Intrusions of Culture (Blog)

Recently I had an encounter with a nice, well-mannered little boy and his mom while I was finishing up a plein air piece in downtown Waxahachie. I'm guessing that he was about 7. After a few pleasantries about my painting they went on their way. A few minutes later I heard that same boy's voice right behind me saying, "You did a really good job. Here's two dollars."

I didn't know what to say. I mean, other than paid demos, no one had ever offered me money for painting in public. What do I say? It was such a nice gesture but should I accept it? 

"Oh man, that is so nice of you, but I can't take your money."

These words came out of my mouth but they didn't feel right. He looked a little confused, shrugged his shoulders and said "Okay." And as he started walking back to his waiting mother standing next to her car I started regretting my response. And the more I thought about it the more I realized that I should have just accepted it. Obviously she was just taking an opportunity to show her son what kindness looks like in real life. And here I am refusing it. I'm an idiot sometimes. I should add that I thanked his mom profusely and tried to explain myself for rejecting their kindness.

Of course you always think of the right thing to say or do after the fact. It later occurred to me that I could have returned the kindness by asking him if he would like to add a couple of brush strokes to the painting on my easel. He might remember something like that for many years. Or, if I had one with me I could have given him a signed sketch or a small painting.

I think from now on I will start bringing small works of art with me when I paint outdoors as giveaways for just such an occasion. You just never know. 

On a side note, I'm going to say that her kindness was--in no way--motivated by my appearance. As some of you have read here before; I do look like I could be in need of a couple of bucks. I tend to have holes in the knees of my jeans and rough looking shirts with the obligatory paint blobs, so it's not far fetched to think that.

But I don't think that was the reason. I think she just appreciated seeing something nice happening. It was like giving money to a street busker. For those that haven't heard that term before, a busker is a person who entertains people for money in public places. They're usually singers or dancers, but I see no reason why painters can't fit that description. For me, watching someone paint is very entertaining. Would I do it? Probably not. I'm obviously not great at responding to kindness. 

Thanks for reading.