A successful artist looks back with loving memories on the summer of his defining year, 1974. He befriends an elderly alcoholic genius painter who has turned his back not only on art, but on life. The two form what appears to be a tenuous relationship at first, between a student and master. The student wants to learn all the secrets the master has locked away inside his head and heart. But, time has not been kind to the old master and his life and work have lost their meaning. Over the course of the summer the student's enthusiasm and innocence rekindles the master's artistic passion. Together, they give one another a priceless gift. The student learns to see the world through the eyes of an artist, while the master remembers how to see past the ugliness in life and once again embrace the beauty. This story is based on a real life experience.