Painted Fire tells the story of the struggles of an artist, Jang Seung-up (1843-1897), also known as Owon. The film focuses on the years 1882 to 1897, a period when Korea was in political upheaval, caught between China and Japan, with the conservative dynasty dying and a peasant revolt at hand.
Jang, born poor, possesses genius, and a merchant named Kim becomes his patron, helping him find a teacher. Jang faces the challenge of convincing others that a commoner can have talent and must move beyond copying old masters to develop his own style.
Throughout his journey, Jang is bedeviled by a temper and struggles with alcohol. He also faces arguments with patrons as he seeks commissions and navigates relationships with kisaeng, particularly Mae-hyang, that start and stop. The film portrays the life of a restless spirit producing great art.