SOLVED Fantasy - cover had male kneeling down with colored sand or paint coming from hand and swirling up to title text [s]

[L.E.]

I'm afraid my recollection of the plot is vague at best and I do not know author or title. I read a paperback of this in my college library between 1997 and 2001. It was a typical coming of age type fantasy storyline with a teenage or young adult male protagonist, story intended for young adults or adults, though I suspect adults over young adults. Judging from the artwork and typeset, I would judge it was published in the mid-80s or 90s and MIGHT have been a Baen or Roc imprint.

The cover was very vivid as described in the title. I believe the man was wearing a cloak of some sort and kneeling on a sandy surface. There may have been a paintbrush next to him or in his hand. The colors swirled up the cover and surrounded the title text. The paint or pigments or sand that could be painted with was somehow integral to the plot and maybe did magical or poisonous things. If recollection serves, the protagonist was taken in by a group of monks or a guild of some sort and trained-- but underlying the training was a purpose more along an assassin's guild or militant order. There was political upheaval of some king and the place (castle? fort?) where they were was put under siege. It seemed like it ended with a cliffhanger or felt unfinished as if it started a series or trilogy-- I believe the story ended with some of the characters escaping the siege by boat.

The title may have had some variation of paint or sand in the title, however I haven't had any luck searching likely combinations.

It is not any of the Assassin books by Robin Hobb.

Many thanks for any clues :).
L.E.

[Darcy]

I admit the cover does not at all fit the description provided, but the ending sounds exactly the same as the first book in the Raven series Raven: Blood Eye by Giles Kristian.

[M—]

Your cover description reminds me of The Boy from Burren, but I haven't read the book and I don't know if it matches your plot.

[L.E.]

Thank you, I don't think that's it because of the publication date, but the book description sounds interesting! I appreciate the help. L.E.

[L.E.]

Ah, now this (The Boy From Burren) I think might be it! I don't remember the frame stuff on the cover but the artwork looks very much like what I remember. I really appreciate the help! I am going to move this to solved accordingly... will try to find a copy and confirm the plot. L.E.

[M—]

Oh, wonderful! Hope you enjoy the reread!