“The Paintbrush Game”
By Jonathan Betts Fields

The directions seemed simple: paint a beautiful picture. My group included 11 year olds, teenagers, and a few chaperones in my age range; many of former were already anticipating their turn. Nevermind the lack of paintbrushes, paint or even paper. Ben, our activity leader, imitated intense brush strokes so well that most never noticed – the key to his painting’s beauty was something he did before he touched the brush. Tia, who suggested we play, peppered the air with encouragement and feedback, adding to the act nicely. After Ben signed his painting, he asked who was brave enough to go next.

“Piece of cake!” one of the younger boys shouted, as he quickly grabbed the capped marker from Ben’s hand. He scribbled a happy face hurriedly, duplicating Ben’s every move. Tia suppressed a smile, then began her rant: “I’ve seen elephants paint better pictures!” Laughter shot through the room like a lit fuse, but the boy persisted. “Maybe we can hang it in the zoo when you’re finished!” Ben added.

“Let me show you how it’s done…” Tia insisted. The group fell silent, eager to see what the jokester would paint. Most of us didn’t hear Tia say “Thank You” as she reached for the paintbrush. Ben did, and made sure everyone appreciated her artistic expression: “WOW!!!” With every stroke, he spoke. “Are you related to Picasso?” He continued, as did she…and a mix of bewilderment and elation washed over those of us sitting in that circle.

Ben encouraged one of the quieter teenagers to go next; she eventually obliged. Tia offered her the paintbrush, then replied “You’re Welcome” after gratitude was whispered. Ben and Tia then shared a quick smirk. Next, they took turns admiring every inch of her painting, causing the girl to blush at the perplexed looks around her. She finished her painting and immediately passed the paintbrush to the boy next to her.

Ben barked “Where are your manners?,” yet the boy continued to splash invisible paint on his see-through canvas. Tia saw light bulbs brighten in the eyes of several of us and forced him to finish. Her suggestion to pass the paintbrush to an older boy yielded a firm “Thank you.”

He replied, “You’re Welcome,” and jumped a bit as if a doctor was checking his reflexes: he now knew how to win the game.

A number of factors made me fall in love with the Paintbrush game: it was fun and new, it isn’t difficult to play and it passes on a time-proof message. I enjoy playing wherever I may be: in an elementary school classroom, at an international peace camp, or with new friends on a Friday night. No matter your native tongue or number of languages learned, Thank You and You’re Welcome are among the first few expressions you use. Whether politeness is shared warmly or not said at all determines the beauty within the world you create.



*Headed to the publisher TODAY!!