This series definitely deserves more than the 7.4 rating it has right now. Nothing new re the storyline but frankly it’s really nice to watch a Thai BL series outside the school setting. It’s life after graduation. It’s refreshing to see Singto as Maze, the driven, hardworking and business savvy corporate boss. He’s no pushover, in fact he’s doing the pushing. With his friends and employees not totally agreeing with all his decisions but their respect is well-deserved by Maze. Phap (Tae) on the other hand is the gifted and pure artist at heart. Living his life based on the now and totally in touch with his emotions. While cerebral Maze’ life is fast paced and is successful at a young age, a bit older Phap is a diamond in the rough, his life, emotions, plants, chickens, lizard, and new pet cockroach will eventually give him new inspirations for his next paintings.

What makes this series lovable is the chemistry of the two lead characters. While their support cast are the usual wacky, nosy but with good intentions, watching Tae and Singto interpret each of their characters then interact with each other is such joy to watch. All throughout the series we’ll see Phap wear his heart in his sleeve, “charmingly” (subject to one’s interpretation) cajoling Maze to look his way. He’s the artist painting different colors in Maze’s cold monochromatic canvas. Maze on the other hand is pushing and giving direction to Phap’s still water. The viewers cheer with Phap when the matronly, grumpy, playing-hard-to-get Maze succumbs to the kisses and hugs. Singto nails Maze character to a tee. Singto’s Maze might seem stiff and frustratingly stubborn, but he gets the viewers anticipating for that magic moment when he warms up to Phap, then we’ll love his Maze all over again. As for the starry-eyed underdog, Tae’s Phap stole our hearts from the very start of the series.

Helpful too are the short and not so convoluted side stories. They don’t distract with the pacing of the story (except for the managers in episode 11). I’m a little disappointed though that C’game wasn’t given a meatier role. Yacht also lost his dynamism in his role as Tharn. Neither can I understand how the sweet faced Nueng (Yoon) became a hot star. I’ll take the manly and scruffy Phap anytime. Admittedly I’ll dress him up a bit too, just like how Maze trained him.

The series is not perfect but it’s heartwarming and believable, even the connection between Maze and Nueng and why Maze was heartbroken. I definitely see myself rewatching Paint With Love. To be sure I’ll need a fill of Maze and Phap in the future.