a frame assists

the subject ru l e s

the medium conveyed

by artist's tools

lines divide

the shape is made

with the form as guide

the colour's laid

light ignites

the tonal states

while contrast deems

theme allocates

signature creates

the gallery declares

the curator accepts

the gut reacts

and the eye reflects

if a mind would absorb

the intricate plot

then critics will expose

what the plot is not

peers assess

history views

auctioneers guess

time eschews

dealers vie

markets fly

the punters buy

their neighbours cry

art's a lie