The Amouretta landscape, and other stories

Maurice Price is a celebrated portraitist whose polished reputation masks an uneasy neglect of the very subject that first inspired his art—the open landscape. When a visit to a friend’s country studio in New Hampshire forces him to confront a decade of studio work, he is struck by the vivid, untamed hills that lie beyond his studio doors. The story follows his hesitant yet curious attempt to trade his familiar indoor commissions for an honest encounter with nature.

Amid witty observations about the art world and gentle domestic moments with his lively wife, Maurice learns that painting a true landscape demands more than technical skill—it asks for humility and a willingness to listen to the land itself. The narrative balances humor with thoughtful reflection, offering a glimpse into a creative life caught between public acclaim and personal authenticity. The collection also includes a dozen varied tales, each with its own subtle humor and keen eye for ordinary moments turned extraordinary.