Toronto artist goes viral for selling $1 portraits and was even noticed by Drake

A 21-year-old Toronto artist is gaining lots of attention for offering adorable $1 portraits at Trinity Bellwoods Park, an idea that started as a summer pastime and quickly went viral. 

Jas Boyd, a biology student at Queen's University, has been drawing portraits in the park throughout July for just $1 each. Since posting a TikTok video documenting her first event, Boyd has seen her sketches go viral, bringing in thousands of views and even a like from Toronto rapper Drake himself. 

"It's been such a surprise. I had no expectations," Boyd told blogTO. "After that first video gained some traction, so many people have been inspired by the cause. It really inspired this wave of art and community." 

@jasboydd $1 portraits in trinity bellwoods today here til 6 :) #drawing #art #portraits #toronto #fyp ♬ DAISIES - Justin Bieber

Boyd, who grew up drawing, says her passion for art was reignited during the COVID-19 lockdowns. "I spent every day of COVID in my basement painting, drawing, playing around with different mediums and styles. It was one of the best years of my life, for that," she explained. 

The idea for the $1 portraits was sparked by an artist she came across while visiting a friend in Boston a few years ago, who was also offering ultra-cheap drawings. "I thought, 'wow, this is such a cool idea. Toronto really needs something like this," she told blogTO. 

With school out for the summer, Boyd decided to give the experiment a try. "I just decided I have nothing to lose. I grabbed my lawn chairs, took them on the train, and just started doing it." 

@jasboydd

the PRETTIEST girls came out to $1 portraits yesterday 🥹 so many beautiful people in one place it was so nice to meet you all 🤍🤍🤍 don’t forget i’ll be back THIS thursday, july 31st from 11am-7pm doing more $1 portraits in the park! same park, same bench, always $1 🫶🏽 IMPORTANT: a lot of ppl have been getting lost in the park and that’s my bad for not clarifying, i’m on a bench at the corner of queen st and gore vale ave right across from the 7-11 ⚠️ cant wait to meet more of your beautiful faces 🥹⭐️

♬ Pink and White. - ❔

Her first Friday in the park was quiet, with just 15 portraits, but after her video picked up traction online, things quickly skyrocketed from there. At her last few events, she's drawn up to 75 people in a single day, working for eight hours and spending roughly five minutes on each person. 

"People are really surprised that it's only $1. I try to make it a full experience, we're chatting, getting to know each other, talking about our days, it's so much fun," she said. 

@jasboydd more $1 portraits next week!!! this was one of the best weeks of my life and it’s all thanks to you guys 🫶🏽 next weeks dates and times announced at the end of the video ‼️ can’t wait to draw more of you ⭐️ #toronto #trinitybellwoods #art #onedollarportrait #portrait #torontoart #torontothingstodo #drawing ♬ OUT OF MY LEAGUE - xpepporoniz

Boyd plans to keep the series going throughout the summer and is open to wherever it may lead next. "When it does get colder, there's also the potential of doing commissions, but the art will stay alive, I'm determined." 

Above all, she emphasizes the park series isn't about the money, but more so about the connecting and lasting memories. "It's not about the money, it's about the art and the community. If people have a day off and need someone to talk to, my door's always open. It's a safe space." 

If you've missed her past events, you still likely have a chance to get your portrait done before the season wraps up. Boyd continues to announce future dates and times for her $1 portrait sessions on her TikTok account.