Most of us might remember dabbling in a bit of paint during our childhood, typically producing artwork that was perfect for display on the family refrigerator but not much else. However, for one exceptionally talented two-year-old, his brush strokes are proving to be not just fridge-worthy, but also incredibly valuable.
Laurent Schwarz, a toddler with a passion for painting, began his artistic journey during a stay at the Hotel Feuerstein in South Tyrol, Italy, in November last year. The hotel offered a painting room for children, and according to Laurent’s mother, Lisa Schwarz, once Laurent started painting, it was almost impossible to pull him away.
This enthusiasm didn’t wane once they returned home. Lisa, 32, even created an Instagram account to showcase her son’s impressionist-inspired pieces. 
What started as a simple way to share his art quickly caught the attention of the virtual world, garnering millions of views and sparking international interest in purchasing his creations.
In just six months, Laurent has sold 19 paintings, with the highest bid reaching nearly $11,000 (€10,000). Lisa, from Neubeuern, Germany, was taken aback by the global demand for her son’s artwork. “I had no idea that these videos, some of which have 5 million views, would be so popular,” she said. She added that offers for the paintings were pouring in from around the world, with some bids reaching staggering amounts.
Despite the high demand, Lisa aims to keep the prices stable. “We want Laurent’s paintings to be able to hang in homes all over the world,” she explained. 
Laurent still has two unsold paintings, but interest in these pieces remains high.
Importantly, Lisa ensures that Laurent’s painting sessions are never forced; they are purely driven by his own desire to paint. “Sometimes he paints twice a day and sometimes he doesn’t paint at all for two weeks,” she noted, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a normal childhood for Laurent despite his unusual talent. “He has to want to do it, and that varies from day to day. After all, he’s only two years old,” she reiterated.
Lisa is clear about one thing: if Laurent decides he no longer enjoys painting, she will respect his wishes and even shut down the Instagram account showcasing his work. All the money earned from the sale of his paintings is being saved in a fund for Laurent, which he will have access to when he turns 18, ensuring that his early talent can contribute to his future.