Once Juan fully recovers from his journey, Diego gives him a set of simple clothes and the second of his mother’s gold earrings, completing the pair. At first, Juan is unsure about his role and wonders if he’ll be assigned to Juana, Diego’s wife, or work primarily with their young daughters.

Diego takes Juan to work in his art studio in the family’s home. Juan notices that the studio’s location exposes it to strange odors and shifts in temperature, but Diego cares only for its lighting, his true obsession. Juan learns to finely grind pigments and prepare canvases for Diego’s use, albeit with some difficulty. Juan offers to record these professional techniques, but Diego advises him to memorize them instead. 

Each day, they work in the studio until the afternoon light fades. Juan often notices Diego’s intent stare, either at himself or an object. When Juan questions Diego, the latter explains the importance of a concentrated, penetrating gaze. Under Diego’s direction, Juan can appreciate the multitude of colors that enhance a particular shade, and he admits a longing to paint, too. Diego, however, cryptically confesses that he is unable to teach Juan.

One day, Juana summons Juan and opens a large trunk, revealing a store of multicolored silks.