Young John (T. Morgan) has a big dream. He wants to learn the secret of painting for all the world. That's why he travels to the country to meet his idol Nicolai Seroff, an old Russian painter (Armin Mueller-Stahl). His family - above all his father (Ray Liotta) - does not like this at all. John wants to learn all the secrets of art that the painter has locked in his heart. But the old artist has not only turned his back on art, but also on life. The two disparate men begin to work together. Little by little, a friendship unfolds between John and his old teacher. Thanks to the boy, the brilliant artist finds his passion for painting and life again. And John learns in a wonderful way to see through Nicolai's eyes. But when Nicolai's beautiful neighbour and muse Carla (Samantha Mathis) also discovers her heart for John, the friendship is put to the test.