@maladaptivetiny You weren’t misunderstanding me at all. I think Richard’s intentions behind creating the village and what he gets out of it is the central mystery of the story, and Susan’s experience in choosing to let him paint her is our first opportunity to observe Richard up close. How Susan reacts to the experience will (if the story is ever continued) tell us more about what she gets out of being a villager.
@Nyx Right! I absolutely find hands to be a centerpiece in micro/macro art, they are capable of telling quite much, and are on top of that fun to practice 😉 And thank you immensely!
