah?

Well, there's nothing wrong
with that.

Does she feel the same way?

Maybe?

I don't know.
It's hard to say.

Things are pretty complicated
right now.

Love always is.

[chuckling]

Hey, can I help you?

I'm looking for Tom Becker.

Oh, you just missed him.

Oh, I was hoping to talk to him
about some of his paintings.

He's pretty good,
don't you think?

I'm a big fan.

Yeah...

and he just sort of
stumbled into it.

Turns out
he's got all this talent.

So...

no formal training?

No, he just took
an art therapy class

at the V.A. hospital.

That's it.

Well...

he's had quite
a journey.

Let's start with the peonies,

seeing as how that
is what's on the invitations.

Ah. It's perfect.

What do you think?

I think he's remarkable.

The painting?

What do you think
of the painting?

He kissed me...

in the rain.

It was magical.

I'm not sure I like
feeling this way.

Well, you know what they say...

love is a gamble.

But you're right.

He has the goods.

He inspires me.

I started painting again.

Every day, I get
a little bit braver.

Then why are you
whispering?

[loudly]
I'm painting again!

Yes!
There you go!

I know, Vincent.

I'm nervous, too.

Can't sleep.

Neither can I.

I just... I want everything
to go well tonight, you know?

I want you to be okay.
I want to tell the truth.

I just... I keep rehearsing
what to say in my head.

I feel the exact same way.

Whatever happens...

We'll be okay.

By this time tomorrow,
everything will be... over.

Well, except the kissing part.

[Harper laughs]

I feel better about this
already.

Hey, what do you say
we come back tomorrow, huh?

The artist
is generally required

to attend his own show.

Yeah, when his ancestry
didn't get him in the door.

Your talent
is all that matters,

and that will endure
long after tonight.

What happens
with you and me?

A lot more moonlit
walks in the rain.

I can see
van Gogh's influence.

He really has
an extraordinary eye.

Oh, this painting
is fabulous.

I love the violets,
and the terrier.

I want them both.

I suppose
I'll be needing my checkbook.

The show has exceeded
my expectations.

Thank you, Dr. Martin.

Thank you.

Hello.
I'm Victoria Bainbridge.

Oh!

Thank you so much
for coming.

I'm so impressed
with your work.

I usually don't represent

unknown artists,

but you are exceptional,
in every sense.

I don't know
what to say.

[Rick]:
You just hit the big-time.

Smile, and, uh...

sign on the
dotted line.

When I heard that story
about you and van Gogh,

I didn't believe it,

but now I'm happy
to admit that I do.

Well, I hope you'll judge
my work on its own merit.

[Victoria]:
Of course,

but your pedigree will
certainly open many doors.

We need to talk.

About what?

I know that Sergeant Tom Becker
is a fraud.

You invented this link
to van Gogh

to get him a show
and to get yourself promoted.

I'll do anything you ask,
but please...

May I have
your attention?

I would like to make
an announcement, please.

It seems that we
have been misinformed.

There is no evidence

that Tom Becker is a descendant
of Vincent van Gogh.

[guests murmuring]

[Dr. Martin]:
Dr. Higgins...

is this true?

I'm so sorry.
This is all my fault.

No...

not at all.

Everybody,
we owe you an apology.

We made a terrible mistake.

I'm so, so sorry.

The look
on Dr. Martin's face...

I know.

I tried to explain
to Victoria Bainbridge,

but what was there to say?

They're dismantling
the show tomorrow.

Lindsay says we have
to come pick up the paintings.

Well, we got
what we deserve.

You didn't.
I certainly did.

There's enough
regret to go around.

I sold myself out,
and for what?

To become Dr. Higgins full-time?

That isn't even who I am.

What happens now?

I have a lot of apologies
to make.

Yeah, there's a few
I'd like to make myself.

Just...

promise me
you won't stop painting.

I won't.
I wouldn't even know how.

Hey...

we'll get
through this.

I promise.

This is the worst
night of my life.

Somehow,
I believe you.

[car alarm chirps]

I understand my affiliation
with the college is over,

but that's not why I'm here.

I wanted to apologize
to you personally.

There's no excuse
for what I did,

and my deepest regret

is the cost to you
and the Department.

How long have you been
rehearsing that?

Too long.

I should have been honest
from the start.

Over time, this will just
become an anecdote

that students will like to tell.

It won't have any impact
on the college.

I can't say as much
for your career.

And I accept that.

I'm not even sure
I was cut out for this job.

Well, if we're being honest,
I agree.

It's not you.
It's not who you are.

Yeah, um...

I always wanted to be an artist.

I guess I just lost my nerve
and tried to be somebody else.

You know that old adage,

"Those who can, do.
Those who can't, teach"?

Well, it's
completely wrong.

Those who teach, and teach well,
were born to it.

Figure out what
you ere born to do,

and don't let anything
deter you.

You really have
this teaching thing down.

I wish you well,
Harper.

Thank you.

I don't have much time.

I just wanted to apologize
to you in person.

I felt like
I at least owed you that much.

I have a reputation to protect,

and I owe it to my clients
to maintain it.

The fact that you even
considered representing me

means more to me
than you could ever know.

You didn't need
to fabricate a background.

Your work is good enough
to stand on its own.

You have a real talent.

You need to honor it...

and trust in it.

Thank you.

My whole teaching career
fits in a cardboard box.

Well, I have some good news,
if you can believe it.

What's that?

The Dean's wife wants to buy
two of Tom's paintings.

Really, are you sure?

Yes, and she said,
and I quote,

"I don't care who he is
or isn't related to.

I want to see those paintings
on my wall every day."

I knew I liked her.
Now I know why.

Wow,
now Tom can repair his boat.

That's great!

What's going
to happen to you?

Look, I'll be fine.

I can teach
at the Arts Collective.

I took a pretty strange route
to get here,

but suddenly,
all I want to do is paint.

Then you ended up
on the right path.

I even found the right guy.

Yes, you did.

[laughs]

Every time
I look at that painting,

it puts a smile on my face.

What do I owe you?

Just a small commission.

My customers love
that painting.

One of them even
wanted to buy it.

Maybe you could show
your work here...

kind of like a little gallery.

Yeah...

Thank you!

Yeah, that'd be great!

[whines]

What do you think?

[Student]:
It's so romantic.

Well done.

Vincent, just another
beautiful day for a walk,

isn't it?

Okay, okay,
hold up here.

Hold up.

Vincent, come here.

All right,
let's try this one more time.

Come here.
Vincent?

Sit.

[laughs]

Okay, wait a second.

See if that was
just a fluke.

One more time.
On your feet, soldier.

Okay, Vincent, sit.

It's a miracle.

Good boy!
Good boy.

Okay. I can't wait
to show Harper what we can do.

Let's go!
Come on, buddy.

[laughs]

Vincent is a real dog today!

Everybody!
I've got a surprise for you.

Ready?

You going to show 'em?
'Kay.

Vincent...

sit.

[clapping, cheering]

Good boy.

[Harper]:
That's amazing...

and I have
a surprise for you.

You remember that night?

Just like I'm going
to remember this one.

Art imitating life
imitating art.

I'm really glad
I took this class.

If I hadn't bumped
into you that day,

and I didn't need
a dog-walker,

where would we be now?

You know,

I think Vincent would have
brought us together.

It's fate.

Whatever it is,
I'll take it.

Come on.

I want to paint you

just the way you look
right now.

We may need
another easel.

[♪♪♪]

[♪♪♪]