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Still making their way towards Olivine City, the group find themselves in a historic site called White Stone, full of white buildings seemingly made of marble. However, Brock explains that the buildings aren't made of marble - merely painted white.

They hear a cry, and see a group of Smeargle painting the walls. A mob of locals chase the Smeargle away, and they run for cover behind Ash and the gang. Thinking them responsible for the Smeargle, the locals demand that the gang step aside. Ash refuses to let them hurt the Smeargle. An old man makes his voice heard from behind the group - the Smeargle belong to him, and he assures them that they don't mean to cause trouble, and thinks of them as artists. A member of the mob insists that he pay for the damage, and he agrees, handing over a blank cheque.

A TV journalist turns up, and recognises the man as Jack Pollockson, a well-known abstract artist. Brock shows Ash and Misty a sample of Pollockson's work - but to them, it looks like a mess of scrabbles. Meanwhile, Pollockson explains to the journalist that he uses his Smeargle as paintbrushes. Suddenly, the Smeargle run out of control, painting buildings and people alike. Pollockson is disappointed that their work lacks inspiration, and voices a hope that he'll live to see one more masterpiece.

Jessie reads more about Pollockson, learning that he destroys all paintings he deems inferior. Meowth realises that his paintings must be worth a fortune, and Team Rocket plan to steal one.

Pollockson invites the gang to visit his art studio. The journalist asks if he can come along, but Pollockson refuses, insisting that television can't do a painting justice.

In the studio, the gang admire the paintings, with Pollockson explaining that he's taken to making collages of old paintings to compensate for the deficiency in the Smeargle's work. However, he doesn't think they're any good either. He believes anyone can recognise great art, but that creating it is a rare talent. He shows the group a magnificent painting, and behind them, the journalist has arrived on the scene - and so have Team Rocket. Meowth realises that if they steal the valuable painting, they'll be hunted by the police in no time, so James photographs it with a digital camera instead. Ash is prepared to chase them, but Pollockson doesn't care about them obtaining a photo.

Having attempted to print the photo, Jessie realises that selling copies would be impossible - but kidnapping the Smeargle would allow them to make their own paintings.

Pollockson explains to the group that the Smeargle inspired him to paint in the first place. His problem is that he can no longer tell the subtle difference between different shades of colour. As they talk, Team Rocket trap the Smeargle in a net. Having made their escape, they force the Smeargle to paint, but Ash arrives on the scene. Arbok and Pikachu are released, but at that moment, the sun rises. The Smeargle run away, and Jessie embraces the incomplete paintings, thinking she can finish them.

Back in White Stone, the Smeargle paint the church. The locals exit their houses, and see a beautiful portrait of White Stone at dawn. The journalist concedes that there's no way a television could do it justice, and Pollockson states that he can see the colour differences again. shortly afterwards, however, it starts to rain, and the paint's washed away. But Pollockson now knows that he can be inspired, and bids farewell to the group.

In their balloon, Jessie plans to combine the incomplete paintings ... but they're caught by a strong wind, and blow away.

This episode guide has been written by Iceduck.

Characters appearing in this episode

Ash

Misty

Brock

Jessie

James

Meowth

Ash's Pikachu

Pokémon appearing in this episode

• Pikachu belonging to Ash
• Meowth

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