Get Premium
Dark mode theme is available exclusively for premium users. Learn more about the benefits of subscribing.
No fees, cancel anytime.
Dark Mode 
No fees, cancel anytime 
then open in external browser
and click "Open in External Browser" 
User submission
26.7K
My 6-Year-Old With Autism Creates Stunning Art And Angelina Jolie Just Bought Her Painting!
The story of Iris Grace and her best friend Thula has been told on Bored Panda before but what came afterwards was incredible.
Iris, a six-year-old with autism found her voice through painting and her faithful companion. The word spread across the globe, Iris and Thula were sending out a strong message – that different is brilliant. Her artwork has been bought by collectors, including Angelina Jolie. For the first time our family took a trip abroad to Stockholm, a remarkable achievement for a little girl who was once isolated at home unable to speak or be around others.
Now talking, reading and enjoying her home education it’s a different story. I decided to tell our story in our first book ‘Iris Grace’. 3 artists have come together, the painter, the photographer and the illustrator, through words and pictures you will be transported into Iris’s world with the help of Thula, their trusty feline artist assistant. 42 beautiful paintings, 15 illustrations and loads of photos make this an extraordinary memoir to treasure forever. I wanted to raise awareness of autism, to show people that there can be a future, a bright one. The techniques that work for Iris may not work with every child but I do believe there is always a key – it is about following the lead of your child.
More info: Amazon | irisgracepainting.com | Facebook
RELATED:
The story of my 6-year-old daughter with autism and her best friend Thula has been told on Bored Panda before and what came afterwards was incredible
The word spread across the globe, Iris and Thula were sending out a strong message – that different is brilliant
Iris is an excellent example of the unexpected gifts that autism can also grant
Her exceptional focus and attention to details have helped her create incredibly beautiful paintings
She found her voice through painting and her faithful companion – Thula, the artist assistant
Iris’s artwork has been bought by collectors before, but one of the biggest surprises was Angelina Jolie!
‘Sunflakes’ by Iris Grace
For the first time our family took a trip abroad to Stockholm, a remarkable achievement for a little girl who was once isolated at home unable to speak or be around others
Now talking, reading and enjoying her home education it’s a different story
I love that we don’t have to conform, we can just go with the flow and follow Iris and she is happy
She’s is more responsive, calm and easy when I set up ‘playrooms’ within the garden or even sometimes out in the countryside…
…and of course wherever we go, Thula comes with us
Even going on bike rides…
…or for a swim
Autism has opened up my perceptions of how you can teach a child
It doesn’t have to be in a classroom it can be wherever the child is most comfortable, using their own interests to inspire them
So I decided to tell our story in our first book
‘Blossom in the Wind’ one of 42 paintings in the book
3 artists have come together, the painter, the photographer and the illustrator
We told her story through words and pictures with the help of Thula, her trusty feline artist assistant
I wanted to raise awareness of autism, to show people that there can be a future, a bright one
The techniques that work for Iris may not work with every child but I do believe there is always a key
It is about following the lead of your child
‘Dance to the Oboe’ by Iris Grace
‘Thula Mtwana’ by Iris Grace
‘Dancing in Snowflakes’ by Iris Grace
‘Meadow Foxtail’ by Iris Grace
‘Trumpet’ by Iris Grace
‘Under the Sea’ by Iris Grace
Highlights of Iris and Thula
Artistic expression offers a unique way to communicate, especially for children. Iris, a young girl with autism, discovered the beauty of this form of expression through her paintings, much like the creativity children demonstrate when they turn ordinary objects into extraordinary works of art.
Check out the story of kids who creatively transformed old photos and paintings for another delightful instance of youthful creativity.
181Kviews
Share on FacebookExplore more of these tags
What do you think ?
BethHoward 9 years ago
Or Iris even noticing the cat? Which is not to say that it couldn't be a totally magical relationship. Yet ... as a parent of a child "on the spectrum", I can say that this is NOT exactly a typical view of autism (if there even is such a thing as "typical" in the autism world). In the popular press, those with autism are so frequently portrayed as having some incredible gift — and some certainly do, but a small percentage. Those gifted autistics naturally get all the exposure. The reality for many is a very different, and very mundane struggle, not worthy of online videos, or Facebook posts, or the attention of art collectors. Just a very, very challenging struggle.
GraceBarclay 9 years ago
Hi Beth, I hope you have read all you can about Iris Grace and the "therapy" cat Thula. It is a beautiful story. On a different level, I support what the parents are doing as far as facebook, videos and the like is concerned. They are showing what works for them. Perhaps it does not work for anyone else, but can be used as an idea or stepping stone. I firmly believe that sharing this story in whatever way possible can only be for the betterment of us all on this earth.
Load More Replies...
JaninePerazzo 9 years ago
I am so disappointed in the negative comments. Everyone's life and story is different, the take home message is that they are reporting a difference in this child....so why not celebrate it! That is what is most important. Thank you continuing to update us on this little help to send her family.
Leiah 9 years ago
Autism, no matter what spectrum, affects every child and family. As much as others suffer from a daily violent tantrum or poor motor movements and facial dysmorphia, the struggles raising a child with its own world and unresponsive even to his/her parents are also real. Not everyone's situations are the same. I really hate those commenters who only think there is only one type of Autism and they feel like theirs is the only one worthy of public sympathy. I have Aspergers and no one can tell me my struggles were not real just because it they were not the same for others!
Load More Replies...
ElyonBrown 9 years ago
What a beautiful and touching story, thank you so much for sharing with us your joy! Your daughter is very talented personality and I'm happy know she has so wonderful faithful companion like Thula! I'm sincerely happy for all your family!
SeleneRegener 9 years ago
There are plenty like Iris that don't have privilege to be recognized or earn some money for future living. Our world this days is all about fame.
KatinkaMin 9 years ago
Regardless of the story, I think the pictures have their own worth. They have great harmony, there are many layers, delicate movement and the impression of light. And although they are not the result of a long and difficult journey of the artist, like the strife of Jackson Pollock for example, or years of education and craftsmanshp like Monet's or Turner's work, I think they are really beautiful. They are pictures you can hang on your wall and look at again and again, always finding something to soothe or inspire you.
JackieHill 9 years ago
It reminded me of the Impressionists. I loved the colors and think they resemble watercolors. I have some art like this and I love it.
Load More Replies...
VictorVakaras 9 years ago
This family seems to be, at least by some appearances, affluent and I think that's why some people here are being negative. If this were a less well-to-do family, or poor, there'd probably be a lot less negativity. Envy is an ugly beast.
Jude 9 years ago
Victor, I agree that some of the negative comments may be due to envy. But I also believe that it's sad that there are those without the financial means or circumstances to help their child like they'd like to. Little Iris has loving parents with the foresight and means to help her. I only wish all who needed help could achieve their full potential too.
Load More Replies... BethHoward 9 years ago
Yes. A lovely story. What a remarkable cat! And a gorgeous, adorable little girl. With phenomenal artistic ability. (Give me any one of those paintings - I would pay a lot to have those INCREDIBLY beautiful things on my wall.) And all from this very young child? Marvelous. I wish I could meet Iris, and I so, so, absolutely wish her and her family the very best. I bet that her art and her beauty will give her a really good life. It does appear that Iris's family has plenty of money to put her story out there. The skeptic in me thinks that maybe it isn't all about showing the positive side of autism? The book, the video ... very slick and well-produced. That's not necessarily saying anything. Yes, I can see why the family might do this - this little girl has such a gift, and she should be able to benefit from her talent. The cat part? It's both wonderful and also feels to me like a bit of an angle? There is not a single image of Iris and the cat actually interacting? Or Iris even not
JackieHill 9 years ago
Wow, what an incredibly bitter person you choose to be. I'm sorry that you have such low self-esteem and such negativity in your life. I'm not rich, I have 3 kids with some form of something on the spectrum and my husband died leaving me with nothing but a stack of medical bills. I still choose not to let life make me bitter!! I was also taught basic manners and common courtesy--if I can't find anything to say that's not just downright mean and nasty, then I don't say anything at all. I'm sorry for whatever has happened to make you sound like such an awful person. I hope that's not a true portrayal of who you are as a person.
Load More Replies...
DariusB. 9 years ago
Well, I think it is a lovely story. Besides what Beth Howard said, that might have a good point. I don't really know how is it for other childs with autism, so I will not make any comment on that. The paintings look really interesting for me, and that gorgeous cat seems to be helping the child. I don't know what were you expecting to see on her relationship with the cat, but based on the pictures of the other post about this little girl, she looks like having some kind of interaction with her. (I apologize if my english is not so good)
BethHoward 9 years ago
Or Iris even noticing the cat? Which is not to say that it couldn't be a totally magical relationship. Yet ... as a parent of a child "on the spectrum", I can say that this is NOT exactly a typical view of autism (if there even is such a thing as "typical" in the autism world). In the popular press, those with autism are so frequently portrayed as having some incredible gift — and some certainly do, but a small percentage. Those gifted autistics naturally get all the exposure. The reality for many is a very different, and very mundane struggle, not worthy of online videos, or Facebook posts, or the attention of art collectors. Just a very, very challenging struggle.
GraceBarclay 9 years ago
Hi Beth, I hope you have read all you can about Iris Grace and the "therapy" cat Thula. It is a beautiful story. On a different level, I support what the parents are doing as far as facebook, videos and the like is concerned. They are showing what works for them. Perhaps it does not work for anyone else, but can be used as an idea or stepping stone. I firmly believe that sharing this story in whatever way possible can only be for the betterment of us all on this earth.
Load More Replies... JaninePerazzo 9 years ago
I am so disappointed in the negative comments. Everyone's life and story is different, the take home message is that they are reporting a difference in this child....so why not celebrate it! That is what is most important. Thank you continuing to update us on this little help to send her family.
Leiah 9 years ago
Autism, no matter what spectrum, affects every child and family. As much as others suffer from a daily violent tantrum or poor motor movements and facial dysmorphia, the struggles raising a child with its own world and unresponsive even to his/her parents are also real. Not everyone's situations are the same. I really hate those commenters who only think there is only one type of Autism and they feel like theirs is the only one worthy of public sympathy. I have Aspergers and no one can tell me my struggles were not real just because it they were not the same for others!
Load More Replies... ElyonBrown 9 years ago
What a beautiful and touching story, thank you so much for sharing with us your joy! Your daughter is very talented personality and I'm happy know she has so wonderful faithful companion like Thula! I'm sincerely happy for all your family!
SeleneRegener 9 years ago
There are plenty like Iris that don't have privilege to be recognized or earn some money for future living. Our world this days is all about fame.
KatinkaMin 9 years ago
Regardless of the story, I think the pictures have their own worth. They have great harmony, there are many layers, delicate movement and the impression of light. And although they are not the result of a long and difficult journey of the artist, like the strife of Jackson Pollock for example, or years of education and craftsmanshp like Monet's or Turner's work, I think they are really beautiful. They are pictures you can hang on your wall and look at again and again, always finding something to soothe or inspire you.
JackieHill 9 years ago
It reminded me of the Impressionists. I loved the colors and think they resemble watercolors. I have some art like this and I love it.
Load More Replies... VictorVakaras 9 years ago
This family seems to be, at least by some appearances, affluent and I think that's why some people here are being negative. If this were a less well-to-do family, or poor, there'd probably be a lot less negativity. Envy is an ugly beast.
Jude 9 years ago
Victor, I agree that some of the negative comments may be due to envy. But I also believe that it's sad that there are those without the financial means or circumstances to help their child like they'd like to. Little Iris has loving parents with the foresight and means to help her. I only wish all who needed help could achieve their full potential too.
Load More Replies... BethHoward 9 years ago
Yes. A lovely story. What a remarkable cat! And a gorgeous, adorable little girl. With phenomenal artistic ability. (Give me any one of those paintings - I would pay a lot to have those INCREDIBLY beautiful things on my wall.) And all from this very young child? Marvelous. I wish I could meet Iris, and I so, so, absolutely wish her and her family the very best. I bet that her art and her beauty will give her a really good life. It does appear that Iris's family has plenty of money to put her story out there. The skeptic in me thinks that maybe it isn't all about showing the positive side of autism? The book, the video ... very slick and well-produced. That's not necessarily saying anything. Yes, I can see why the family might do this - this little girl has such a gift, and she should be able to benefit from her talent. The cat part? It's both wonderful and also feels to me like a bit of an angle? There is not a single image of Iris and the cat actually interacting? Or Iris even not
JackieHill 9 years ago
Wow, what an incredibly bitter person you choose to be. I'm sorry that you have such low self-esteem and such negativity in your life. I'm not rich, I have 3 kids with some form of something on the spectrum and my husband died leaving me with nothing but a stack of medical bills. I still choose not to let life make me bitter!! I was also taught basic manners and common courtesy--if I can't find anything to say that's not just downright mean and nasty, then I don't say anything at all. I'm sorry for whatever has happened to make you sound like such an awful person. I hope that's not a true portrayal of who you are as a person.
Load More Replies... DariusB. 9 years ago
Well, I think it is a lovely story. Besides what Beth Howard said, that might have a good point. I don't really know how is it for other childs with autism, so I will not make any comment on that. The paintings look really interesting for me, and that gorgeous cat seems to be helping the child. I don't know what were you expecting to see on her relationship with the cat, but based on the pictures of the other post about this little girl, she looks like having some kind of interaction with her. (I apologize if my english is not so good)
Related on Bored Panda
862
76