Beautiful Brushstrokes

Max Martin has fallen on hard times. His career in journalism has taken a dive. His marriage is on the rocks and his two lovely kids are away.
A chance visit to a local Art Gallery sets him on a quest to find the Artist who he thinks is very trendy. Following this trail, the journey takes him across New Zealand and eventually across continents. Max decides to rejuvenate his flagging writing career by writing a novel, tentatively, titled: Beautiful Brushstrokes. He records all the research in his notes and eventually finds, part way through, that his quest is shaping up to be something more than a casual project.
What piece of artwork did he find in this gallery and where does the clue take him?
What are the findings that change his outlook on life and why is he subject to the vagaries of a whimsical fate that catapults him into this book?
Max will write this novel and find this artist. Thats the first step to regain his career.
Join his journey of discovery, not only of himself but of so many others in his quest for success- or failure!