When a young girl, Danielle, receives a painting by a world-famous artist as a birthday present from her enigmatic and wealthy aunt, the girl has no idea that her life is about to be changed forever. The painting is unique because the artist, John Westchester, has filled in only a small gold leaf on the large canvas and promised to add to the painting each year to come on the birthday of the owner of the painting. But Westchester had no idea the "Work of Life" painting would end up owned by a young girl living on Long Island. Nor did he predict that going to paint at her home would force him to face memories of his own childhood--memories that he's not sure how to deal with. Although the artist can always retreat back to his luxurious surroundings and many fans afterwards, Danielle finds that his visits to paint on her birthday leave her and her family gaping at his arrogant attitude. That is, until, slowly, a friendship forms and the renowned artist and seemingly ordinary young woman begin to affect and even change each other's lives.