Exhibit celebrates 99-year-old artist who began drawing later in life
By Alan Shope
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PARKVILLE, Missouri (KMBC) — At 99 years old, Nita Draut is proving it’s never too late to discover a passion.
“When I see something that would make a good drawing, I just go up and ask if I can draw it,” Draut said.
That instinct might sound like something she’s had her entire life. But Draut didn’t begin drawing until she was 70.
“I love to draw and I love graphite,” she said.
In the nearly three decades since, what started as a hobby has grown into a meaningful body of work. Now, as she approaches her 100th birthday while receiving hospice care, her art is being celebrated in a new exhibit at Fusion Art Gallery.
Staff at Ascend Healthcare first noticed her drawings and helped bring the exhibit together.
“I think it’s an inspiration for anybody who would think that they’re too old or it’s too late to start something. She’s proved that it’s not,” said Jason Fewin.
Draut’s work often focuses on people she encounters in everyday life.
“Every one of those people means something to me,” she said.
She describes her process simply. She sees something that stands out and sketches it, sometimes approaching strangers to ask permission.
“It’s anybody. I could be in a store and I see something that would make a good drawing, and I ask if I can draw, and I’ve never been refused,” she said.
Her collection has grown significantly over the years, along with a growing group of admirers.
“You can’t know really how satisfying that is, that you’re doing something that people like,” Draut said.
She hopes her story encourages others to try something new, no matter their age.
“I just love the people that I draw. I hope other people will be inspired to try their work at art maybe,” she said.
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