I have always loved capturing people, especially those unaware—the real them. Their essence. Even before I discovered... my powers. I would sketch a stranger quietly. I longed to own more than just their image, though. Two of my favourite quotes sum up why I loved it so much. While Steve McCurry said, "if you wait, people will forget the camera, and the soul will drift into view.", the late, great Oscar Wilde remarked "Every portrait that is painted with feeling is a portrait of the artist, not of the sitter." These words echo in my mind as I work.
I vividly remember the first time I realized my sketches held more than just an image—they captured her very being. My muse…
Once I commit their form to paper, they are mine. As I draw fine lines, the more detail and precision involved, the greater the hold I have over them. Over the years, I’ve honed my craft to a devastating degree of accuracy. My subjects in the past would survive the displacement and assume dual residency in my folder while also continuing a normal, tangible existence.
Now, those who inspire me, whom I desire to capture, have a sealed fate. Once I have sketched their likeness on my preferred Strathmore Bristol Vellum paper, they are mine—mine alone. Each stroke of my pencil tightens the invisible chains, binding them to their paper prison. I can then draw from them, at will, their intellect, vitality, whenever I need it. I am never greedy, though. Always careful to not take too much at once, as I don’t wish to attract unwanted attention to myself. You would be surprised how easy it is – people vanish without a trace every day. Those who meet my gaze live on—forever trapped, forever mine.
About the Creator
Paul Stewart
Award-Winning Writer, Poet, Scottish-Italian, Subversive.
The Accidental Poet - Poetry Collection out now!
Streams and Scratches in My Mind coming soon!
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Comments (13)
Like DK, I had a feeling this was coming from the very first sentence, especially with "captured" in there. I was stuck on this challenge for ideas, and ultimately didn't write anything which is a shame, a it was a goodie! This is a brilliant idea Paul, and it has that eerie feel where we know this isn't good, but the speaker can't see it. "Each stroke of my pencil tightens the invisible chains, binding them to their paper prison."- excellently creepy line!
Yoikes! This reminded me of something but I’m not sure what .. maybe it was Wilde’s novel (which I haven’t read but have seen some of the adaptions). Sets the scene beautifully with a cool twist!
Unnerving! Great entry to the challenge ✅
This is freaking genius, Paul! I knew where this was going right away and was like “Yes!! Brilliant!” And it’s so well written too! Definitely one of my favorites for the epic beginnings stories!!
A very similar story, I like how it's captured the very soul of the beings they draw. I wonder if the same could be done for animals, and go even more unnoticed 👀
Wouldn't want to leave that sketchbook on a train, would you.
Liam wrote something similar this. The difference being, his MC used his powers for good while yours used for evil hehehehehe. I'd definitely use it for evil too 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
A terrifying and original collector...Bravo, Paul!! An artist villain is so compelling:)
This is an impressive take on the challenge, Paul! Really top flight writing!
Oooo! This was devious Paul! I love the premise, it felt kind of like the grim reaper collecting souls or something dark like that! Very clever!
Wow. That is great, buddy. Lucky me, no one has asked me to pose. 😁
You are a surprising artist, Really like all your work.
A scary and unnerving superpower. Great concept