This 9-Year-Old Russian Boy ‘Sells’ His Custom Pet Paintings For Food And Supplies For Shelter Animals
Not all heroes wear capes but their good deeds speak for themselves. This is yet another story to prove that even the smallest of us are capable of changing the world for the better and restore the faith in younger generations. Children come up with the most brilliant ways to solve problems that adults often fail at.
How to combine a love for art and help for stray animals? A kind-hearted 9-year-old Russian boy Pavel Abramov has the perfect answer to this question. The young artist from a small city of Arzamas in Nizhny Novgorod has been painting beautiful pet portraits and not to make money for his toys or a new phone, as you would expect. He exchanges his beautiful paintings for animal food and supplies and donates it to a local animal shelter. Everyone can help in their own way.
Image credits: Что может маленький волонтёр?
Pavel and his mother Ekaterina Bolshakova started this animal painting project called “Kind paintbrush” about a year ago. This idea originated in Pavel’s brilliant mind when the loss of a four-legged friend hit the family and he could no longer ignore stray animals wandering the streets of the city. He needed to take part in making a change in memory of his dear Barsik and he definitely did; in the most creative and generous way.
Image credits: Что может маленький волонтёр?
Image credits: Что может маленький волонтёр?
Image credits: Что может маленький волонтёр?
Pavel paints adorable animals of owners who are ready to sign a deal to provide kilograms of porridge, meat, and supplies in exchange for an animal drawing of their beloved pet. He knows each of his models by name and often meets them when the painting is finished. He paints based on pets’ photos and is always interested in how owners met their furry family members. Pavel is deeply touched by the heartwarming stories of pets rescued from the cold streets and this is probably what makes up for all his efforts.
Image credits: Что может маленький волонтёр?
Image credits: Что может маленький волонтёр?
Pavel and his mother Ekaterina Bolshakova started this animal painting project called “Kind paintbrush” about a year ago. This idea originated in Pavel’s brilliant mind when the loss of a four-legged friend hit the family and he could no longer ignore stray animals wandering the streets of the city. He needed to take part in making a change in memory of his dear Barsik and he definitely did; in the most creative and generous way.
Image credits: Что может маленький волонтёр?
Image credits: Что может маленький волонтёр?
This brave social initiative has already spread beyond Arzamas city. Animal lovers from all over Russia and even abroad want to have the portraits of their pets made while taking part in a charitable mission. Artwork made by Pavel’s kind paintbrush has traveled to Spain, Germany and more to come.
Image credits: Что может маленький волонтёр?
Image credits: Что может маленький волонтёр?
Pavel is the youngest volunteer of the only animal shelter in Arzamas that currently houses over 100 dogs. In exchange for his paintings, he asks for food, household supplies, accessories, depending on what the shelter needs at that particular moment.
Image credits: Что может маленький волонтёр?
Chuck’s portrait went to the customer in exchange for 5 kg of buckwheat, 10 cans of canned dog food, and skin medicine.
Image credits: Что может маленький волонтёр?
Charming Ksyusha’s portrait was exchanged for 6 kg of buckwheat, canned dog food, bandages and medicine.
Image credits: Что может маленький волонтёр?
Timofey’s portrait has been exchanged for a set of medicines and dog collars.
Image credits: Что может маленький волонтёр?
Jesse’s portrait was exchanged for 7 kg of offal and 3 kg of buckwheat.
Image credits: Что может маленький волонтёр?
Cheerful hamsters were presented to an owner in exchange for 4 kg of canned dog food, 2.5 kg of dry food, a leash, and a toy.
Image credits: Что может маленький волонтёр?
Portrait of cute Onyx for 3 kg of canned dog food, 2.5 kg of oatmeal, 4 kg of pearl barley, treats for dogs and household supplies.
Image credits: Что может маленький волонтёр?
A portrait of these three girls in exchange for 15 kg of beef trimmings.
Image credits: Что может маленький волонтёр?
Exchanged for 15 kg of selected beef delicacies for the shelter.
Image credits: Что может маленький волонтёр?
The portrait of Rex, Tuzik, Keks and Lusya exchanged for 5 cans of canned beef, 1 liter of milk, 3 kg of cereal, a pack of dry food, and 5 kg of trimmings.
Image credits: Что может маленький волонтёр?
The portrait of handsome Basi went to Natalia in exchange for 10 kg of buckwheat and 10 kg of pearl barley.
Image credits: Что может маленький волонтёр?
10 kg beef bones for this portrait of lovely Sonya.
Image credits: Что может маленький волонтёр?
This portrait of Mr. Puzan was exchanged for 15 kg of beef bones and trimmings.
Image credits: Что может маленький волонтёр?
“Our family is proud of his wonderful project. His days are scheduled to minutes, he wants to do absolutely everything, there is just not enough time,” the boy’s mother Ekaterina told Bored Panda. Pavel dreams of becoming an architect and building a big shelter in the future, and for now – he will contribute as much as he can with his art and humane initiatives.
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Share on FacebookPaval is so extremely talented. I am 5 times his age and I couldn't paint like that to save my life. But it is his generosity and beautiful spirit that really shines out. The world would be a better place if there were more people like him.
I guess this is about the time we could be donating on line to our nearest / favouritist animal shelter.
Load More Replies...Wow, such talent, this boy will have a good future, his art is excellent, This is fabulous, I am impressed ,so young with a huge heart, I hope he will inspire others to help !!!
Maybe some of our Russian speaking Panda friends can supply us with the how-to?
Load More Replies...I think it's one of the most beautiful story's I have ever read. Ever!
Other than having a really kind heart. I was really impressive with his painting talented for such a young age. People should know him.
That's generous of you, as I find some of his payments rather stingy. 15 kg of buckwheat? For his beautiful work?
Load More Replies...He’s so talented and careful! I am 23 years now and I make art and comics but I’m never ad good as this kid! Also he has a good heart. Love it!
Young man, if you ever come to America, (specifically Ohio....) I will hook you up~! I volunteer at a local shelter, myself. Amazing. What a special young man~!
Off topic, but I named one of my cats 'Amery' (misspelling of author / animal rights activist Cleveland Amory). My Amery is long gone, but still so missed.
Load More Replies...So what. When I was five I made my mother a popsicle stick box covered with golden macaroni, and when I was just two I made a doodie.
Seriously, though, what person of any age can paint multiple pictures, even resting their hand on one in progress, and not get the slightest bit of paint on their self? If this 9-year-old is actually creating these by himself, and I'm not saying he's not, then it would behoove his parents to make at least one unedited video of him painting one from start to finish. Even the likes of Mozart was verified independently more than once. The outlines and proportions, perspectives, and lighting just seem a little too accurate for someone his age. Plus, I don't really know how to explain it, but the paintings look like they were done by a female.
Load More Replies...I cried! Not just because the paintings are wonderful, but HE IS, TOO!
What a truly beautiful soul. I gobsmacked by the amount of talent he displays for a 9 year old. His artwork is gorgeous (I love the painting of the Russian blue cat). I hope Pavel’s amazing work gets more attention.
Boy, people believe things so fast. Is there any proof (like a video of HIM painting) that this is actually real and there’s not a guy behind those drawings painting them? And if you say “but there are photos of him drawiNgGgg” let me say you that someone can just tell the kid “grab this brush and this thing and make like you are just painting over this drawing I’ve made”
Agreed. Because if these actually are his and only his work, he is a veritable prodigy.
Load More Replies...Internet turned me into a witch. Show me a video or i do not believe it
Finally I see someone that doesen’t believe everything newspapers show xd
Load More Replies...Freakin' hell, he's damn good for 9! What a wonderful use of such talent.
Somewhere up there, Bob Ross and Steve Irwin are watching us living humans scampering around and feeling very proud of this young artist here.
NINE? The child can paint like that and he's NINE? Hope he gets more and more exposure for his painting for the animals. What an awesome little guy
This good at 9 ... I want to see what masterpieces he creates at 19, 29, 59!
Child is an amazing talent. His charitable efforts are something from an old soul.
What the heck, he's so talented! It's crazy he can paint that realistically at age nine!
Wow he's super good at painting! I'm terrible with drawing! Good too see kindness in the world! He's got loving parents to teach empathy & love 😘
To think he's still so young! Imagine his skill and wonderful heart when he's grown??
What the sauce? I cant draw a stick figure. I volunteer and go to protests and stuff, but drawing? Nope.
6 years in art school and there is a kid who paints better than me ;( I admire his kind heart.
He is an amazing boy with a big heart and dream! I would love to have my baby's portrait.
This boy is amazing; with his enormous talent, he should pursue a career in fine arts, somebody else can build the shelter. His compassion, generosity can motivate other children - young generation, root out ignorance, apathy, can improve lives of animals and so of people. They can save the world! Thank you Pavel, you are my hero!
I am flabbergasted! And that is putting it mildly! This boy has a gift straight from God, and he is putting it toward God's most vulnerable, animals, so they are no longer on the streets and hopefully will have their forever home one day. I just cannot say enough about this handsome and kind little boy, he is truly amazing, and his paintings are unbelievable. They look like photographs, but better! God bless you and your mother for putting you God given talent to a great cause!
How can we get paintings and send supplies? Anyone? My email is rezqadog@icloud.com
First, this young man is extremely talented. I would buy one of his paintings! Second, the little girl stabbing her fingers into the grey cat is hurting it!!
What a wonderful talent but it is not just the talent is it the heart and soul that goes into each portrait and for the reasons he does them. He is amazing. He will be someone to watch as he grows up. Keep it up little one you are doing wonderful work.
I am in awe of this boy's skill. And his use of his talent is even more inspiring.
MAN. THIS KID. IS TALENTED!! He would make an AMAZING artist if he wants to become one in the future. And he has such a big heart awwwww!!
Dogs give such a lot of unconditional love given a chance and this amazing boy is helping them keep fed and well while they find a loving home with a special talent he is sharing.
BRAVO Young Man Would be nice if someone will send an email, website or post office to get in touch with you. I for one would love to have my late dogs and cats painted by this young fellow Contact me via www.friendsofsaintfrancis com
no offence, but i'm skeptical. donating to dogs is wonderful, but i don't think this kid really has any paint under nails. mom may be the painter
The paint is wet, or at least there's some on the brush (strangely all the pictures seem to be complete already), and he's even resting his hand on one. Not a spot of pigment on his hands or clothing, though. That's pretty damned precise.
Load More Replies...If he's doing that at 8, I want to buy one. Imagine the work he'll produce later on. Amazing talent!
How in the hell can a 9 YEAR OLD draw so well?! I'm not artistic, is it common for such young children to have the ability to draw so well at such a young age.
Christy, it is not common for children to draw or paint this well at 9. Pavel may be a savant (genius in a particular skill).
Load More Replies...I would pay him whatever he wants and more to have a portrait done of my beautiful princess FOXIE Lady. Very talented little boy 💖💖💖💖
Wow! Incredibly talented boy! Please consider volunteering at a local shelter. Even just walking dogs or spending time with cats.
Yes, our local cat shelter invites people to visit because it helps socialize the kitties. No pressure to adopt, clean litterboxes or anything.
Load More Replies...If anyone finds out how to order, please comment. I have found NO info.
I’m sorry if someone already asked/answered this - but is there a way to buy one of his paintings? or can I commission this beautiful little human to paint a portrait of my dogs? I’m in the U.S. and want his painting on my wall as a reminder of the beauty of compassion and selflessness.
wish he could sell on line would love to see all his work or be able to have one of his paintings keep up the good your'e doing
"Children come up with the most brilliant ways to solve problems that adults often fail at." We were children once . . . we should pay attention to what happens to us as we become adults--why don't we have and creativity and fresh ideas anymore? What keeps us from solving problems? Pavel is a piece of awesome . . . hope he can save his creativity as he ages
If more people were like this in the world there wouldn't be evil and pain just love....
This child is both talented and kind. Please give us a way to buy his artwork and/or make contributions !!!
A beautiful story about a beautiful young boy with amazing talent and heart full of compassion! His artwork is so good, he should have someone set up a website and auction them off around the world . . . as he tells the story of what his work, kindness and the monies do for the poor animals in shelters! Ian Spratt
What makes this boy amazing apart from his pure talent is his pure heart.
What a generous, wonderful boy and very talented. may his life be blessed.
Wonderful. Someday these people will have original art pieces of a famous Russian painter, they obtained simply by their own generousity.
Please please tell us how we can buy your paintings. I live in england
Perhaps he charges what they can pay, but off hand I'd say he under-values his work. If he was able to expand outside his city .... but then it might not be the same.
Just amazing, him, his artwork and the people and pets he works with! The world needs more like him.
Too bad he lives so far away. I'd have him do one (or 2 or 3) paintings for me.
You know what they say. That hero comes in all shapes, age and forms. That little boy has pot of GOLD for heart. Also. Animals knows how to reciprocate and return favour in the most amazing way. You must all remember that amazing CookerSpaniel name "HONEY" she was with her master driving on a highway, when suddenly unforseen accident occurred. The driver was way down the ditch and hanging upside down. What that amazing Dog Honey did, shook everyone in an amazing and shocking fashion. This Dog Honey ran and ran and ran. Until she found civilization. She came upon group of people, and began barking and turning around and running fir few frets in the same direction and giving those people signal that they must follow her. And those amazing angles did just that. That amazing Dog Honey, took those folks to the scene of accident and what they saw surprises them and they baffled to realise how clever that Dog, Honey was. They immediately got to action and free that man that was being tangled
Has anyone verified by actually watching him that he is the true painter? Or is this all second-hand information from the kid's mother?
I have photos of my 3-year-old daughter rebuilding my carburateur.
Load More Replies...Not buying it. Where are the videos of him painting those? He'd make bank with a YT channel and yet nothing exists. I say mom or dad is behind the paintings.
You must be a load of fun at parties.
Load More Replies...Paval is so extremely talented. I am 5 times his age and I couldn't paint like that to save my life. But it is his generosity and beautiful spirit that really shines out. The world would be a better place if there were more people like him.
I guess this is about the time we could be donating on line to our nearest / favouritist animal shelter.
Load More Replies...Wow, such talent, this boy will have a good future, his art is excellent, This is fabulous, I am impressed ,so young with a huge heart, I hope he will inspire others to help !!!
Maybe some of our Russian speaking Panda friends can supply us with the how-to?
Load More Replies...I think it's one of the most beautiful story's I have ever read. Ever!
Other than having a really kind heart. I was really impressive with his painting talented for such a young age. People should know him.
That's generous of you, as I find some of his payments rather stingy. 15 kg of buckwheat? For his beautiful work?
Load More Replies...He’s so talented and careful! I am 23 years now and I make art and comics but I’m never ad good as this kid! Also he has a good heart. Love it!
Young man, if you ever come to America, (specifically Ohio....) I will hook you up~! I volunteer at a local shelter, myself. Amazing. What a special young man~!
Off topic, but I named one of my cats 'Amery' (misspelling of author / animal rights activist Cleveland Amory). My Amery is long gone, but still so missed.
Load More Replies...So what. When I was five I made my mother a popsicle stick box covered with golden macaroni, and when I was just two I made a doodie.
Seriously, though, what person of any age can paint multiple pictures, even resting their hand on one in progress, and not get the slightest bit of paint on their self? If this 9-year-old is actually creating these by himself, and I'm not saying he's not, then it would behoove his parents to make at least one unedited video of him painting one from start to finish. Even the likes of Mozart was verified independently more than once. The outlines and proportions, perspectives, and lighting just seem a little too accurate for someone his age. Plus, I don't really know how to explain it, but the paintings look like they were done by a female.
Load More Replies...I cried! Not just because the paintings are wonderful, but HE IS, TOO!
What a truly beautiful soul. I gobsmacked by the amount of talent he displays for a 9 year old. His artwork is gorgeous (I love the painting of the Russian blue cat). I hope Pavel’s amazing work gets more attention.
Boy, people believe things so fast. Is there any proof (like a video of HIM painting) that this is actually real and there’s not a guy behind those drawings painting them? And if you say “but there are photos of him drawiNgGgg” let me say you that someone can just tell the kid “grab this brush and this thing and make like you are just painting over this drawing I’ve made”
Agreed. Because if these actually are his and only his work, he is a veritable prodigy.
Load More Replies...Internet turned me into a witch. Show me a video or i do not believe it
Finally I see someone that doesen’t believe everything newspapers show xd
Load More Replies...Freakin' hell, he's damn good for 9! What a wonderful use of such talent.
Somewhere up there, Bob Ross and Steve Irwin are watching us living humans scampering around and feeling very proud of this young artist here.
NINE? The child can paint like that and he's NINE? Hope he gets more and more exposure for his painting for the animals. What an awesome little guy
This good at 9 ... I want to see what masterpieces he creates at 19, 29, 59!
Child is an amazing talent. His charitable efforts are something from an old soul.
What the heck, he's so talented! It's crazy he can paint that realistically at age nine!
Wow he's super good at painting! I'm terrible with drawing! Good too see kindness in the world! He's got loving parents to teach empathy & love 😘
To think he's still so young! Imagine his skill and wonderful heart when he's grown??
What the sauce? I cant draw a stick figure. I volunteer and go to protests and stuff, but drawing? Nope.
6 years in art school and there is a kid who paints better than me ;( I admire his kind heart.
He is an amazing boy with a big heart and dream! I would love to have my baby's portrait.
This boy is amazing; with his enormous talent, he should pursue a career in fine arts, somebody else can build the shelter. His compassion, generosity can motivate other children - young generation, root out ignorance, apathy, can improve lives of animals and so of people. They can save the world! Thank you Pavel, you are my hero!
I am flabbergasted! And that is putting it mildly! This boy has a gift straight from God, and he is putting it toward God's most vulnerable, animals, so they are no longer on the streets and hopefully will have their forever home one day. I just cannot say enough about this handsome and kind little boy, he is truly amazing, and his paintings are unbelievable. They look like photographs, but better! God bless you and your mother for putting you God given talent to a great cause!
How can we get paintings and send supplies? Anyone? My email is rezqadog@icloud.com
First, this young man is extremely talented. I would buy one of his paintings! Second, the little girl stabbing her fingers into the grey cat is hurting it!!
What a wonderful talent but it is not just the talent is it the heart and soul that goes into each portrait and for the reasons he does them. He is amazing. He will be someone to watch as he grows up. Keep it up little one you are doing wonderful work.
I am in awe of this boy's skill. And his use of his talent is even more inspiring.
MAN. THIS KID. IS TALENTED!! He would make an AMAZING artist if he wants to become one in the future. And he has such a big heart awwwww!!
Dogs give such a lot of unconditional love given a chance and this amazing boy is helping them keep fed and well while they find a loving home with a special talent he is sharing.
BRAVO Young Man Would be nice if someone will send an email, website or post office to get in touch with you. I for one would love to have my late dogs and cats painted by this young fellow Contact me via www.friendsofsaintfrancis com
no offence, but i'm skeptical. donating to dogs is wonderful, but i don't think this kid really has any paint under nails. mom may be the painter
The paint is wet, or at least there's some on the brush (strangely all the pictures seem to be complete already), and he's even resting his hand on one. Not a spot of pigment on his hands or clothing, though. That's pretty damned precise.
Load More Replies...If he's doing that at 8, I want to buy one. Imagine the work he'll produce later on. Amazing talent!
How in the hell can a 9 YEAR OLD draw so well?! I'm not artistic, is it common for such young children to have the ability to draw so well at such a young age.
Christy, it is not common for children to draw or paint this well at 9. Pavel may be a savant (genius in a particular skill).
Load More Replies...I would pay him whatever he wants and more to have a portrait done of my beautiful princess FOXIE Lady. Very talented little boy 💖💖💖💖
Wow! Incredibly talented boy! Please consider volunteering at a local shelter. Even just walking dogs or spending time with cats.
Yes, our local cat shelter invites people to visit because it helps socialize the kitties. No pressure to adopt, clean litterboxes or anything.
Load More Replies...If anyone finds out how to order, please comment. I have found NO info.
I’m sorry if someone already asked/answered this - but is there a way to buy one of his paintings? or can I commission this beautiful little human to paint a portrait of my dogs? I’m in the U.S. and want his painting on my wall as a reminder of the beauty of compassion and selflessness.
wish he could sell on line would love to see all his work or be able to have one of his paintings keep up the good your'e doing
"Children come up with the most brilliant ways to solve problems that adults often fail at." We were children once . . . we should pay attention to what happens to us as we become adults--why don't we have and creativity and fresh ideas anymore? What keeps us from solving problems? Pavel is a piece of awesome . . . hope he can save his creativity as he ages
If more people were like this in the world there wouldn't be evil and pain just love....
This child is both talented and kind. Please give us a way to buy his artwork and/or make contributions !!!
A beautiful story about a beautiful young boy with amazing talent and heart full of compassion! His artwork is so good, he should have someone set up a website and auction them off around the world . . . as he tells the story of what his work, kindness and the monies do for the poor animals in shelters! Ian Spratt
What makes this boy amazing apart from his pure talent is his pure heart.
What a generous, wonderful boy and very talented. may his life be blessed.
Wonderful. Someday these people will have original art pieces of a famous Russian painter, they obtained simply by their own generousity.
Please please tell us how we can buy your paintings. I live in england
Perhaps he charges what they can pay, but off hand I'd say he under-values his work. If he was able to expand outside his city .... but then it might not be the same.
Just amazing, him, his artwork and the people and pets he works with! The world needs more like him.
Too bad he lives so far away. I'd have him do one (or 2 or 3) paintings for me.
You know what they say. That hero comes in all shapes, age and forms. That little boy has pot of GOLD for heart. Also. Animals knows how to reciprocate and return favour in the most amazing way. You must all remember that amazing CookerSpaniel name "HONEY" she was with her master driving on a highway, when suddenly unforseen accident occurred. The driver was way down the ditch and hanging upside down. What that amazing Dog Honey did, shook everyone in an amazing and shocking fashion. This Dog Honey ran and ran and ran. Until she found civilization. She came upon group of people, and began barking and turning around and running fir few frets in the same direction and giving those people signal that they must follow her. And those amazing angles did just that. That amazing Dog Honey, took those folks to the scene of accident and what they saw surprises them and they baffled to realise how clever that Dog, Honey was. They immediately got to action and free that man that was being tangled
Has anyone verified by actually watching him that he is the true painter? Or is this all second-hand information from the kid's mother?
I have photos of my 3-year-old daughter rebuilding my carburateur.
Load More Replies...Not buying it. Where are the videos of him painting those? He'd make bank with a YT channel and yet nothing exists. I say mom or dad is behind the paintings.
You must be a load of fun at parties.
Load More Replies...
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