At some point in the late ’90s or early 2000s, I purloined this sign from a recently painted object:

I took it because it tickled me, and it hung it on various walls before I eventually did what I often do to reduce clutter: Take a picture and throw it out.

But having recently stumbled upon that photo, I realized I should share it with the world. Years later, this sign still tickles me, for three specific reasons.

Firstly, the girl in the flower dress is causing trouble, and that’s unusual. Too rarely do fictional girls get to misbehave, but in this cartoon world exists a little hell-raiser who has made things problematic for the boy pictured. If you’re wondering if my life imitated this art, I assure you the real-world paint was dry by the time I removed the real-world warning. While I can appreciate a female antihero, I had no desire to emulate her.

Next, I enjoy the idea that there may be recursive signs. Though the cartoon “Fresh Paint” sign is not shown in its entirety, it does feature the same text and M•A•B logo. It may well match the real-world version completely, with these very same two children included on the sign the girl holds behind her back, and thus on the sign on that sign, and so on to infinity. In my heart, I believe there are an endless number of elfin children engaged in this face-off.

Finally, while this image at first appears saccharine, closer inspection may have you thinking otherwise. I believe we are actually gazing upon the prelude to a grisly scene. The bat in the boy’s hand reeks of menace. Look at the girl’s face, and recognize her growing fear. Does the redness of the paint not feel like an omen? I do not wish to see what happens next. There seems little chance these two grow up to be high school sweethearts, eventually married for decades. One of them may not grow up at all.

This simple sign, created for a utilitarian purpose, carries so much dramatic weight. I extend my kudos to the artist of M•A•B Paints sign #175-0435, whoever they may be.

Update (November 18, 2025): Shortly after posting this, I was discussing the odd phrase “Fresh Paint” (rather than “Wet Paint”). Upon searching the web, I was shocked to discover my own past self. Clearly, this work of art has embedded itself deeply into my brain.

Though I’m sorry for the repetition, I am amused to find that my current and past selves agree with one another so well. I’m also glad that I feel my newer effort is the superior one. Perhaps we can think of this like Hitchcock remaking “The Man Who Knew Too Much”.