In a noteworthy art-imitates-life parallel, actor Armin Mueller-Stahl did not originally want to participate in the latest project by filmmaker George Gallo.

Mueller-Stahl, recently known to U.S. audiences for roles in “The West Wing” and “Eastern Promises,” had made up his mind not to act anymore and instead to focus solely on painting, for which he was well-known in his native Germany.

When Gallo told Mueller-Stahl that the film was about a painter, he said the actor got quiet for a moment and then said, “Send me the script.”

The resulting film, “Local Color,” features Meuller-Stahl as a crusty, reclusive artist sought out by a young student.

And by virtue of the family connections on the part of one of the film’s producers, “Local Color” will get a week-long local debut at the Historic Lynwood Theatre.

Gallo is best known for big-budget action-buddy films like “Midnight Run” and “Bad Boys.” And while he cherishes his good luck in Hollywood and says these types of films fulfill his sense of fun, it’s painting that has always encapsulated his creative soul and forms the heart of this film. Which is why he maxed out most of his credit cards to make “Local Color,” and is showing it in indie-friendly markets like Bainbridge.

“There is an audience for this picture,” he said.

See “Local Color” April 11-17 at the Lynwood Theater, with an introduction by Gallo Friday through Sunday evenings. Tickets and showtimes: www.lynwoodtheatre.com. Gallo will also do a painting demonstration from 6-8 p.m. April 10 at Roby King Galleries.