Two-year-old October has become an unlikely Instagram sensation, with his abstract paintings amassing more than 150,000 likes online. His mother, Chelsea Stonier, 37, from Shropshire, commissions the toddler to paint canvases, which now hang on the dining room wall of their family home.
Stonier, an interior design influencer known for minimalist neutrals, has been documenting the house renovation on her Instagram page, The House That Black Built, which has over 200,000 followers. The monochrome prints, created by October, have captured the attention of social media users, with comments ranging from ‘does he take orders’ to ‘why not use colour?’.
From paint samples to gallery-worthy pieces
The artistic journey began a year ago when Stonier picked up inexpensive canvases that were on offer. ‘I thought I could always just paint over them in the worst case,’ she explained. Using paint samples collected from shops, she introduced October to painting, initially with some reluctance from the toddler.
‘He’d lose interest really quickly; we’d have to redirect him. He loves it now!’ she said. The process involves extensive sheeting on the wooden floor to manage the mess, with Stonier noting, ‘Half of the paint gets on his legs.’ She also has someone on hand in case October makes a move for the sofa.
Renovation journey and family life
The paintings are part of a larger renovation project that has transformed the family home over five years. Stonier, who discovered she was pregnant two years into the renovations, has faced challenges including living in the house during works, a period with no kitchen, and one year with no heating in the two weeks before Christmas.
‘We’ve been renovating for over five years now, but we’re getting to the nicer end of things, like hanging up paintings,’ she said. Her proudest room is the en-suite bathroom with marble effect porcelain tiles, which she notes ‘Everyone always thinks it’s real marble!’
Experts praise the benefits of child art
Debbie Wordley, an Early Years Specialist, highlighted the developmental benefits of painting for young children. ‘Painting is about so much more than creating a picture. For young children, it’s an opportunity to explore, experiment and express themselves without fear of getting things ‘right’ or ‘wrong’,’ she commented.
Wordley added that art helps children develop fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, creativity, problem-solving and communication, while building confidence and resilience. Displaying a child’s artwork sends a powerful message that their ideas and effort are valued, which helps build self-esteem and a lifelong love of learning.
Stonier appreciates the broader impact of October’s art. ‘I like that it has inspired other people to make art and create with their children,’ she said. ‘Even if the outcome isn’t great, it’s still a fun way to spend an afternoon with your child. And if you’re lucky, you’ll finish with a piece you love and want to hang on your wall. My son is so proud of his artwork and points it out to anyone who visits.’
