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New York Artist Is Well-known For Drawing Unaware Subway Passengers and Then Posting Their Reaction Online (25 New Pics)
Devon Rodriguez, a New Yorker, connects with others in a simple and friendly manner by using his talent and free time. The artist is displaying his skills by drawing unsuspecting subway passengers in New York and then giving them the completed piece as a token of gratitude.
You can see the artist's previous works that have been shared on Bored Panda here.
More info: tiktok.com | Instagram | courses.devonrodriguezart.com
Here's a glimpse of how it all goes down in real-time
@devonrodriguezart I don’t be knowin what to say tbh 🤣
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Katy McMouse 3 years ago
This man is pretty stunning - I especially love the shape of his closed eyes.
Ezra Houssian 3 years ago (edited)
Even the smallest acts and gestures of kindness can go a long way, no matter what or who you are or what you look like and this definitely proves it.
Riding the subway during the pandemic has been an exhausting experience for all. Limited service, essential social distancing, obligation to wear a mask, and a general sense of fear across the system were not helping folks to feel united. NYC artist Devon Rodriguez found a way to make circumstances not as uncomfortable for fellow travelers by sharing his talent with them in exchange for a smile.
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Luna Crow 3 years ago
I know! In the time of a subway ride? That's some serious skill! I also wonder how many unfinished ones he winds up with because the subject exited before he was done
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It all began in 2010 as a means for the artist to fill up his portfolio to get into art school, but in 2021, it suddenly became a viral hit as hundreds of thousands of people were astonished by the skill and talent, as Devon recalls it: “I’ve been doing these sketches since 2010 but they really just started taking off online in the last five or six months,” Rodriguez says. “Six months ago, I only had about 30,000 followers on Instagram and now I have 1.6 million.”
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harpling 3 years ago
In the window reflection.... do I see the outstretched legs of a naked person stretched out on the seat?
Organized Chaos 3 years ago
I think it's an ad on the window. For what, I have no idea.
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Rodriguez also launched a TikTok account at the same time, which allowed him to reach a far broader following. Despite not having done much video material in the past, he began sharing short videos of himself producing his work, which quickly gained millions of views: “I started doing them as drawings instead of paintings since they were faster and every video I put up was reaching millions and going viral.”
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Marvelor 3 years ago
I always wonder what happens when the person gets off the train before he finishes the drawing 😅
Micah Chips 🇺🇦 3 years ago (edited)
wait wait wait NO DON'T LEAVE YET IM STILL BLENDING YOUR NOSE, NOOOO-
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Though the subway looks a lot different nowadays, with empty carriages and cautious people keeping their distance, the artist is optimistic that New Yorkers' commutes will one day return to something that feels more normal: “I hope everything goes back. I didn’t think it would last this long,” he says. “But whether it does or doesn’t get back to normal, I’m still going to be doing this.”
#8
Vic Twyn 3 years ago
The talent is extraordinary. How fast do they create these!!? I can't do a stick figure in less than 10 minutes!!!!
Tim 3 years ago
It's obviously staged. There's no way he drew any of these during a subway ride
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keegan staples 3 years ago
i guess i get where youre coming from but it comes off as a bit stereotypical i think
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Tim 3 years ago
It's obviously staged. There's no way he drew any of these during a subway ride
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Katy McMouse 3 years ago
My son's boyfriend has hair like that and it's simply not freaking fair. AND, he strongly resembles a pre raphaelite model. Needless to say, I hate the child. (⬅️extreme sarcasm)
Load More Replies... Ezra Houssian 3 years ago
This really touched my soul. By him doing this, I bet he really made her day and made her feel cared and heard for.
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Micah Chips 🇺🇦 3 years ago (edited)
to me she looks like she could make it onto a disney comedy like Girl Meets World or Victorious (I mean that as a compliment)
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Micah Chips 🇺🇦 3 years ago
holy cheese rolls she's pretty (obviously all these people are beautiful, and the drawings, but you know.)
Stacey Morgan 3 years ago
Wonder if it ever gets old...the drawing of people looking down at a phone or book or whatever. Lots of practice shading hair... regardless, these are all exceptional!
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Jannet6070 3 years ago
I am always impressed by artistic talents. Even more so by one that can do this quality of work on a moving train. Beautiful!!!
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Weirdest Bi You’ll Ever Meet 3 years ago
Wjehvejevvwhwveh **gays panics with them**
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#18
Pyewacket 3 years ago
The term photorealistic is used here I presume. Its a very accurate description, this guys drawings must be made available to all !! This is true talent.
Linda van der Pal 3 years ago
I think that's what his Insta account is meant for...
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Tim 3 years ago
In all of these the subject has the same pose when the photo is taken as in the drawing meaning, so unrealistic and obviously staged, There's no way he drew any of these during a subway ride
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Victoria Anderson 3 years ago
Subway, airplane, bus... all public transit, all good opportunities
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Kris Fristo 3 years ago (edited)
He even got the weird shaped neck for the shirt perfectly :OOOO
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Strawberry Pizza 3 years ago
This one is great but something about the hard line of the mask against her face seems off to me.
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What do you think ?
somegirlwho 3 years ago
He must draw super quickly, which is amazing regarding the detail. I wonder how many half drawings he has from all the people who get off the subway before he finishes.
Deborah Harris2 3 years ago
He has an amazing talent, such a shame that covid took away the chance to see just how good he really is x
Tabitha Frost 3 years ago
Dang, this person has talent! Though, do these people know they are being photographed..?
Lakota Wolf 3 years ago (edited)
The subway is probably technically considered a public place. In many states, you do not have the right to an expectation of privacy in public places (e.g., a grocery store, a bank, a bus stop). So, it would be legal to photograph someone on the subway (if it is indeed considered a public area.) However, legality aside, I personally believe it would be the moral and ethical thing to do to let them know that you are going to photograph/video them and share it on the internet - and obtain their permission. That's probably not necessary if you were just drawing them, or taking a pic of them/the drawing together if you did not plan on sharing it on the internet, but once that aspect of it comes into play, I believe the proper thing to do is ask for permission.
Load More Replies... Pyewacket 3 years ago
Please get this guy a public forum, whether physical or digital, he must be shown to the world. As for the legalities, if you actually look at all posts , not once does he disparage or reveal the identity of any of the subjects.
Pyewacket 3 years ago
Not sure why im being downvoted. Said the person" not sure why they are being downvoted", seriously, why am i being downvoted ??
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Family Osborne 3 years ago
I want him to draw meeee!! I adore candid drawings like this because it showcases the beauty of someone just as they are, without distractions or filters.
Tess 3 years ago (edited)
Aside from my complete lack of artistic skill, I have come to the realisation that I really should get my eyes tested. There's no way I'd be able to see the details that he's able to recreate. Covid lockdowns have meant that I haven't been looking at anything further away than my phone 90% of the time...
Ezra Houssian 3 years ago
I’m subscribed to him on YouTube. Whenever I see his videos it always makes my day, and puts a smile on my face.
somegirlwho 3 years ago
He must draw super quickly, which is amazing regarding the detail. I wonder how many half drawings he has from all the people who get off the subway before he finishes.
Deborah Harris2 3 years ago
He has an amazing talent, such a shame that covid took away the chance to see just how good he really is x
Tabitha Frost 3 years ago
Dang, this person has talent! Though, do these people know they are being photographed..?
Lakota Wolf 3 years ago (edited)
The subway is probably technically considered a public place. In many states, you do not have the right to an expectation of privacy in public places (e.g., a grocery store, a bank, a bus stop). So, it would be legal to photograph someone on the subway (if it is indeed considered a public area.) However, legality aside, I personally believe it would be the moral and ethical thing to do to let them know that you are going to photograph/video them and share it on the internet - and obtain their permission. That's probably not necessary if you were just drawing them, or taking a pic of them/the drawing together if you did not plan on sharing it on the internet, but once that aspect of it comes into play, I believe the proper thing to do is ask for permission.
Load More Replies... Pyewacket 3 years ago
Please get this guy a public forum, whether physical or digital, he must be shown to the world. As for the legalities, if you actually look at all posts , not once does he disparage or reveal the identity of any of the subjects.
Pyewacket 3 years ago
Not sure why im being downvoted. Said the person" not sure why they are being downvoted", seriously, why am i being downvoted ??
Load More Replies... Family Osborne 3 years ago
I want him to draw meeee!! I adore candid drawings like this because it showcases the beauty of someone just as they are, without distractions or filters.
Tess 3 years ago (edited)
Aside from my complete lack of artistic skill, I have come to the realisation that I really should get my eyes tested. There's no way I'd be able to see the details that he's able to recreate. Covid lockdowns have meant that I haven't been looking at anything further away than my phone 90% of the time...
Ezra Houssian 3 years ago
I’m subscribed to him on YouTube. Whenever I see his videos it always makes my day, and puts a smile on my face.
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