r/MadeMeSmile
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u/Shark-Farts
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Nephew surprises his aunt with a painting he made of her that earned finalist placement in an art competition Wholesome Moments
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u/hagrid007 5d ago
I love the way that Lenny stood back, not pushing himself for Auntie to look. Then he was so shy when she first turned around. Adorable.
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u/Gamadeus 5d ago
Agreed although I bet it was the mom's (assuming that's who's filming) idea to let the Aunt find it on her own to get her reaction
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u/dfgthree3 5d ago
You can just tell by the way she dresses and how she was so important that she was chosen as his subject that she's 100% the cool aunt
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u/clamwhammer 5d ago
I was gonna say the same thing. When she walked in I immediately thought "She's the cool aunt with no kids who visits the nephews a lot."
My wife and I are working towards that status with our nephews/nieces.
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u/dryerfresh 5d ago
My sister has two little boys and I love being their aunt. Yesterday I was at their house when my older nephew woke up from a nap. I went to open his door and he saw me and just gave me a huge sleepy smile and held his arms up so I could pick him up and get a snuggle. It is the best.
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u/robert_paulson420420 5d ago
I don't disagree but the first thing I thought was they all look Australian. Turned on the sound and was not surprised. cute video
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u/JazzyJ19 4d ago
From a father that wishes his sister with no children actually gave the effort to be the cool aunt I know she could be, your efforts are commended and you will make a difference in their lives.
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u/ForTodayGuy 4d ago
From a sister of a mother who shares your feelings, I am sorry. I didn’t want kids of my own because I just didn’t feel drawn to parenthood. It isn’t that I don’t like my nieces and nephews, it’s that I don’t like how I’m expected to cater to them when I am with them.
And the expectation doesn’t come from the kids—it comes from my sister.
That expectation took the joy out of being around them.
It’s tough for me to explain it…just know that it IS possible that your sister is doing her best.
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u/Strange-Act7264 5d ago
She'll be REALLY cool in a few years when he needs products for a house party.
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u/Sunshine030209 4d ago
Yeah! She can supply him with enough sunflowers that he can give one to each guest to make them happy at the party!
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u/FORDEY1965 5d ago
Every kid needs an auntie Steph in their lives.
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u/gingerfawx 5d ago
Ngl, Auntie Stephs can use nephews like that too. It's so nice to be appreciated.
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u/KlaatuBrute 4d ago
My sister-in-law once told me that my eldest niece randomly told her one day "you know, I think Klaatubrute is my favorite uncle" and I have been riding that emotion for like five years now.
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u/BaronAaldwin 4d ago
My parents have just been away for the weekend with my uncle, aunt and cousins. When my parents arrived my cousins both asked if I had come too, and when they were told I was still at home they apparently both let out a big "awww."
Unfortunately I had plans already and some work-related crap to do as well so I couldn't go, but it felt pretty good knowing they wanted to see me.
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u/FORDEY1965 5d ago
Oh yeah 100%. The thing is she has encouraged this positive view, just by being herself, awesome!
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u/camerachey 5d ago
I have an aunt Stephanie! Can confirm
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u/ropony 5d ago
I love being an aunt so much. I call him my BFFphew. Some women were born to be mums — and my SIL is definitely one of them — and I was born to be an aunt.
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u/ReasonableBees 5d ago
I feel this way too! I used to say I wanted to be a grandma but without the mom step, then when my first nephew was born I realized I was just describing aunthood. Having a very active role in the lives of my nieces and nephews is one of my greatest joys. I’m glad to hear that you also love being in the Proud Aunt club!
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u/FORDEY1965 5d ago
And being an aunt/uncle can be very important. Kids often don't want to burden their parents with bad stuff, can sometimes be easier for them to unburden themselves to another adult family member. Such as an awesome aunt like you!
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u/fatcatavenger 5d ago
Absolutely. My niece usually comes to me when she’s too embarrassed to talk to her mom and it really helps her process things until she’s ready to tell mom.
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u/ropony 4d ago
<3 He and I have had quick little moments where he confides in me, but it’s usually about robots. One time he asked if he could tell me a secret and I let him know he could always always talk to me, but if anything was hurting him I would help him with sharing it with his mom and dad, and then he told me that cemeteries are full of dead people. …so, no real secrets so far lol.
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u/DemonDucklings 5d ago
I never want kids of my own, but I really hope at least one of my siblings or close friends has kids someday! I would love to be an aunt.
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u/Fall-Z 5d ago
I never want kids of my own, but I love being an uncle. You get all the positives of kids with none of the drawbacks. I just get to be the weird uncle that always tries to get the niblings to laugh. My nephew has a fantastic sense of humor, we tease each other constantly when we hang out. The niece is much more serious, but she adores me and it makes me so happy when I can get her in a silly mood.
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u/Grr_in_girl 4d ago
I'm about to become an aunt in a week or two. Not planning on having kids of my own, but I really want to be the cool aunt.
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u/shmooneytunes 4d ago
I have an Auntie Steph, she was a school teacher at my elementary school and everyone adored her. 10 years later my friends still ask about her— can confirm, every kid needs an Auntie Steph in their lives
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u/Introvert_Collin 5d ago
That's adorable
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u/djsizematters 5d ago
I got goosebumps when she was reading about herself. She deserves every bit of that happiness.
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u/Shark-Farts 5d ago
Same, I had happy tears when her voice broke on “…gives them to people to make them happy” such a pure expression of love, she deserves it ❤️
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u/intellectual_dimwit 5d ago
Not gonna lie..... My eyes got a little watery too. Such a sweet moment.
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u/Rokurokubi83 5d ago edited 4d ago
Thank you for this video shark-farts, it brought extra brightness to my day after my eight year old niece gifted me a drawing she did of me where I’m a panda!
Today is a good day.
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u/Shark-Farts 5d ago
That is so touching! Gifts from children hit differently. I still have a handwritten poem given to me by the 11 year old cousin of my college boyfriend. The boyfriend and I broke up nearly a decade ago but the cousin and I are still in touch. She’s in college herself now and it’s been lovely seeing her grow up.
Thanks for your comment :)
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u/JazzyJ19 5d ago
I always tell people this. Children, especially young children will give adults they like little trinkets. Which to this child that just discovered this shell, or rock, or dandelion, that object is the most fascinating thing they possess, and they’ve just handed it to you!! It’s an incredible honor and should be treated as such! It also shows true human nature. It’s in our nature to share, and be kind, and giving…the people who continue to show those qualities will always have children gravitate towards them.
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u/Lorenaelsalulz 5d ago
I’m sending this to my nephew and niece to let them know how insanely disappointed I am in them! /s
ETA: Lenny is adorable
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u/echosixwhiskey 5d ago
Tell him I am also disappoint!
This really was adorable and I hope Lenny is very proud of himself!
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u/ekuinoks 5d ago
Excuse me, I'm an idiot, but what does ETA mean in this context? I know it as "Estimated Time of Arrival" but that doesn't seem to fit...?
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u/Syr_Enigma 5d ago
Edited To Add is my best assumption
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u/ekuinoks 5d ago
Makes sense, tyvm
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u/PM_ME_UR_SURFBOARD 5d ago
Excuse me, I'm an idiot, but what does TYVM mean in this context? I know it as "Travel Yonder Voraciously More" but that doesn't seem to fit...?
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u/ekuinoks 5d ago edited 5d ago
I think you might be a bit sarcastic and now you won't be getting my surfboard
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u/blanketswithsmallpox 4d ago
I have no idea why ETA started in the last year but it's the worst acronym ever. Particularly when ETA is already well established as having a different meaning. It'd be like trying to change RSVP.
/r/EditNotETA ftw.
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u/MrsHppy 5d ago
The best part of this is I'm willing to bet she had no idea he noticed those, what she thought were, small things. This made my heart happy 🥰
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u/JazzyJ19 4d ago
Kids pick up on those little things. That’s why they say watch what you do around kids because they emulate what they see. Like the sunflower thing I’m sure she doesn’t grow them just to hand them out to others, but, she’s genuinely such a great and giving person that, that is how it is interpreted by her nephews, like she’s just so kind she grows them just to give away!
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u/Yourbubblestink 5d ago
Lady likes her hat apparently
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u/AnnoyingScreeches 5d ago
That painting is amazing. Wow.
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u/imgrandojjo 5d ago
Noticing a touch of van Gogh in the style and presentation of the work. Kid's clearly been studying the masters. He needs to develop his obvious talent.
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u/MikeMania 5d ago
On Van Gogh's first try, he drew the hands of the peasants. This is motel art.
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u/mmagliulo 5d ago
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u/minkdraggingonfloor 5d ago
Always disliked Oscar for this lol. Super pretentious yet at least Pam had the courage to try
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u/_michael_scarn_ 5d ago
It wasn’t Oscar. It was Oscars partner. Oscar was there to try to be supportive.
He even says “it’s her first try” to get Gil to ease up on her and relax a bit and just enjoy.
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u/Lasagna4Brains 5d ago
Oscar's nickname is "actually", so this comment is perfect.
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u/Haviette4 5d ago
He caught her essence. I don't know how it works, but somebody recognized this, and judged this entry to be a real work of art.
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u/imgrandojjo 5d ago
I'm actually seeing a lot of van Gogh in this. The use of colors to express emotion is there, the vividness of the work is there, the face in quarter profile is a clear Impressionist influence, it's easy to see an effort to use color mixing to depict shades and try to capture the light properly, which is really ambitious and demonstrates VERY advanced artistic concepts for the kid's age.
the ovearll composition is excellent. It's raw, of course, this is a kid after all, but there is an absolute ton of talent.
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u/jamkey 5d ago
Somewhat, though in my opinion what truly set van Gogh apart was just how 3-dimentional his art was by the use of thick oils and how he expressed the key emotions of each part of the piece through his uniquelu expressive thick lifting strokes. I had no appreciation for this until I visited the major exhibit of his work in Amsterdam about 15 years ago. In my opinion it's more important to see that in person than the Sistine Chapel. They tried to capture van Gogh in a 3d goggle experience I visited in DC recently (traveling thing) but it was awful and did nothing to capture the actual 3d aspect of his work. A real missed opportunity.
If it's your thing I would suggest going both before and after visiting a hash house if that's your thing. In my experience the THC can help unlock some perception and emotional capacities that are usually (at least for me) more locked down to prevent overload. However it can be overwhelming as well. You will also see other artists that tried to imitate his 3D lifting oil style but none of them equaled his emotional composition quality in my opinion.
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u/imgrandojjo 5d ago edited 5d ago
Somewhat, though in my opinion what truly set van Gogh apart was just how 3-dimentional his art was
Yeah, this kid isn't as good as van Gogh in his prime, obviously, he's a kid. But clearly he SEES things in roughly the same way. He needs to learn perspective and depth and proportion, he needs to grow a lot technically, but what impressed me was his ambition to try to see and capture things like light, shadow, depth, emotion, perspective at this early stage of his career, and the fact that he clearly had a plan how to attempt this, even if it was a bit juvenile.
He needs to work on the more technical side of things but that was a bold attempt for someone that young and it showed a lot of vision and ambition!
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u/ClassicalMusicTroll 5d ago
Yeah I'm blown away tbh. That kid must be 10 or 12 lol pretty nuts, hope he sticks with it
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u/ccottonball 5d ago
I love this so much. Just a little bit of light in a dark world. Aunt steph is obviously a big part of that kids life! We all should be so lucky.
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u/Playful-Opportunity5 5d ago
Not gonna lie, Auntie Steph’s got it going on.
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u/ValhallaGo 4d ago
Anyone who grows sunflowers specifically to give away to make people happy is rad as hell.
No wonder she got cool art made of her.
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u/earbud_smegma 5d ago
Watching Auntie Steph read about Auntie Steph is giving van Gogh museum scene from Dr. Who vibes, but happier :')
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u/Shark-Farts 5d ago edited 5d ago
Omg thank you for linking that, I’ve never watched an episode of Dr Who but have seen that scene before a few times. Always love to see it.
Edit: oh, gosh. The actor who played Vincent gave such a touching performance. I actually forgot Bill Nighy played the museum director!
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u/earbud_smegma 5d ago
It's easily one of my most favorite scenes in all of television! Heartbreaking, but so beautiful.
Dr. Who is a fun show, I go through phases with it but it's generally a comfy place to escape for awhile.. Adventure, intrigue, laughs, love, lessons, and every so often a gorgeous scene like this sprinkled in.
Lots of great stories and episodes but this one is above and beyond <3
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u/LittleMissRawr78 5d ago
I love the Van Gogh episode. It's especially heartwarming when they show him how his art became influential and appreciated. My favorite painting is Starry Night.
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u/NoOrganization8169 5d ago
I don't think anything has ever actually made my eyes water on this sub until now lol
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u/RaccoonRelay 5d ago
Every. Single. Time. 😭
Sending this to my sister again to remind her what a wonderful auntie I am lol
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u/wrongkoi 5d ago
Aww man, that's awesome he's so open and expressive with his feelings. That kind of earnestness was something I was conditioned to be ashamed of at that age. I'm glad that trend seems to be on the decline
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u/FlummoxedOne 5d ago
I initially thought the kids were adults and was a WNBA player.
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u/theangryintern 5d ago
Same here. The perspective was off for me so I was like "holy shit she's a tall woman"
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u/imgrandojjo 5d ago edited 5d ago
Bit of impressionist influence there. A touch of van Gogh in the presentation.Proportions are a bit off but it doesn't hurt the work that much. Kid's got talent. As he gains experience he could really be something.
I love that he's trying to use color mixes to capture the light. He doesn't quite have it down yet, but to try that at all is VERY ambitious and clever for a kid that age. I love that he's unafraid to try something like that. This kid is special.
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u/easycure 5d ago
That kid is both incredibly thoughtful and incredibly talented. With family as loving as that, I hope he has a bright future ahead!
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u/zoidbert 5d ago
My son wrote a short paper about my aunt and all the work she did throughout her life (teacher, work placement coach, Jaycees, etc.); he got an A+ and it placed as one of the top papers that year; all that.
Flash forward some 10 years; my aunt has passed away from ALS. I live a state away. While cleaning her house, my dad finds the paper, framed, hanging on the wall, next to her "getting ready to leave" mirror.
An ocean of tears but I'm so proud of my aunt and her life's work, and of my son who made her feel so special and important in this world.
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u/SumRWanker41 5d ago
I really like that painting. I don't know shit about art, but that seems really good for such a little kid.
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u/lanyeweisst 5d ago
As an aunt, this makes my heart burst. We love our nieces and nephews as if they are our own... But we also have the pleasure of not having to deal with their tantrums or dirty diapers.
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u/LostSerrano 5d ago
All three of them had the same reaction! Covering their faces! What a sweet family.
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u/hoosyourdaddyo 5d ago
I’d love to become his uncle.
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u/sildish2179 5d ago
For real. Without sound on the video yeah it’s obvious she’s very pretty. But man with the sound on and you hear how genuine she is about being shocked and then reading the description of her and embracing her nephew, that’s clearly a good person too.
All around catch that’s for sure.
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u/AchtungCloud 5d ago
OP gave the instagram handle for the artist. Said instagram notes that his mother is a professional artist. I can only assume that helps, both with genetic predisposition for artistic talent, and with fostering said talent. Really cool stuff.
His mother’s website:
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u/EllipticPeach 5d ago
My brother is about to have a kid soon, I shall strive to have as much of an impact on the kid’s life as Auntie Steph
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u/VikingGamer420 5d ago
This is one of the cutest things i've seen !! The pure hapiness in her voice made it complete. What a wonderfull moment <33
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u/ChanceZestyclose6386 5d ago
So sweet seeing how proud the kid was to show his auntie the picture. He did a great job at drawing her and has talent. I can see why his picture is a finalist.
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u/2tnkr 5d ago
Lost my aunt suddenly about 6 months ago. This made me smile and remember how amazing she was
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u/Promise-Infamous 5d ago
Actually, his technique is VERY good for a young man that age! What a beautiful, priceless moment for him and his aunt!
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u/Zealousideal_Leg_630 5d ago
What a great auntie! You can tell by the way she doesn't even notice she has a beard in the painting.
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u/heyitsamb 5d ago
He’s gonna be an artist someday and I’m so happy he has such great people to support him in his life.
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u/Greekgreekcookies 5d ago
I’m on the east coast my sister moved with my nephews to the west. It’s been a lot harder than expect. Miss those guys, just want to go to these things for them.
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u/afrocluster 5d ago
It's a sweet moment, but holy shit, that kid is talented! How old is he? He looks 12 at the oldest.
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u/BlueDoBeDo 5d ago
Omg what a sweet kid! I hope he won! That was actually a really good painting too!
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u/The_Woman_S 4d ago
Aww!! My niece has started interrupting our FaceTime calls to repeatedly say hi to me and knows my name now!! She might be a holy terror with the lungs of a bloody banshee but, man do I love that kid!
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u/Zebracorn42 4d ago
She looks like the cool aunt. Everyone has at least one cool aunt or uncle. Sadly my mom’s brother and his wife (the cool aunt) got divorced. So we had a few years with the cool aunt, always excited when she came over.
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u/unbuklethis 4d ago
This is awesome. I love the relationship they both have with each other. Absolutely amazing Aunt and a great kid.
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u/ocolatechay_ussypay 4d ago
I would be a crying sobbing mess if any of my nieces and nephews did that for me. I assume that was mom crying behind the camera. So heartwarming.
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u/Unl0vableDarkness 5d ago •
Omg that's amazing. I hope this young man's talent is nurtured he has a really good ability there.
He's also got a very kind heart and can see the good in people judging from how he writes about his aunt.