I accidentally started Drawn On The Way while commuting on the F train one evening in 2012.  I was not a trained artist — in fact, I’d never even tried to sketch anyone before. But, tired of staring at a screen, I took out the blank notepad I had stashed in my purse along with a stolen pen from the office supply closet at work and looked up for inspiration.

 

An older gentleman in a rumpled three-piece suit caught my eye and I sketched him, not knowing that in the midst of my evening commute, I had started what would become a daily live-sketch project that would generate thousands of sketches and introduce me to people from all over the world.

 

When I can, I gift my sketches to the person I’ve drawn. This small act of sharing counters the anonymity of the city — and brings joy to everyone involved. Although Drawn on the Way was born on the subway, I take this project with me wherever I go.

 

After years of drawing strangers underground, aboveground and on the way, I’ve come to truly believe this: No matter who you are, you are a work of art. Be gracious, be kind, be curious. You are a work of art and you’re sitting next to a masterpiece.