Bringing Smiles Through the Art of Social Media

If you've been following me for any length of time, you know that I practice a daily art habit. I create at least one piece of art a day, and post it to social media. As of late I have also been incorporating public images I find through my social media streams, namely Instagram.

Some people have wondered why I would choose to pick a random stranger and use their post for inspiration to create a daily digital drawing. Aside from looking for ideas and inspiration, I have found that when I create a piece of art centered around someone else, it brings surprise and delight to that person (expect only once, where the person was a little apprehensive). 

There has been so much noise on social media with everyone airing their opinions on current events and politics. So much hate and division. Rather than add fuel to the fire or checking out completely, I'd rather start another conversation - using social media to spread JOY and KINDNESS. 

Below are two recent examples of recipients of my daily art from their posts to Instagram, along with their reactions. This is why I do it. To make people smile. To make them feel noticed and loved, even if for a moment in their day. You never know what someone else may be going through. And as an Artist, you have the power to use your art to benefit someone else's life. I mean, it's blessed you in the act of creating it right? Why not share that blessing?

 

Where can you share your talents or art to enrich the lives of others? Try it for 7 days straight and see what happens. I'd love to hear about it!

One of the many Yoga inspired digital drawings I've done as of late. @flyandreleaseyoga

One of the many Yoga inspired digital drawings I've done as of late. @flyandreleaseyoga

This drawing was following a recent Walker Stalker event, where I was part of the Artist Alley. So many fans of The Walking Dead were excited to meet their favorite stars. I just had to capture this moment from @ProducerJamieNYC with #NormanRee…

This drawing was following a recent Walker Stalker event, where I was part of the Artist Alley. So many fans of The Walking Dead were excited to meet their favorite stars. I just had to capture this moment from @ProducerJamieNYC with #NormanReedus @BigBaldHead

30 in 30: Day 30

Day 30 of my 30 paintings in 30 days challenge. I'm using sketches i created from Instagram photos on my iPhone I did as part of a 100 day project and turing 30 of them into paintings. User: @popesaintvictor

Original Instagram photo:

Day 30 instagram

 

100 Day iPhone Sketch:

skecth30

 

30 in 30 day painting:

Day 30

 

Acrylic & Ink. 8 x 8 on 140 lb. watercolor paper.

30 in 30: Day 29

Day 29 of my 30 paintings in 30 days challenge. I'm using sketches i created from Instagram photos on my iPhone I did as part of a 100 day project and turing 30 of them into paintings. User: @bammerjoy

Original Instagram photo:

bammerjoy

100 Day iPhone Sketch:

skecth29

 

30 in 30 day painting:

Day 29

 

Acrylic & Ink. 8 x 8 on 140 lb. watercolor paper.

30 in 30: Day 28

Day 28 of my 30 paintings in 30 days challenge. I'm using sketches i created from Instagram photos on my iPhone I did as part of a 100 day project and turing 30 of them into paintings. User: @kwick

Original Instagram photo:

Kwick

 

100 Day iPhone Sketch:

skecth28

 

30 in 30 day painting:

Day 28

 

Acrylic & Ink. 8 x 8 on 140 lb. watercolor paper.

30 in 30: Day 27

Day 27 of my 30 paintings in 30 days challenge. I'm using sketches i created from Instagram photos on my iPhone I did as part of a 100 day project and turing 30 of them into paintings. User: @_cherishthemoment

Original Instagram photo:

Day 27 instagram

 

100 Day iPhone Sketch:

skecth27

 

30 in 30 day painting:

Day 27

 

Acrylic & Ink. 8 x 8 on 140 lb. watercolor paper.

30 in 30: Day 26

Day 26 of my 30 paintings in 30 days challenge. I'm using sketches i created from Instagram photos on my iPhone I did as part of a 100 day project and turing 30 of them into paintings. User: @mediapeople

Original Instagram photo:

Day 26 instagram

 

100 Day iPhone Sketch:

skecth26

 

30 in 30 day painting:

Day 26

 

Acrylic & Ink. 8 x 8 on 140 lb. watercolor paper.

30 in 30: Day 25

Day 25 of my 30 paintings in 30 days challenge. I'm using sketches i created from Instagram photos on my iPhone I did as part of a 100 day project and turing 30 of them into paintings. User: @pamelaroserodriguez

Original Instagram photo:

Day 25 instagram

 

100 Day iPhone Sketch:

skecth25

 

30 in 30 day painting:

Day 25

 

Acrylic & Ink. 8 x 8 on 140 lb. watercolor paper.

30 in 30: Day 24

Day 24 of my 30 paintings in 30 days challenge. I'm using sketches i created from Instagram photos on my iPhone I did as part of a 100 day project and turing 30 of them into paintings. User: @emiliapare

Original Instagram photo:

Day 24 instagram

 

100 Day iPhone Sketch:

skecth24

 

30 in 30 day painting:

Day 24

 

Acrylic & Ink. 8 x 8 on 140 lb. watercolor paper.

30 in 30: Day 23

Day 23 of my 30 paintings in 30 days challenge. I'm using sketches i created from Instagram photos on my iPhone I did as part of a 100 day project and turing 30 of them into paintings. User: @heredes

Original Instagram photo:

Day 23 instagram

 

100 Day iPhone Sketch:

skecth23

 

30 in 30 day painting:

Day 23

 

Acrylic & Ink. 8 x 8 on 140 lb. watercolor paper.

30 in 30: Day 22

Day 22 of my 30 paintings in 30 days challenge. I'm using sketches i created from Instagram photos on my iPhone I did as part of a 100 day project and turing 30 of them into paintings. User: @mrs_kier

Original Instagram photo:

day 22 instagram

 

100 Day iPhone Sketch:

skecth22

 

30 in 30 day painting:

Day 22

 

Acrylic & Ink. 8 x 8 on 140 lb. watercolor paper.

30 in 30: Day 21

Day 21 of my 30 paintings in 30 days challenge. I'm using sketches i created from Instagram photos on my iPhone I did as part of a 100 day project and turing 30 of them into paintings. User: @Boston41

Original Instagram photo:

Day 21 instagram

100 Day iPhone Sketch:

Day21_Sketch

30 in 30 day painting:

Day21

Acrylic & Ink. 8 x 8 on 140 lb. watercolor paper.

30 in 30: Day 20

Day 20 of my 30 paintings in 30 days challenge. I'm using sketches i created from Instagram photos on my iPhone I did as part of a 100 day project and turing 30 of them into paintings. User: @brynnwatkins

Original Instagram photo:

Day 20 instagram

 

100 Day iPhone Sketch:

Day20_Sketch

30 in 30 day painting:

Day20

Acrylic & Ink. 8 x 8 on 140 lb. watercolor paper.

30 in 30: Day 19

Day 19 of my 30 paintings in 30 days challenge. I'm using sketches i created from Instagram photos on my iPhone I did as part of a 100 day project and turing 30 of them into paintings. User: @lorikadlec / @oliviaschoeller

Original Instagram photo:

Day 19 instagram

 

100 Day iPhone Sketch:

Day19_Sketch

30 in 30 day painting:

Day19

 

Acrylic & Ink. 8 x 8 on 140 lb. watercolor paper.

30 in 30: Day 18

Day 18 of my 30 paintings in 30 days challenge. I'm using sketches i created from Instagram photos on my iPhone I did as part of a 100 day project and turing 30 of them into paintings. User: @lady_reade / @gregreade

Original Instagram photo:

Day 18 instagram

 

100 Day iPhone Sketch:

Day18_Sketch

30 in 30 day painting:

Day18

Acrylic & Ink. 8 x 8 on 140 lb. watercolor paper.

30 in 30: Day 17

Day 17 of my 30 paintings in 30 days challenge. I'm using sketches i created from Instagram photos on my iPhone I did as part of a 100 day project and turing 30 of them into paintings. User: @djkennymitchell

Original Instagram photo:

Day 17 instagram

 

100 Day iPhone Sketch:

Day17_Sketch

 

30 in 30 day painting:

Day17

 

Acrylic & Ink. 8 x 8 on 140 lb. watercolor paper.

30 in 30: Day 16

Day 16 of my 30 paintings in 30 days challenge. I'm using sketches i created from Instagram photos on my iPhone I did as part of a 100 day project and turing 30 of them into paintings. User: @negrouriburu

Original Instagram photo:

Day 16 instagram

 

100 Day iPhone Sketch:

Day16_Sketch

 

30 in 30 day painting:

Day16

 

Acrylic & Ink. 8 x 8 on 140 lb. watercolor paper.

30 in 30: Day 15

Day 15 of my 30 paintings in 30 days challenge. I'm using sketches i created from Instagram photos on my iPhone I did as part of a 100 day project and turing 30 of them into paintings. User: @madisonkaytucker

Original Instagram photo:

Day 15 instagram

 

100 Day iPhone Sketch:

Day15_Sketch

 

30 in 30 day painting:

Day15

 

Acrylic & Ink. 8 x 8 on 140 lb. watercolor paper.

30 in 30: Day 14

Day 14 of my 30 paintings in 30 days challenge. I'm using sketches i created from Instagram photos on my iPhone I did as part of a 100 day project and turing 30 of them into paintings. User: @elleluna

Original Instagram photo:

Day14_instagram

 

100 Day iPhone Sketch:

day14_sketch

 

30 in 30 day painting:

Day14

Gouache & Ink. 8 x 8 on 140 lb. watercolor paper.