We all have that one favorite aunt.
That one aunt who cares for us as our mom does, but the one we run to when we got a secret or problem that we’re afraid to tell our mother.
Some would even call their aunts “a cooler version of mom,” and we would agree.
Our bond with our aunts is special; we can only hope we know how much they mean to us.
What were the creative ways you let your favorite aunt feel special?
Maybe some bought them a pretty gift with the money they saved when they were little or baked them a cupcake or cookie.
And we bet their reaction is all the same; no matter how big or small it is, they always appreciate it.
Lenny McNaughton is an 8-year-old talented artist who knew how to honor his favorite aunt.
This young artistic wonder joined the Young Archie competition in Archibald Prize, and his entry was a nod to his favorite Aunt Steph.
His artwork was an avant-garde piece featuring abstractions in some elements while keeping the others identifiable – like his Aunt Steph’s hat and the sunflowers she plants.
This video posted on Lenny’s Instagram account captured the beautiful surprise.
Lenny, Aunt Steph, and other family members took a tour around the art exhibit featuring the competition’s finalists.
However, Aunt Steph had no idea that Lenny was part of it, nor that he painted her.
The family was browsing through the paintings individually until she noticed one resembling her.
“That looks like me!” she exclaimed, looking closer at the painting.
Then, she said, “What? That is me!” a few seconds later, finally recognizing their resemblance.
She turned and saw Lenny with his charming smile.
Aunt Steph hugged him, and her dear nephew pointed toward the information card, prompting her to read it.
What was written on the card was something more touching. In it, Lenny described his artwork, saying:
“Auntie Steph is a very favorite person because she makes my day brighter. She makes everything fun. Auntie Steph grows her own sunflowers in her backyard [and] gives them to people to make them happy. She’s a beautiful person inside and out.”
Aunt Steph read it aloud, and we could hear her voice breaking at that last line.
She hugged Lenny as she was amazed and touched by her nephew’s gesture. It was indeed a sweet moment shared between the two, and we’re glad they caught it on cam and shared it with the world because we love a beautiful aunt-nephew moment.
Despite not winning the competition, seeing his Aunt Steph’s reaction made everything worth it.
This isn’t Lenny’s first artwork featured in an exhibit. He’s been doing art since he was much younger and started with simple paintings and abstract ink art, some of which he sold during the pandemic.
With his young age, we won’t be surprised if Lenny has more exhibits in the future.
He got better by the day, and the work was his for the taking. For now, this painting of his Aunt Steph is the best one yet.
Watch Lenny surprise his Aunt Steph and her heartwarming reaction in the video below.
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