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If You Haven’t Smiled Today, Meet Darius, The Rat Who Was Taught To Paint

Interview With Owner

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We all have our talents and we should be proud of them. But when you’re a rat who paints, you should be… famous. And this little guy sure was. Darius the rat went viral on social media for his artistic abilities numerous times, and, even though he has passed away, his works still bring joy to people all over the world.

More info: Facebook | Twitter

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“I had him in a weird time of my life where I was trying to figure out who I was as a person, and also where I should be going in life. He was my light in the darkness”

If You Haven't Smiled Today, Meet Darius, The Rat Who Was Taught To Paint

Image credits: nebulami

If You Haven't Smiled Today, Meet Darius, The Rat Who Was Taught To Paint

Image credits: nebulami

Amalie Markota Andersen, his owner, is an animation and digital arts student. After training her buddy to paint with his feet, she said it took Darius about 10 minutes to complete one piece and that she ultimately sold three or four of his works.

“I’ve had rats all my life, since I was around 14-15 years old,” she told Bored Panda. “I’ve discovered how great they are as pets on the internet. Rats were just beginning to become popular as pets, I think. After I had my first rat, I just kept on getting them. Rats don’t live very long, usually 2-3 years, so I’ve had 9 so far. Darius was one of them.”

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If You Haven't Smiled Today, Meet Darius, The Rat Who Was Taught To Paint

Image credits: Amalie Markota Andersen

If You Haven't Smiled Today, Meet Darius, The Rat Who Was Taught To Paint

Image credits: Amalie Markota Andersen

When Amalie had Darius, she got a non-toxic watercolor set, dipped his feet in it and just let him walk back and forth on the paper until it started to look like something.

“I got him in 2017, he was one of many rats in the litter. All the rats seemed amazing, but Darius was just too precious not to choose. He looked so kind and gentle, I instantly fell in love with him the moment I saw him.”

If You Haven't Smiled Today, Meet Darius, The Rat Who Was Taught To Paint

Image credits: Amalie Markota Andersen

If You Haven't Smiled Today, Meet Darius, The Rat Who Was Taught To Paint

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Image credits: Amalie Markota Andersen

Photos of Darius resurfaced on Twitter on Saturday after they were shared by a now-private account. However, Andersen documented Darius’ creative process on Tumblr even before that. Andersen wrote on Tumblr that Darius made his first painting in January 2018.

If You Haven't Smiled Today, Meet Darius, The Rat Who Was Taught To Paint

Image credits: Amalie Markota Andersen

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If You Haven't Smiled Today, Meet Darius, The Rat Who Was Taught To Paint

Image credits: Amalie Markota Andersen

“Darius going viral was very exciting, I was so happy people liked him,” Andersen added. “It is what he deserved!”

She said, in a way, Darius was a weird rat. Unlike all the others she has had. “He was very timid and shy. He didn’t like exploring much like rats usually do. He was just fine cuddling in my lap or sleeping in my bed. He wasn’t very independent, always clinging to me like a little baby. He was very attached to me and obviously I got very attached to him as well, which made it very hard for me to let him go when the time came.”

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If You Haven't Smiled Today, Meet Darius, The Rat Who Was Taught To Paint

Image credits: Amalie Markota Andersen

“He wasn’t nervous or aggressive, but he simply had no interest in other people. It was really weird seeing that in a rat. Rats usually love strangers, new places, just unexplored territory in general. But Darius didn’t care, he would just come back to me and demand some cuddles.”

If You Haven't Smiled Today, Meet Darius, The Rat Who Was Taught To Paint

Image credits: Amalie Markota Andersen

As Darius’ internet fame grew, Andersen kinda became his manager. But in a totally good way. After selling his works, Andersen used the money to buy Darius a harness so that she could take him outdoors and the two of them could explore the outdoors safely.

If You Haven't Smiled Today, Meet Darius, The Rat Who Was Taught To Paint

Image credits: Amalie Markota Andersen

“I do regret selling the original a little bit,” Andersen added. “But it also makes me very happy thinking that his works are out there somewhere, hopefully still intact and well!”

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“It’s been crazy seeing all of it blow up like this. I never expected it would make people so happy. But I’m glad it did. Unfortunately, Darius didn’t make more than 4 paintings when he was still alive, but I am thinking about doing the same thing with my current rats, Gucci and Mango.

If You Haven't Smiled Today, Meet Darius, The Rat Who Was Taught To Paint

Image credits: nebulami

People were really impressed by Darius’ skills

If You Haven't Smiled Today, Meet Darius, The Rat Who Was Taught To Paint

If You Haven't Smiled Today, Meet Darius, The Rat Who Was Taught To Paint

If You Haven't Smiled Today, Meet Darius, The Rat Who Was Taught To Paint

If You Haven't Smiled Today, Meet Darius, The Rat Who Was Taught To Paint

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If You Haven't Smiled Today, Meet Darius, The Rat Who Was Taught To Paint

If You Haven't Smiled Today, Meet Darius, The Rat Who Was Taught To Paint

If You Haven't Smiled Today, Meet Darius, The Rat Who Was Taught To Paint

If You Haven't Smiled Today, Meet Darius, The Rat Who Was Taught To Paint

Mindaugas Balčiauskas

I'm a visual editor at Bored Panda. I kickstart my day with a mug of coffee bigger than my head, ready to tackle Photoshop. I navigate through the digital jungle with finesse, fueled by bamboo breaks and caffeine kicks. When the workday winds down, you might catch me devouring bamboo snacks while binging on the latest TV show, gaming or I could be out in nature, soaking up the tranquility and communing with my inner panda.

I'm a visual editor at Bored Panda. I kickstart my day with a mug of coffee bigger than my head, ready to tackle Photoshop. I navigate through the digital jungle with finesse, fueled by bamboo breaks and caffeine kicks. When the workday winds down, you might catch me devouring bamboo snacks while binging on the latest TV show, gaming or I could be out in nature, soaking up the tranquility and communing with my inner panda.

What do you think ?

SirPatTheCat 5 years ago

The person that said “the only cute thing about a rat” can f**k right off! Is this lady really insulting a DEAD rat and commenting on a post about it only to say that he is not cute?! How disrespectful can you get?! I am actually very annoyed right now there is no reason she had to say that!! He was just being a rat who liked to paint and in my opinion is actually very cute!

64points

razan youssef 5 years ago

Wow, I have never seen such a passionate speech about a rat online before. That comment should get an award. Best comment in BP ever.

31points

Load More Replies...

anotherboredpanda 5 years ago

Went on a boat ride today, it was really crammed. The lady in front of me asked me to keep my dog very close because she "can't" touch animals. And those people insulting rats just don't know how cute and intelligent rats are. In my opinion rats are a lot like dogs.

4points

Steve Cruz 5 years ago

Being offended by something posted online is like choosing to step on dogshit instead of walking around it.

3points

Claire 5 years ago

I agree that it is awful to say such a thing, but I don't think that Darius actually enjoyed painting for the sake of making a picture. I suspect that Darius' person just got his feet covered in paint and then put him on the paper. I have thought about doing this with my rats but haven't yet gotten around to it because I want to make sure I find a perfectly safe paint for them. You should watch some of Shadow the Rat's Youtube videos where she trains her rats to paint.

2points

Ayasophya Alturas 5 years ago

agreed. my rat can't paint, but he is still adorable.

0points

Karen Morana 5 years ago

Thank you SirPatTheCat. I wondered about the remark. I love all creatures. Not fond of a snake. Love mice rats all furry things. Bless its heart. Died awfully young didnt it??.

0points

Iva Kazalova 5 years ago

Who the f**k opens a rat article about the cutest rat on the planet that paints and is dead only to be such a c**t?! She should get a f****n life and some d**k probably, the idiot, no lady there if you ask me, just a random keyboard warrior troll that has no life along with zero personality

0points

Janine B. 5 years ago

It's a shame rats die so early. Cute little stinkers. :)))

27points

TheExtremeSmell 5 years ago

I agree. It would be nice after all the things they can learn and do to have them around for at least ten years. Then again I may have a rat army too if so

10points

Load More Replies...

Juli 5 years ago

Yes, I agree, they only seem to live a couple years or so darn it.

1point

Belinda Crum 5 years ago

I know. I had one named Marge. She would sit on my shoulder and eat her banana and give me little kisses on my cheek, but I only had her for 3 years.

1point

Mindy Keys 5 years ago

Bless. SO sorry you lost your sweet baby. I did ratty rescue back in the early 2000s. I still remember every one who passed through my life. Sadly, I had to stop - the tumors and micoplasmosis was too much. It broke my heart. They are such kind, loving, generous little beings. I had one youngster who took my old man under his wing. Old John was blind, and Baby Kramer would bring him food - feeding John before he took his own portion, leading him along like a seeing eye rat, and always going to his vet visits with John. I have never seen a creature so kind and loving toward their own, especially the old, ill, or infirm. People who make "that face" or unpleasant noises when they hear the word Rat could stand to learn A (bleeping) LOT from these brilliant, loving creatures. I have wild ones in my garden who similarly take care of their elders, pregnant or nursing mums, and the babies. They are unreal in their compassion.

5points

Ashley Fernandes 5 years ago

OMG that little face and those little feets!!!!

4points

Esca Sav 5 years ago (edited)

He has more talent than I do ;-; May you rest in peace little one

4points

Greta Toločkaitė 5 years ago

that little nosy face <3

3points

Femur! 5 years ago

The rats are like dogs, in a way. I have a friend who have one, and it's really friendly. I used to be scared of them. But now I think it's a good pet for tiny spaces.

2points

Bluebell Rizzi 5 years ago (edited)

When I saw this article I just let out this inhuman squeal... I love rats!! And you struck pure gold with Darius, I'm sorry for your loss

2points

LisaM 5 years ago

I was so happy to see his sweet face at the top of bored panda just now! Thank you!

2points

Christina Kempf 5 years ago

That's amazing

1point

Paul K. Johnson 5 years ago

I can't imagine going through loss of a pet every two to three years.

1point

Oscar Guerrero 5 years ago

I have a newfound appreciation for rats now.

1point

Ianthez 5 years ago

"Did he use the blood of his victims" LMAO

1point

Christina Uhlir 5 years ago

I can't get it either. I wish Chloe would explain.

0points

Load More Replies...

Grumble O'Pug 5 years ago

Godspeed, sweet little mite.

1point

Cristina Steele 5 years ago

Darius was so cute! He looked proud of his paintings!! 🥰

1point

Laci 5 years ago

That is the proudest rat ever.

1point

Bruce Black 5 years ago

As I professional abstract painter, I just want to scream no!!!, but as an animal lover...he is so adorable. I think I love him.

1point

Christina Uhlir 5 years ago

I just wonder, what's wrong with this little artist's abstract work? To me it's more agreeable than those of some human artists (no offence).

0points

Load More Replies...

sharron lynn parsons 5 years ago

Such a cute little guy, I love all little creatures, I don't care for spiders and snakes, all animals are unique in their own way, big and small, I love them all !!!

0points

Jovy Jergens 5 years ago

I just fell in love with Darius. I have read in other places that rats can indeed be very loving cuddlers. Thank you for sharing. His precious little face (and tiny feet) just made my day!

0points

Bodragon 5 years ago

He looks tasty

0points

Christina Uhlir 5 years ago

Yes he's cute.... and so are all animals, including were those on your plates, they would have made nice pets also. - "Animals share with us the privilege of having a soul." - Pythagoras, Greek philosopher & mathematician (? - 497BC/BCE)

0points

Kenneth V. Jørgensen 5 years ago

I am certain that rats are cuddly and loving - regardless of people claiming that they are disgusting etc. I like animals in general. - Sorry to read that you lost Darius.

0points

Roberto Durante 5 years ago

Haaag, what a sweetie, and rat's are very intelligent, and true lovely pet as companion, they sheer you up as they feel when you are sad

0points

Edward LePontney 5 years ago

It brought back memories of the wonderful rats that I've had grace my life! Domestic rats are some of the cleanest animals that I know and right up there with cats (I had/have those too)! They are intelligent, loving and so lovable. Some people have set ideas and that is sad because we generalize like we do so many things in life. Sad but true. I love/loved my rats! Peace be with you! You shared an important part of life with me. BTW, my cats and rats got along just fine! LOL!

0points

Pippa Runs 5 years ago

Omg sooooooo cute!!!!

0points

Steve Cruz 5 years ago

He's adorable. I just fear that rats and mice somehow know the legions of their kin I slaughtered when living on a ranch in central California, where it would rain for weeks and they would rush the house to be warm and dry. They weren't well-behaved, friendly, good smelling or potty trained.

0points

janice deane 5 years ago

I showed this to my daughter, who FREAKED over Darius' photos. "OMG SOOOOOOOOO CUTE!!!! SOOOOOO CUTE!!!!" If that isn't PROOF, I don't know what is. NO ONE knows cute like a 14-year-old girl. :)

0points

janice deane 5 years ago

My daughter FREAKED looking at Darius' photos saying - OMG HE'S SOOOOOOO CUTE!!! If that isn't proof, I don't know what is. No one knows cute better than a 14-year-old girl! :) <3

0points

Mairlady 5 years ago

Rats are very intelligent and clean, just like a pig!

0points

Abigail Kreiss 5 years ago

They've been popular as pets for a long time. You just discovered them. My daughter had one as a very little girl and she's fifty now.

0points

Kristin Haskins 5 years ago

I love him already--since I saw this: I had a mouse, once..I named him Peevee. So busy and energenic, and, WHEN do they SLEEP? I'm happy seeing this and I'm happy you were so sweet to have shared him wih all of us!

0points

Rubee Tubesteak 5 years ago

No YOU'RE crying!

0points

LilicatUK 5 years ago

I miss my boys :( The only thing wrong with rats is their very short life span, they're precious souls!

0points

Cosmo Antonio 5 years ago

legal

0points

TheExtremeSmell 5 years ago

I did this with my goldfish once

0points

Shawn Ruester 5 years ago

Rats should always have buddies to, rats are very social animals. That was the only thing I was upset about in this article.

0points

Whatever... 5 years ago (edited)

0points

Whatever... 5 years ago

My comment is gone? I just said I love his little hands and feet. Nothing bad.

2points

Load More Replies...

Mike Greco 5 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Claire 5 years ago

Darius wasn't taught to paint, but some rats can! They hold the paintbrush in their little paws and mouth and wave it across the paper. Shadow the Rat has a lot of videos on Youtube where she teaches her rats to do this.

1point

Load More Replies...

Just Me 5 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

N G 5 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

N G 5 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

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Just Me 5 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

SirPatTheCat 5 years ago

The person that said “the only cute thing about a rat” can f**k right off! Is this lady really insulting a DEAD rat and commenting on a post about it only to say that he is not cute?! How disrespectful can you get?! I am actually very annoyed right now there is no reason she had to say that!! He was just being a rat who liked to paint and in my opinion is actually very cute!

64points

razan youssef 5 years ago

Wow, I have never seen such a passionate speech about a rat online before. That comment should get an award. Best comment in BP ever.

31points

Load More Replies...

anotherboredpanda 5 years ago

Went on a boat ride today, it was really crammed. The lady in front of me asked me to keep my dog very close because she "can't" touch animals. And those people insulting rats just don't know how cute and intelligent rats are. In my opinion rats are a lot like dogs.

4points

Steve Cruz 5 years ago

Being offended by something posted online is like choosing to step on dogshit instead of walking around it.

3points

Claire 5 years ago

I agree that it is awful to say such a thing, but I don't think that Darius actually enjoyed painting for the sake of making a picture. I suspect that Darius' person just got his feet covered in paint and then put him on the paper. I have thought about doing this with my rats but haven't yet gotten around to it because I want to make sure I find a perfectly safe paint for them. You should watch some of Shadow the Rat's Youtube videos where she trains her rats to paint.

2points

Ayasophya Alturas 5 years ago

agreed. my rat can't paint, but he is still adorable.

0points

Karen Morana 5 years ago

Thank you SirPatTheCat. I wondered about the remark. I love all creatures. Not fond of a snake. Love mice rats all furry things. Bless its heart. Died awfully young didnt it??.

0points

Iva Kazalova 5 years ago

Who the f**k opens a rat article about the cutest rat on the planet that paints and is dead only to be such a c**t?! She should get a f****n life and some d**k probably, the idiot, no lady there if you ask me, just a random keyboard warrior troll that has no life along with zero personality

0points

Janine B. 5 years ago

It's a shame rats die so early. Cute little stinkers. :)))

27points

TheExtremeSmell 5 years ago

I agree. It would be nice after all the things they can learn and do to have them around for at least ten years. Then again I may have a rat army too if so

10points

Load More Replies...

Juli 5 years ago

Yes, I agree, they only seem to live a couple years or so darn it.

1point

Belinda Crum 5 years ago

I know. I had one named Marge. She would sit on my shoulder and eat her banana and give me little kisses on my cheek, but I only had her for 3 years.

1point

Mindy Keys 5 years ago

Bless. SO sorry you lost your sweet baby. I did ratty rescue back in the early 2000s. I still remember every one who passed through my life. Sadly, I had to stop - the tumors and micoplasmosis was too much. It broke my heart. They are such kind, loving, generous little beings. I had one youngster who took my old man under his wing. Old John was blind, and Baby Kramer would bring him food - feeding John before he took his own portion, leading him along like a seeing eye rat, and always going to his vet visits with John. I have never seen a creature so kind and loving toward their own, especially the old, ill, or infirm. People who make "that face" or unpleasant noises when they hear the word Rat could stand to learn A (bleeping) LOT from these brilliant, loving creatures. I have wild ones in my garden who similarly take care of their elders, pregnant or nursing mums, and the babies. They are unreal in their compassion.

5points

Ashley Fernandes 5 years ago

OMG that little face and those little feets!!!!

4points

Esca Sav 5 years ago (edited)

He has more talent than I do ;-; May you rest in peace little one

4points

Greta Toločkaitė 5 years ago

that little nosy face <3

3points

Femur! 5 years ago

The rats are like dogs, in a way. I have a friend who have one, and it's really friendly. I used to be scared of them. But now I think it's a good pet for tiny spaces.

2points

Bluebell Rizzi 5 years ago (edited)

When I saw this article I just let out this inhuman squeal... I love rats!! And you struck pure gold with Darius, I'm sorry for your loss

2points

LisaM 5 years ago

I was so happy to see his sweet face at the top of bored panda just now! Thank you!

2points

Christina Kempf 5 years ago

That's amazing

1point

Paul K. Johnson 5 years ago

I can't imagine going through loss of a pet every two to three years.

1point

Oscar Guerrero 5 years ago

I have a newfound appreciation for rats now.

1point

Ianthez 5 years ago

"Did he use the blood of his victims" LMAO

1point

Christina Uhlir 5 years ago

I can't get it either. I wish Chloe would explain.

0points

Load More Replies...

Grumble O'Pug 5 years ago

Godspeed, sweet little mite.

1point

Cristina Steele 5 years ago

Darius was so cute! He looked proud of his paintings!! 🥰

1point

Laci 5 years ago

That is the proudest rat ever.

1point

Bruce Black 5 years ago

As I professional abstract painter, I just want to scream no!!!, but as an animal lover...he is so adorable. I think I love him.

1point

Christina Uhlir 5 years ago

I just wonder, what's wrong with this little artist's abstract work? To me it's more agreeable than those of some human artists (no offence).

0points

Load More Replies...

sharron lynn parsons 5 years ago

Such a cute little guy, I love all little creatures, I don't care for spiders and snakes, all animals are unique in their own way, big and small, I love them all !!!

0points

Jovy Jergens 5 years ago

I just fell in love with Darius. I have read in other places that rats can indeed be very loving cuddlers. Thank you for sharing. His precious little face (and tiny feet) just made my day!

0points

Bodragon 5 years ago

He looks tasty

0points

Christina Uhlir 5 years ago

Yes he's cute.... and so are all animals, including were those on your plates, they would have made nice pets also. - "Animals share with us the privilege of having a soul." - Pythagoras, Greek philosopher & mathematician (? - 497BC/BCE)

0points

Kenneth V. Jørgensen 5 years ago

I am certain that rats are cuddly and loving - regardless of people claiming that they are disgusting etc. I like animals in general. - Sorry to read that you lost Darius.

0points

Roberto Durante 5 years ago

Haaag, what a sweetie, and rat's are very intelligent, and true lovely pet as companion, they sheer you up as they feel when you are sad

0points

Edward LePontney 5 years ago

It brought back memories of the wonderful rats that I've had grace my life! Domestic rats are some of the cleanest animals that I know and right up there with cats (I had/have those too)! They are intelligent, loving and so lovable. Some people have set ideas and that is sad because we generalize like we do so many things in life. Sad but true. I love/loved my rats! Peace be with you! You shared an important part of life with me. BTW, my cats and rats got along just fine! LOL!

0points

Pippa Runs 5 years ago

Omg sooooooo cute!!!!

0points

Steve Cruz 5 years ago

He's adorable. I just fear that rats and mice somehow know the legions of their kin I slaughtered when living on a ranch in central California, where it would rain for weeks and they would rush the house to be warm and dry. They weren't well-behaved, friendly, good smelling or potty trained.

0points

janice deane 5 years ago

I showed this to my daughter, who FREAKED over Darius' photos. "OMG SOOOOOOOOO CUTE!!!! SOOOOOO CUTE!!!!" If that isn't PROOF, I don't know what is. NO ONE knows cute like a 14-year-old girl. :)

0points

janice deane 5 years ago

My daughter FREAKED looking at Darius' photos saying - OMG HE'S SOOOOOOO CUTE!!! If that isn't proof, I don't know what is. No one knows cute better than a 14-year-old girl! :) <3

0points

Mairlady 5 years ago

Rats are very intelligent and clean, just like a pig!

0points

Abigail Kreiss 5 years ago

They've been popular as pets for a long time. You just discovered them. My daughter had one as a very little girl and she's fifty now.

0points

Kristin Haskins 5 years ago

I love him already--since I saw this: I had a mouse, once..I named him Peevee. So busy and energenic, and, WHEN do they SLEEP? I'm happy seeing this and I'm happy you were so sweet to have shared him wih all of us!

0points

Rubee Tubesteak 5 years ago

No YOU'RE crying!

0points

LilicatUK 5 years ago

I miss my boys :( The only thing wrong with rats is their very short life span, they're precious souls!

0points

Cosmo Antonio 5 years ago

legal

0points

TheExtremeSmell 5 years ago

I did this with my goldfish once

0points

Shawn Ruester 5 years ago

Rats should always have buddies to, rats are very social animals. That was the only thing I was upset about in this article.

0points

Whatever... 5 years ago (edited)

0points

Whatever... 5 years ago

My comment is gone? I just said I love his little hands and feet. Nothing bad.

2points

Load More Replies...

Mike Greco 5 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Claire 5 years ago

Darius wasn't taught to paint, but some rats can! They hold the paintbrush in their little paws and mouth and wave it across the paper. Shadow the Rat has a lot of videos on Youtube where she teaches her rats to do this.

1point

Load More Replies...

Just Me 5 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

N G 5 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

N G 5 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

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Just Me 5 years ago

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