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# Pixelated Paintings
Annie Drew Paints One Pixel at a Time Using a Matchstick

By boom chicky boom | Published 2009-11-25 | Art & Design
Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/Annie-Drew
References: [zandavisitor](http://www.zandavisitor.com/newsarticle-2588-19_Year_Old_Artist_Auctions_Pixelated_Gorilla_Painting_to_Benefit_Paignton_Zoo) & [telegraph](http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/culturepicturegalleries/6638036/Painting-with-a-matchstick-artist-Annie-Drew-applies-thousands-of-dots-of-paint-with-a-stick.html)

What started out as a piece of wildlife art in mosaic tiles, morphed into a new [painting technique](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/image-painter) that self-taught artist Annie Drew calls [pixelation painting](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/image-to-pixel-art). The technique took over a year for her to perfect, which when applied resembles a pixelated photograph.

To achieve this unique effect, Annie Drew painted about 70,000 dots in 40 colors with a hardwood stick just a bit bigger than a matchstick. The painting of the giant gorilla, which she entitled 'Silverback,' took about 2 weeks to complete.

After all that work, Annie Drew graciously donated the one meter square painting to raise funds for [wildlife charity](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/1-picasso-for-100-euros) Paignton Zoo Environmental Park in the UK.

## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter)

- Score: 3.9/10
- Popularity: 38% | Activity: 72% | Freshness: 8%
- Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women
- Primary generations: Millennial
- Top markets: North America, Europe

## Categories

[Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design)

## Key Themes

### What Makes This Trend Stand Out

- **Pixelation Painting:** The pixelation painting technique, developed by Annie Drew, offers a unique and visually captivating art form by using the pixelated effect of mosaic tiles.
- **Self-taught Artistry:** Annie Drew's self-taught artistry demonstrates the potential of individuals to create innovative techniques and push creative boundaries without formal training.
- **Charitable Art:** The act of donating artwork for charitable purposes showcases the power of art to make a positive impact and raise funds for important causes.

### Sectors Adopting This

- **Art:** The art industry can explore the use of pixelation painting as a distinct and visually arresting art form, attracting new audiences and creating unique art experiences.
- **Education:** The self-taught artistry of Annie Drew highlights the potential for educational institutions to embrace unconventional methods of learning and encourage individuals to explore their creative talents.
- **Charity:** The intersection of art and charity presents an opportunity for nonprofit organizations to engage with artists and leverage their creativity to generate funds and raise awareness for important causes.

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