My 11 year old son painted this. He's autistic and doesn't have friends at school, doesn't get invited to birthday parties, spends most of his time alone in his room. Teachers keep telling me he's "in his own world" like that's a bad thing. I've watched him sit by himself at lunch through the school window and it breaks me every single time.
He started painting six months ago after discovering Bob Ross videos on YouTube. I bought him a cheap canvas set from the dollar store just to see if he'd stick with it. He painted for nine hours straight that first day, wouldn't eat dinner, wouldn't stop. I had to physically take the brush from his hand at midnight.
This is his newest piece. Those mountains, that reflection in the water, the pink and purple sky. He's eleven. I kept staring at it thinking this can't be real, my little boy who can't tie his shoes without getting frustrated made something this beautiful.
I posted it in a painting group because he asked me to, said he wanted to know if "real artists" would think it's good. Within an hour someone commented asking to buy it. I laughed out loud, thought it was a joke or maybe spam. Then another person messaged. Then three more. One woman offered $200 and said it reminded her of where her late husband proposed.
My son doesn't know how to process compliments, he just went quiet and started rocking a little which means he's overwhelmed but in a good way. He asked me if people were being nice because he's "the autism kid" or if they actually meant it. I didn't know what to say.
So I'm asking you all, honestly. Tell me the truth. Is this actually good? Because he's sitting next to me right now waiting to hear what real people think, and I need to know if I should help him open his own little shop or if I'm just a mom who can't see clearly. What do you really think? 🎨💜
Credit - Martha Barker