Chapter 79 of All the Colors of the Dark spans a period of three weeks, during which Patch finds himself frequently visited by Sammy. These visits are marked by in-depth conversations about great artists like Caravaggio, Frans Hals, and Paul Gauguin. Sammy’s discussions are not only about the art world but also about personal experiences, blending his thoughts on artistry with insights into the nature of creativity itself. However, while Sammy is caught up in these philosophical musings, Patch remains deeply immersed in his own work. He struggles with self-doubt, pouring his heart and soul into his paintings, trying to convey emotions and experiences that feel too overwhelming to express with mere brushstrokes. Sammy’s alcohol dependency becomes more apparent, as his excessive drinking adds a layer of tension to their interactions. Despite his personal issues, Sammy continues to push Patch to stretch his artistic boundaries, even tearing a canvas in frustration when Patch fails to capture what he considers the essence of the subject. This marks a growing rift in their relationship, as Patch feels both the weight of his own insecurities and the constant pressure to meet Sammy’s expectations.

As the weather transitions from the cold grip of winter to the more hopeful warmth of spring, Patch adopts a lifestyle of quiet dedication to his art. His focus intensifies, almost becoming monastic in nature, as he isolates himself further to concentrate on his work. He keeps a low profile in the gallery, staying out of sight of the women who frequently visit Sammy, ensuring that he isn’t distracted from his artistic pursuit. Despite his dedication, Patch’s emotional life becomes more complicated, especially when it comes to Misty. His feelings for her are conflicting—he desires to connect with her but feels as if he’s being increasingly left behind in her world. As Misty’s life seems to evolve around her own plans and social engagements, Patch can’t help but feel diminished in her presence. He is unable to bridge the emotional gap between them, and this sense of isolation only deepens as he remains focused on his work. The pull of his artistic ambition is undeniable, but it also causes him to neglect his personal relationships, especially with Misty, further complicating his emotional state.

At Sammy’s request, Patch is given a new responsibility in the gallery—managing it rather than simply cleaning. This shift in duties marks a change in their relationship dynamic, as Patch becomes more involved in the daily operations of the gallery. While the responsibility gives him a sense of financial stability, it also increases the complexity of his position within Sammy’s world. His role evolves from being a passive participant to someone who is actively shaping the environment around him, yet he is still bound by the expectations Sammy places on him. Patch’s interactions with Saint, who occasionally visits the gallery, are telling. Despite her presence, he remains largely uninterested in her personal changes, his focus entirely consumed by his art. Saint’s evolving life seems to be of little consequence to Patch, as he continues to pour himself into his work. He briefly engages with the women who visit the gallery, discussing Sammy’s future and listening to their casual inquiries, but these exchanges feel shallow and disconnected from his deeper emotional struggles. Sammy’s refusal to acknowledge Patch’s artistic growth leaves him feeling unvalidated, yet he pushes forward relentlessly, dedicating himself to perfecting his technique. The creation of portraits, especially of Grace, becomes a cathartic release for Patch, as he channels his grief and longing into each stroke of the brush.

The arrival of summer brings with it the culmination of Patch’s efforts, though not in the way he might have anticipated. After months of intense work, Sammy disrupts Patch’s process and declares that the painting is finished, regardless of whether it truly captures the essence of Grace. This marks a pivotal moment in Patch’s journey, as he realizes that the creative process is often not about perfection but about completion and letting go. The artwork, which he has labored over for so long, is now a reflection of both his artistic growth and the emotional turbulence he has faced. Sammy’s abrupt declaration forces Patch to confront the limitations of his work and the expectations that others place upon him. For Patch, this moment represents both a victory and a surrender. He has learned to navigate the complexities of his craft, but at the same time, he must also accept the uncertainty that comes with it. The chapter closes with Patch’s personal evolution, not just as an artist but as someone who has learned to reconcile the emotional forces that shape his art and life. He has come to understand that growth in both art and life is not always linear or predictable, but rather a series of moments that force one to confront their own doubts and fears.