[ Ahem. Don't mind him as he nudges his glasses a bit further up his nose, the small movement meant to conceal the quick flush of embarrassment that passes through him. ]

That seems like far too much work for a single man alone. At least let me help you with the base layers.

[ Or wait. Is that arrogant, for a man to (help) paint his own self-portrait?? Maybe he ought to try a different approach. ]

Or we can consider a trade. I'll let you work on your painting, and you tell me about this Akademiya of yours. [ Because it really does sound right up his alley... ]