In "Fit For A King," Alice embarks on a transformative journey into the world of watercolour painting under the guidance of Thomas, her mentor. The chapter opens with Alice's excitement about learning to create the finest watercolours, a process Thomas promises will revolutionize her approach to art. The narrative emphasizes the importance of understanding the materials—highlighting the significance of pigments and binders in paint creation. Thomas introduces Alice to the art of making watercolours using Gum Arabic from the Sengali Acacia tree in Sudan, illustrating the process's connection to nature and history.

Thomas instructs Alice on preparing the paint, mixing Gum Arabic with hot water and honey to achieve a rich, vibrant medium. This mixture, he explains, is key to creating superior watercolours, capable of holding more color and providing a unique texture to the artwork. However, he cautions about the balance required in the mixture to prevent the paint from becoming too sticky due to the hygroscopic nature of honey.

As they proceed, Thomas shares philosophical insights about the symbolism of bees, relating it to Alice's journey as an artist. He draws parallels between the bees' roles in nature and the artist's journey—highlighting themes of birth, wisdom, creativity, and the importance of perseverance in the face of challenges. This conversation deepens Alice's understanding of her artistic path and reinforces her determination to create impactful, beautiful art.

The chapter also touches on technical aspects of paint-making, such as the importance of achieving the right consistency and the sensory experience of grinding pigments. Through hands-on experience, Alice learns not only about the physical process of creating paint but also about the metaphorical "beautiful struggle" of artistic creation.

Finally, the narrative explores the concept of gouache as another medium, offering Alice a broader perspective on the possibilities in art. Thomas's mentorship extends beyond practical lessons to include philosophical and emotional support, guiding Alice to see the value in experimentation and the beauty in unexpected outcomes.

"Fit For A King" is a richly detailed chapter that weaves technical art instruction with philosophical insights and character development. It highlights the transformative power of art, the deep connection between artists and their materials, and the journey of discovery and growth that lies at the heart of the creative process.

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